This session will start with an overview of the challenges involved in teaching the theory of evolution, including common student misconceptions. Participants will then spend 30 minutes playing the Evolution Game, developed by the speaker, in which players evolve and sketch the changes to their species. The game is really fun and involves, student inquiry, collaboration, problem solving, and touches on the engineering of species that is inherent in evolution. The session will end with a discussion of concepts learned, a copy of an assessment sheet will be shared, and all participants will leave with an electronic copy of the game.
TAKEAWAYS:
Demystifying how good, bad, and benign mutations can make a species survive, evolve, or become extinct through an interactive, fun board game.
SPEAKERS:
Sarah Faulkner (East Granby Middle School: East Granby, CT)