Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium Simulator Lab and Presentation

Students will use technology to test Hardy Weinberg Theories and then present
findings to their peers.

AP biology grades 11-12

Partners, or group activity
Time: 2 90 minute blocks. 1 for using simulator, 1 for creating presentation

Learning Objectives:

1. Learning objective 1.6: the student is able to use data from mathematical
models based on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to analyze the genetic
drift and the effects of the selection in the evolution of specific
populations.

2. Learning objective 1.7: the student is able to justify data from

mathematical models based on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to analyze
genetic drift and the effects of selection the evolution of specific
populations.

3. Learning objective 1.8: the student is able to make predictions about

about the effects of genetic drift, migration and artificial selection of the
genetic makeup of a population.

4. Learning objective 1.9: the students is able to calculate allelic frequencies

using the Hardy Weinberg equation using given data.

Lesson description:

Students will use a specially designed computer simulator that graphs the
change in allele frequencies when the tenets of Hardy Weinberg equilibrium are
broken. They will read the data from the graphs and use it to describe the
change in alleles and the cause of the change in frequencies. They will then
make predictions about the change in alleles and test their predictions using the
simulator. The data collected from the tests will be put into a presentation to
share with the class.

Lesson requirements:

Computers (lap top or desk top)

Allele A1 software (available for download here:

http://faculty.washington.edu/herronjc/SoftwareFolder/AlleleA1.html
Print outs of the directions for the lab

Access to different media platforms: youtube, moodle, powtoon, nearpod,

etc.

Assessment: Student worksheets will be collected and checked to see that

their answers are correct, including the final part of the assignment that is
student designed.

After receiving feedback students create a presentation that describes the

data collected and how it shows the genetic drift caused by violating the
rules of Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. A rubric will be used to grade
presentations; each group will divide work between themselves. They will be
given the rubric and told that their presentation has to meet the objectives
from their worksheet handout.

Rubric from here

Lesson directions

Students should be given the handout that contains the directions to run the
simulator. There is a youtube video to show that walks the students through the
simulator. Students then work through the instructions individually or in groups
and answer the prompts as they work. The last part of the lesson has the
students test their own parameters and describe the results. The instructor
should observe students as they work and answer any clarifying questions.
Students collect data, and screen shots of their designed tests to create a
presentation to share with the class for discussion. Presentations can be created
on any digital platform that the students are comfortable using. Examples are:
youtube, moodle, nearpod, or powtoon. Groups will assign tasks to each
member to ensure equal workloads and allow students to use their strengths.
Alternate assignment: Hardy Weinberg simulations with cards or counters can be
used, but the graphing would be done by the students and take much more time
for data analysis

Lesson evaluation

The students ability to meet objectives and complete the presentation as

expected will be reflected upon to make corrections and improvements. Notes
will be taken by the instructor about the use of the simulator to improve
directions for usage.