Many scholars study phylogenetic trees without understanding how they are made. Through an online game, young scientists use the given data to create phylogenetic trees of increasing complexity. They rely on the trees they create to answer scientific questions. 

Concepts

evolution, dna, phylogenetic trees

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Challenge pupils to come up with one question to ask a friend after solving each phylogenetic tree
• Pick the best of the questions from students to put on an assessment

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of DNA and phylogenetic trees
• The first of a seven-part series
  

Pros

• Interactive game helps maintain student focus
• Videos provide additional support and interesting hooks
• Earning leaves for the tree of life provides immediate feedback

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4