The Beaks of the Finches
Source Institutions
-
National Health Museum
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In this simulation, learners become birds different beak types. Learners use various tools to represent beaks to pick up seeds and place them in a petri dish. After completing the activity and collecting data, learners will relate results to adaptations and natural selection. Extensions of the simulation allow for comparative results and include population genetics.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 10-12 petri dishes
- 5-6 large Syracuse dishes
- 12 different tool types-wire cutters, wire stripper, blunt-end pliers, sharp-end pliers, clothes pin, cable attacher, pruning shearers, vise-pliers, long-handled vise, another wire stripper/cutter combo tool, needle-nosed pliers and wire clip
- Two bags of seed types such as, black sunflower seeds and popcorn
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Ecology
- Populations
- Evolution
- Mechanisms of Evolution
- Heredity and Genetics
- Patterns of Heredity
- Diversity of Life
- Mathematics
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis and Probability
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Literature
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Sprague, Cherry
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum, ©2009
