Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________________

Mini-Project #1:Random Mutations and Natural Selection

Big Idea: The theory of evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity of living things.

Guiding Question: How do species evolve?

Key Words: evolution, natural selection, species, mutation, hereditary, traits, adaptations, offspring

Task: Create a labeled drawing explaining how species pass on hereditary traits and how random mutations can prove to be an advantage for the species through natural selection.

Steps:

1. Choose a species for your diagram2. Create a drawing/diagram by hand or with a device (No clip art) that

explains how evolution works (see example on next page).

Criteria: The diagram must include:

o A male and a femaleo One offspring (child)o Passed on hereditary traitso One random genetic mutation that may be advantageous for the offspring (a

small mutation, for example a longer beak, fuzzy ears or bigger wings)o A definition of “The Theory of Evolution” in your own wordso Labels explaining what is going on in your diagram/drawingo A couple of sentences or a paragraph explaining how the animal’s random

mutation may be beneficial through the process of natural selection.

Helpful Resources:

- “What is Evolution?” video http://statedclearly.com/videos/what-is-evolution/

- Your notes from this video- “What is Natural Selection?” Video http://statedclearly.com/videos/what-is-

natural-selection/- “Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection” chapter

http://mrloewen.weebly.com/uploads/2/8/1/0/28104759/theory-of-evolution-by-natural-selection-basic_l_v29_qrb_s1.pdf

Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________________

Example

Rubrics for Assessment:Work Habits

Not Yet Meeting

Minimally Meeting

Meeting Exceeding

Time management

I attempted to use some of my time wisely on Tuesday and during the week

I used some of my time wisely on Tuesday and during the week

I effectively used my time throughout the week

I effectively used my time wisely during Tuesday morning and the rest of the week

Quality of Work A few aspects of the criteria have been completed

Most aspects of the criteria are completed

All aspects of the criteria are completed

All aspects of the criteria are completed neatly

Curricular ConnectionsNot Yet Meeting

Minimally Meeting

Meeting Exceeding

Theory of Evolution

Attempting to show an understanding of the theory of evolution

Beginning to show an understanding of the theory of evolution

Shows an understanding of the theory of evolution

Shows a deep understanding of the theory of evolution

Natural Selection

Attempting to understand natural selection

Beginning to show an understanding of natural selection

Shows an understanding when discussing natural selection

Shows insights, understanding when discussing natural selection

Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________________