https://learn.concord.org/resources/110/changes-in-the-environment
This activity places the control of the environment under the student's control. A field starts off with a uniform light level, and thus capable of growing plants with medium-sized leaves. Students can alter the environment by "growing" a chain of mountains through the field. Students are challenged to grow the mountains to their maximum height (corresponding to the maximum change in light level on either side of the chain) while maintaining a viable population of plants on each side. (Evolution Readiness Activity 4 of 10.)
PLEASE NOTE: This resource can be assigned, but student responses will not be saved.
This resource requires Java. You can download Java for free from java.com.
Using macOS 10.9 or newer? You'll also need to install our launcher app. Download the launcher installeropen the .dmg file and drag the CCLauncher app to your Applications folder, then return to this page and launch the resource.
Performance Expectations
Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits. Students who demonstrate understanding can: Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
3-LS3.B Variation of Traits
The environment also affects the traits that an organism develops.
3-LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
When the environment changes in ways that affect a place's physical characteristics, temperature, or availability of resources, some organisms survive and reproduce, others move to new locations, yet others move into the transformed environment, and some die.
3-LS4.B Natural Selection
Sometimes the differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
3-LS4.C Adaptation
For any particular environment, some kinds of organisms survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events and design solutions. Develop models to describe phenomena.
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to the use of evidence in constructing explanations that specify variables that describe and predict phenomena and in designing multiple solutions to design problems. Use evidence (e.g., observations, patterns) to support an explanation.
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to critiquing the scientific explanations or solutions proposed by peers by citing relevant evidence about the natural and designed world(s). Support an argument with evidence, data, or a model.
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified and used to explain change.
Patterns
Patterns can be used as evidence to support an explanation.