Do you need a natural selection simulation activity to teach your biology students about survival of the fittest? This simple activity is perfect for engaging, exploring, and mastering the concept. Gather some string, then follow these three simple steps for teaching the natural selection of "stringy worms."
Step 1: Set Up the Natural Selection Simulation
First, gather your string. You could use thread, yarn, or even paper. The color is important. Choose a few bright colors and one color that blends in with something in your room, like the wall or the lab stations. For example, since my walls are tan, I chose tan as one color of string for the natural selection activity.
Next, create the "stringy worms" by cutting 2-3 inch strands of string in various colors. Place the cut pieces of string around the room or in the location where your students will complete the investigation. We typically arrange the different-colored worms in places where the students can readily see them. We tape the tan worms on the walls or on other things around the room where they will blend in and "survive" during the natural selection lab.
Step 2: Investigate with the Natural Selection Simulation
When you are ready to begin the natural selection activity, read the introduction to the Natural Selection of Stringy Worms investigation out loud or have your students read it on their own. After giving them the directions to "hunt" for "stringy worms," set a timer for 2 minutes, and say, “Go!" The students hunt "stringy worms" around the room or in the designated location until the timer buzzes.
Step 3: Analyze the Results of the Natural Selection Simulation
When the timer buzzes, allow the students to analyze their "stringy worms." They can answer the questions from the Natural Selection of Stringy Worms handout, or you can guide the discussion by determining which students survived and which "stringy worms" survived. You should see that the worms that were camouflaged with the walls survived and, therefore, reproduced. Over time, the population of light-colored worms will increase.
Was there a student who found more of the light-colored worms? That's an adaptation, too, that will help the predator survive. Finally, have them develop their own definition of natural selection based on the activity or read a guided reading article or other informational text. Then, show their understanding of the concept with a natural selection assessment like this Natural Selection Worksheet with differentiation.
It's important to note that setting up the activity is simple. However, it may not be quick enough to do so in between classes without students seeing you set up the natural selection lab. To avoid this problem, we allow the previous class to hide the ”stringy worms” for the next class. It's a simple solution to a problem, and they'll welcome the opportunity to help.
Teaching natural selection can be quick and easy. What is your favorite quick and easy way to teach the concept?
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