Virtual Galápagos
FINCH CURRICULUM
The finch curriculum guides students to answer the question: how did the vampire finch evolve such a unique eating habit?
Fredi
Fredi is a large ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris). This finch is the largest Darwin Finch. They can be found on any island in the coastal areas where they eat large seeds and cactus fruits.
Mateo
Mateo is a Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger). He belongs to the subspecies C. n. donfaustoi. The Galápagos tortoise has 15 subspecies, however two of which are extinct.
V
V is a Galápagos vampire ground finch (Geospiza septentrionalis). They are endemic to the northern-most islands Wolf and Darwin in the Galápagos Archipelago. This species is one of a few species of animals on Earth that has adapted to digest blood.
THE CURRICULUM
There are four complete units in the finch curriculum: Volcanic Islands, Ancestry, Genetics, and Ecosystems. This module was designed with a 5th to 6th grade audience in mind. Materials can be adapted to meet students’ learning needs.
UNIT 1: Volcanic Islands
Students will learn how radiometric dating informs scientists of island ages and, therefore, how we conclude the Galápagos islands formed. Wolf and Darwin formed separately and they will explore that as well, students will learn how the hydrosphere affects the geosphere by eroding islands, bringing nutrients, and impacting their climate and fauna. Students will learn how the atmosphere affects the geosphere by impacting the rainwater, flora and fauna, lack of nutrients on the island. Additionally, students will learn what climate is and how the hydrosphere/atmosphere affects climate.
UNIT 2: Adaptations
The study of genetics and the contributions of the environment that leads to genetic mutations, natural selection, and eventually evolution. Adaptations allow the survival of organisms in a particular environment over time.
UNIT 3: Ancestry
DNA is unique to each person, serving as the blueprint for life, and except for identical twins who share 100% of their DNA, no two individuals have the same DNA. Understanding this is crucial as it explains individual differences. Students should be able to create a DNA molecule to grasp its structure and patterns and compare it to others to appreciate its uniqueness. Mutations in DNA introduce variability, making each living thing unique. These mutations are random and unpredictable, which can be modeled through games and activities. Genetics, which explains the distribution of traits and the relationships between species, is influenced by DNA, mutations, and fossils.
UNIT 4: ECOSYSTEMS
Explain the connection of organisms within an ecosystem and how energy is transferred from producers to consumers. Understand how specific organisms in an ecosystem are intertwined and how evidence can be used to draw scientific conclusions. Students will gather data, make connections, and use scientific reasoning and deductions to form an argument to prove the innocence of the vampire finch.
UNIT 5: HUMAN IMPACT
THE GAME
While using the above lesson plans and content, proceed to use the following links to play the point-and-click game. The game is designed through 3DVista, and a tutorial can be found at the beginning of Unit 1: Tortoise 101 on the previous curriculum.
Virtual Galápagos
virtualgalapagos.colgate.edu
