Virtual Galápagos
Natural Selection and Adaptations
Finch Curriculum: Unit 2
Stage 1 - Desired Results
Essential Question:
- Why do tortoises that live in nearby proximity on the Galápagos Islands have different shell shapes, namely domed and saddleback, and how might these differences come about over time and in relation to place?
Questions for Students:
- Why do the different sizes of the islands matter?
- How does weather impact the islands?
- Why are the vegetation zones important?
Next Generation Science Standards:
Galápagos Contextualized Curriculum Standards
Galápagos Contextualized Curriculum Standards
Factual Knowledge
Students will know:
- How to define evolution, genetics, adaptation, and phylogenetics
Procedural Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- Identify physical changes within organisms.
- Read phylogenetic trees
Conceptual Knowledge
Students will understand:
- How traits/environments are related
- How natural selection is a function of evolution
- The relationship between natural selection and adaptation
- The basics of evolution
Stage 2 - Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks:
Extensions and Differentiation Considerations
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Stage 3 - learning plan
Learning Activities
Lesson Descriptions
Lesson 1: Traits and Adaptations →
Students
Lesson 2: Natural Selection →
Students
Lesson 3: Evoluation →
Students
Lesson 4: Phylogenetic Trees →
Students
Lesson 1: Traits and Adaptations →
Students
Lesson 2: Natural Selection →
Students
Lesson 3: Evoluation →
Students
Lesson 4: Phylogenetic Trees →
Students
This unit was designed by Gianna Durso, Quentin Johnson, and Erin Becker; and edited by Dr. Karen Harpp and Daytona Doherty
You can download the unit plan here:
Virtual Galápagos
virtualgalapagos.colgate.edu
