Differentiated Investigations, Graphing Data, Mutation Analysis, and Evolution Mechanisms.
This digital lesson introduces the foundational principles of natural selection through structured reasoning, differentiated investigation, and data analysis.
Students begin by examining the five core postulates of Darwin’s theory. They then select four investigations from a set of twelve case studies spanning varying levels of complexity. Each case requires students to apply Darwin’s framework to explain trait variation, differential survival, and predicted population change.
The lesson moves beyond conceptual discussion into applied analysis. Students compare Darwin’s theory with Lamarck’s model of acquired characteristics, reinforcing accurate evolutionary reasoning and addressing common misconceptions.
Real-World Case Studies
The investigation set includes diverse biological examples, ranging from classic adaptation scenarios to more complex evolutionary patterns such as mimicry, coevolution, antibiotic resistance, and environmental selection pressures. This structure allows students to see natural selection operating across multiple ecological contexts.
Peppered Moth Simulation & Data Analysis
Students complete an online peppered moth simulation and analyze changes in moth populations over time. They construct a double-line graph to model phenotypic shifts and explain how environmental change influences survival patterns.
The lesson concludes with a mutation-level analysis of the genetic change responsible for the dark phenotype in peppered moths, reinforcing the connection between mutation and population-level evolution.
Instructional Purpose
This lesson is designed as a foundational anchor for an evolution unit. It establishes clear Darwinian reasoning, integrates quantitative analysis, and connects phenotype change to underlying genetic mechanisms.
Students leave with a structured understanding of how variation, selection, and mutation interact to produce population change over time.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS4-2; HS-LS4-3; HS-LS4-4
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS4-4; MS-LS4-6
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Cause and Effect
Patterns
Stability and Change
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1 / RST.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
Differentiated Investigations, Graphing Data, Mutation Analysis, and Evolution Mechanisms.
This digital lesson introduces the foundational principles of natural selection through structured reasoning, differentiated investigation, and data analysis.
Students begin by examining the five core postulates of Darwin’s theory. They then select four investigations from a set of twelve case studies spanning varying levels of complexity. Each case requires students to apply Darwin’s framework to explain trait variation, differential survival, and predicted population change.
The lesson moves beyond conceptual discussion into applied analysis. Students compare Darwin’s theory with Lamarck’s model of acquired characteristics, reinforcing accurate evolutionary reasoning and addressing common misconceptions.
Real-World Case Studies
The investigation set includes diverse biological examples, ranging from classic adaptation scenarios to more complex evolutionary patterns such as mimicry, coevolution, antibiotic resistance, and environmental selection pressures. This structure allows students to see natural selection operating across multiple ecological contexts.
Peppered Moth Simulation & Data Analysis
Students complete an online peppered moth simulation and analyze changes in moth populations over time. They construct a double-line graph to model phenotypic shifts and explain how environmental change influences survival patterns.
The lesson concludes with a mutation-level analysis of the genetic change responsible for the dark phenotype in peppered moths, reinforcing the connection between mutation and population-level evolution.
Instructional Purpose
This lesson is designed as a foundational anchor for an evolution unit. It establishes clear Darwinian reasoning, integrates quantitative analysis, and connects phenotype change to underlying genetic mechanisms.
Students leave with a structured understanding of how variation, selection, and mutation interact to produce population change over time.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS4-2; HS-LS4-3; HS-LS4-4
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS4-4; MS-LS4-6
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Cause and Effect
Patterns
Stability and Change
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1 / RST.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
