Description
Through 2 guided investigations students explore selection as a mechanism that can drive change in a population. In the investigations they use a type of Wisconsin Fast Plants® that vary in the number of cotyledons present on the seedlings. In the first investigation, students plant Wisconsin Fast Plants® seeds. Once the seeds have germinated, students examine the seedlings to determine their traits and how these traits vary from seedling to seedling. In the second investigation, they perform a selection experiment in which they cross polycot plants to each other to see how cross pollination affects the frequency of polycots in the offspring population. Kit contains enough materials for 8 groups of students.
Time Requirements
The complete lab takes 45–55 days, depending upon your exact growing conditions. The days that involve the most hands-on student time include: the 2 days on which seeds are planted, the 2 days on which seedlings are scored, the 4 days on which the plants are pollinated, and the day on which seeds are harvested from the first generation of plants grown.
The preparation for the lab takes approximately 180 minutes in total. Students will spend approximately100 minutes completing investigation 1, and 100 minutes completing investigation 2.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should have a basic knowledge of genetic inheritance and natural selection. Students also need familiarity with algebraic math, including squaring, ratios, and graphing.
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