Butler, K. J. 2021. A quick and simple natural selection role play. CourseSource. https://doi.org/10.24918/cs.2021.10

https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/coursesource/publications?id=2717&tab_active=about&v=1

Role play game in which students act as a population of living organisms (rabbits) with different versions of a trait (running speed) that are being selected for (fox predation). Over multiple generations with selection, students see the loss of the less adaptive versions of the trait (slow and medium running speed) and fixation of the most adaptive version of the trait (fast running speed).

The source materials provide LOs, lesson plan, slides, questions/answers

Class size – 50; works best with class of 20-30 students. With 50 students 4 students assisted in counting, disseminating, and collecting cards, and identifying individuals to be selected against (predators)

Required Materials – Note cards to indicate version of trait

Estimated time – 20-30 min

Instructor notes and adaptation – I added a homework assignment to give the students credit for participating and for learning the major objectives of the lesson (located in Google drive folder – LINK)

Course content area – Natural Selection

Course – Evolution & Behavior (100 level)

Campus – Hunter College