Peppered moth simulation
Link: http://peppermoths.weebly.com/
This Peppered Moth Simulation provides information on the changes in moth population due to pollution and predation. Students will utilise this as an interactive activity to learn about the theory of evolution by natural selection and how species can change over time. In the simulation, students will play the part of a bird predator and will observe the changing population of dark and light moths through looking for and eating the moths as an engaging game.
This Peppered Moth Simulation provides information on the changes in moth population due to pollution and predation. Students will utilise this as an interactive activity to learn about the theory of evolution by natural selection and how species can change over time. In the simulation, students will play the part of a bird predator and will observe the changing population of dark and light moths through looking for and eating the moths as an engaging game.
Syllabus Outcomes:
NSW Science K–10 (incorporating Science and Technology K–6) Syllabus
Outcomes:
- SC5-14LW analyses interactions between components and processes within biological systems
- SC5-15LW explains how biological understanding has advanced through scientific discoveries, technological developments and the needs of society
- SC5-7WS processes, analyses and evaluates data from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and conclusions
- LW4 The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence.
c. explain, using examples, how natural selection relates to changes in a population, eg in the development of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and insects to pesticides
d. outline the roles of genes and environmental factors in the survival of organisms in a population
NSW Biology Stage 6 Syllabus
Students:
- 8.5.2.2.1 discuss examples of variation between members of a
- 8.5.2.2.2 identify the relationship between variation within a species and the chances of survival of species when environmental change occurs
- 12.3 gather information from secondary sources by:
a) accessing information from a range of resources, including popular scientific journals, digital technologies and the Internet - 14.1 analyse information to:
d) predict outcomes and generate plausible explanations related to the observations
g) use cause and effect relationships to explain phenomena