In this HANDS-ON and FUN natural selection lab, students model how different beak types match different food types. Kids will see for themselves how different adaptations affect natural selection. Great for NGSS MS-LS4-4!
EASY SUPPLIES make this lab easy on YOU! The materials are FLEXIBLE, so you will be able to use things you already have on hand to do this lab.
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In this activity, students will:
- READ background information about how different bird beak shapes evolved through natural selection to match the types of food available in different habitats.
- FOLLOW LAB INSTRUCTIONS to complete the lab. The lab has each student in a group of 4 use a different “beak” to eat different types of “food” and collect data.
- ANSWER follow-up analysis questions.
- DISCUSS in groups various provided “going further” questions.
Why Teachers ❤️ This Lab:
- This lab is written in a way that allows you to use any supplies you have on hand. So, you are not tied to specific “beak types” or “food types” with the lab write-up. You don’t have to search for specific materials to go along with the lab paper. I give suggestions on many, many things you probably have already that can be used. For instance, you can mix and match from this group for beaks: tweezers, binder clips, pair of chopsticks (you can use pencils as chopsticks, too), clothespin, fork, spoon, tongs, stapler remover, index cards folded into a scoop. You can mix and match from this group for bird food: rubber bands, toothpicks, Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, paper clips, macaroni, rice, beans, beads, spinach leaves, cotton balls, unpopped popcorn, marbles. You can add things to this list, too. You DO NOT need all of these things – you just use the ones you do have!
Why Kids ❤️ This Lab:
- It’s FUN and feels like a game!
Teacher Notes:
- Suggested answer key included.
- This natural selection lab is not editable.
- Get this activity at a HUGE discount in my NATURAL SELECTION ACTIVITY BUNDLE!
- You can also shop my TPT store!
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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.
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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.
