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This page contains peer-reviewed model lessons, including in-class, homework, and lab exercises, that instructors may download and modify for their own classes under a Creative Commons (Attribution, Non-commercial, Share-Alike) license. For each model exercise, we also have instructor support materials with background information about the lesson, exercise variations, and answer keys that are available for registered instructors. We have included a few examples of the instructor support materials (with answer keys redacted). To find out how instructors can receive supplemental materials for other exercises, contact pennock5@msu.edu.

Avida-ED lab book​

Wendy Johnson, Cory Kohn, Amy Lark, Louise Mead, Robert T. Pennock, Jim Smith, Michael Wiser

Wondering where to begin? The Avida-ED lab book includes a sequence of model exercises used together in multiple courses. They introduce students to the mechanics of the software while also teaching core evolutionary concepts. The lab book also includes a background article about digital evolution, the Avida-ED quick-start user manual, and additional model exercises.

MODEL LESSONS​

PLEASE NOTE: These exercises were designed for use with Avida-ED 1.0 and 2.0. They were not originally updated for the Avida-ED 3.0 web app. They can still be used, but screenshots and some interface descriptions differ slightly (for example, metabolic rate was renamed to energy acquisition rate).

This page also includes publications specifically related to curriculum.

Understanding the Introduction of Genetic Variations by Random Mutation​

Robert T. Pennock and Amy Lark

This lesson focuses on mutations as a source of genetic variability and what it means to say that mutations occur randomly at some rate. Students make predictions about and observe the effects of random mutations on Avidian genomes.

From Genotype to Phenotype: Understanding the Introduction of Phenotypic Variations​

Robert T. Pennock

Phenotype refers to observable traits that arise from interactions between genotype and environment. In this exercise, students investigate simple relationships between genotype and phenotype and observe how genomic changes in Avidians can change functional traits.

Exploring the Effects of Mutation Rate on Individuals​

Amy Lark

This exercise is based on a 2012 study of butterflies near the Fukushima nuclear power plant after radiation release. Students evaluate whether increased mutation rate likely caused observed biological effects. An American Biology Teacher article accompanies this lesson.

Exploring the Effects of Mutation Rate on Populations​

James Smith and Amy Lark

Two important population characteristics are average fitness and population size. In this exercise, students test whether these characteristics are affected by mutation rate and in what ways.

Artificial Selection: Evolution in Practice​

Rett Weber, Wendy Johnson, and Amy Lark

Students are presented with a hypothetical scenario where they use artificial selection to evolve an organism with a target trait.

Exploring Selection and Fitness​

Amy Lark and Robert T. Pennock

In this exercise, students perform experiments to determine relationships among variation, selection, and fitness. From their data, students develop a hypothesis about how bacteria evolve antibiotic resistance.

  • Student handout (legacy reference)
  • Instructor support material (legacy reference)

Experimental Evolution Project with Evolving Digital Organisms​

Robert T. Pennock and Amy Lark

This open-ended assignment asks students to propose an evolutionary hypothesis that can be tested with Avida-ED, design and conduct an experiment, analyze their data, and write a research report.

MORE COMING SOON​

PUBLICATIONS about Avida-ED Curricula​

© Robert T. Pennock

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