This is a teaching sample of a full lesson from my Conservation Biology class. This was a fully asynchronous class developed for the online curriculum at the University of Arizona. In this lesson, you will see how I scaffold my lessons with learning objectives, how I implement hands-on activities in an online format, and how I bolster my lessons with contemporary research.

Conservation Genetics

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to answer the following questions:

  1. Why is genetic variation important and how do we quantify it?

  2. What are the similarities and differences between genetic drift and inbreeding?

  3. How can we use our knowledge of adaptation, genetic drift, and inbreeding for applied conservation genetics?

Reading Assignment

As a supplement to today's lesson, please read the following sections from the Conservation Biology for All textbook (5 pages total):

  • 2.1.1 Genetic diversity (pg 28)

  • 16.5 Genetic Principles and Tools (pgs 330-333)


Lesson Outline and PowerPoint

The lesson outline and PowerPoint above are provided to help guide your notetaking as you are watching the lecture videos below. Using these resources is encouraged but not required.


Learning Objective 1 Video

Duration: 23:25 minutes

Learning Objective 2 Video

Duration: 25:54 minutes

Learning Objective 3 Video

Duration: 32:34 minutes

Lesson Quiz

Lesson quizzes are intended to help you review the material for the day and keep you on pace with the course. As such, you may attempt the quiz an unlimited number of times before the deadline and your highest score will be recorded, but the quiz will close at the end of the day.

Deadline: Due by the end of the day (11:59 pm)