Natural and Artificial Selection Activity: CER Stations

Spark some critical thinking with this natural and artificial selection activity! Students will learn about REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES of how genetic variations of traits in a population increase survival (natural selection) and how humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms (artificial selection).

This resource includes 8 informational station cards and a corresponding worksheet, plus a digital Google Slides option to assign.

In this activity, students will visit 8 stations and…

• READ a brief passage on each station card. The station card describes a real-life, interesting example of either natural selection or artificial selection.
• ANSWER reading comprehension questions based on the information from each card.
• Make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE about whether the example shows artificial selection or natural selection.

Two Ways to Assign!

1. As Stations: Great for getting kids moving around the room! Each of the 8 station cards has a brief passage. Students answer questions on a separate worksheet. Great for pair or group work!
2. Digitally: A Google Slides version of this activity is included.

Teacher Notes:

• Includes an answer key.
• GO PAPERLESS! Use the included digital Slides version!
• Please note that this natural and artificial selection activity is not editable.
• Check out the evolution section of the shop!
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• NGSS MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
• NGSS MS-LS4-5: Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
• NGSS MS-LS4-6: Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.