Artificial Selection Teacher Resources

Selective breeding has resulted in some novel and beautiful or useful dogs over the years. Using the American Foxhound as an example, genetics learners find out how and why they came about. Then, in small groups, they select breeds to...

Many people oppose genetically modified foods yet support selective breeding in dogs. Learn about the similarities and differences through a short presentation that features many video clips. It covers natural selection, artificial...

The second lesson in the series begins with a starter activity discussing wild versus domesticated animals. Then, scholars play a card game, with optional variations, to emphasize artificial selection. Next, they attend a field trip to a...

Humans, through artificial selection, created a dog that is hypoallergenic, loves water, is good with kids, very smart, and comes in a variety of colors — a labradoodle. Through the analysis of dog breeds, class members explore...

Peacocks, when fanning their feathers to attract females, shake the feathers, creating an inaudible sound for humans but one that female hens can hear, even from far away. In the video, scholars explore evolution by analyzing...

Biology learners read about selective breeding in chickens and how it has produced high-yield meat specimens and rapid egg-layers. The unpleasant effects of artificial selection are explored, as well as options to supporting this...

The peppered moth is featured in a video about natural selection. The narrator tells the story of Darwin's theory and then moves on to the principles behind natural selection and the different ways it works. Concepts covered include...

Summarize a unit on evolutionary evidence. Learners recount information about the fossil record, molecular record, homologous structures, convergent evolution. This worksheet provides plenty of room for students to write out responses,...

Could a population stay the exact same over time with no change in allele frequencies? The video explains the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium theorem and the assumptions it requires. It discusses mutation, migration, gene flow, genetic drift,...

Would you survive natural selection? A video lesson prepares teachers across multiple grades to teach the concept of natural selection. The instructor explains the components of the concept and offers helpful examples.

In this evidence of evolution worksheet, students review notes given by referring to the Nelson Biology text, chapter 11/13. Students read the notes and the specified pages in the text.

Students brainstorm a list of improvements they might make to a picture of a skinny cow to improve its milk yield. They draw ideas on the board and compare these pictures with the original and ask the students which cow they would use...

Will survival of the fittest be replaced by designer babies and eugenics in the near future? The technology exists now, but scientists still debate how to best use it. The future of the human race depends on the decisions made, but no...

High schoolers examine how cattle have evolved through natural selection and selective breeding.  In this natural selection lesson students compare and contrast natural and artificial selection.

Scientists noticed animals with backbones share similar bone structure despite having different forms, such as fins, arms, and wings. Young scientists gain an appreciation for evolution by understanding the history of the theory. They...

Looking at evolution in detail, this thorough worksheet has complex questions requiring details and explanations of natural selection and diversity. Various examples of biological characteristics are available, and students choose the...

Some scientists believe humans are no longer evolving and have reached their evolutionary peak. In the video, scholars explore Darwin and his published work, The Origin of Species. The instructor discusses Darwin's ideas of biogeography,...

Thirty short-answer questions comprise this detailed review of evolution theory. Many of the questions ask scholars to define vocabulary. Because short answers are required, this instructional activity will take some time to complete....

Here is an extensive reading resource that addresses our climate change crisis. It thoroughly explains the greenhouse effect, related Earth cycles, and the history of climate change. Use it as part of the intended unit, published by the...

Students explore the effects of different density-dependent and density-independent factors on population growth. They explore how the interactions of organisms can affect population growth. Students explore the pattern of population...

Are you looking for evidence that your high schoolers are adapting to the concepts of natural selection and evolution? Assess their knowledge with a pretest and posttest. Naturally, you can select and adapt the worksheet to be the...

Did you know that tomtoes and cucumbers are actually fruits? Biology or botany beginners read about the function of flowers and fruit and find that some food items commonly called vegetables are, by definition, also fruits! Give learners...

Here is a brain-popper! Corn, or more appropriately, maize, was intentionally domesticated by humans around 9,000 years ago and over a period of hundreds to thousands of years! Genetics and botany researchers have collaborated to find...