Instructional Software Lesson Idea

This is the instructional software lesson idea template for this semester.
Use the italicized text to guide your responses.
Before submitting the lesson, please remove all italicized guidance text.
Lesson Observing Natural Selection
Title
Content 7th Grade Life Science
Area

Content S7L5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources to explain
Standards the theory of evolution of living organisms through inherited characteristics.
b. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variation
and environmental factors influence the probability of survival and reproduction of a
species.
Technolog 1. Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and
y demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning
Standards sciences.
1c. Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves
their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

Integrated PhET Simulation, Online Game

Technolog
y
Type of The PhET simulation is a simulation that delivers content to users through an interative
Instruction website. Quizizz is the
al
Software
Software As students manipulate their simulation, they can see the “consequences of their
Feature actions.” They work through the simulation and predict what they think will happen and
are able to see what actually happens.
Reference https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/606efed4a99d82001b8fe676/natural-selection
or The review game, Quizizz was one I found on the website already and decided to alter it
Supporting so it fit our learning target and the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Life Science.
Resources https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/natural-selection
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uq7RySzGCuDHY8JMXjKWGdJ9wLkliXiChvzjV7R
jGrM/edit
This simulation is from PhET, and I had previously used PhET during my online physics
course. I scoured the site to find an activity that would be catered to this lesson, and
mutated the worksheet to make it easier for my students to understand.
Thumbthing's Different PDF.pdf → other activity that supports UDL but not IS

Bloom’s Remembering, Understanding, Applying

Taxonomy
Levels
Integration LotTi 3
Level

Universal
Design This activity supports UDL principle of action and engagement through our “Thumbthing’s
Rationale Different” activity. This activity has stations, so it varies ways for navigation so students
can complete their tasks to the best of their ability. The Quizizz is great for ways of
 representation because it has the option for a read-aloud which is good for students who
may struggle with reading comprehension but can be beneficial for all students. The
PhET Simulation offers another way for engagement because it shows the relevance of
natural selection in a real environment. The simulation is a great form of instructional
software because it allows students to adjust the
Lesson To open this lecture, I welcomed the students and we began our Quizizz for review. It
Idea takes about 5 minutes for students to work through. I can see their progress on the review
game, and I roam the room to let them know which questions to take another look at.
Next, I let them open up the “Thumbthing’s Different” Activity and work through in their
table groups for the next 15-20 minutes.
After that, we have a quick mask break outside, then come in to practice our knowledge
during the PhET simulation. This allows students to work at their own pace and
understand how natural selection can occur at a sped-up pace and how the environment
can influence natural selection. At the end of the lecture, students post on a discussion
board recapping what happened to their bunnies and what could have caused it. This
allows for critical thinking and extends the lesson to analyzing instead of just applying.
During the period, I am readily available for questions and their discussion board is
graded with feedback.
Design I think it helps students ask the question “Why?”. They are able to see that natural
Reflection selection occurs, but what could cause it? They make predictions and can see if they
were right. I think a good extension to the lesson would be to make predictions with
several other factors that went unused and what their predicted results would be. This
could be done in small groups. After, the students could share their experiment with the
class and this would enhance the student’s level of thinking.