On October 11, 2020, volunteers from the Irvine branch of AYLUS hosted its seventh science exploratory class for the fall session. We used Zoom to host the lesson, and students, consisting of elementary and middle schoolers, had a great time participating.
Today was our second lesson in the biology/chemistry unit which covered natural selection. We started by going over the homework and doing an experiment with bunnies and mutations to demonstrate how traits affect survival rates. We explained the basics of natural selection, and how that is a result of mutation. We explained how mutation occurs, and the consequences of it. We went over the basic structure of DNA, and what causes mutation. After that, we went into detail about other ways the gene frequencies in a population can change such as genetic drift or non random mating. We then went over the 4 phases in natural selection: variation, inheritance, excess reproduction + differential survival, and finally evolution. We ended the lesson by talking about what adaptation is and what the coevolutionary arms race is. The students enjoyed this lesson and they all clearly understood the concepts.
Screenshots:
Volunteers: Andy Chen (1.5 hrs), Aditya Verma (1.5 hrs), Brian Song (1 hr)
Great work!
AYLUS National Leadership Team