Survival Island: An Adaptation Board Game
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a game that models how genetic variation and environmental changes drive adaptation and survival in an ecosystem?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do environmental changes impact the survival of species?
- What role does adaptation play in natural selection?
- How can we simulate the process of natural selection through a game?
- What are the key components of an ecosystem, and how do they interact?
- How does genetic variation within a population affect its ability to adapt to change?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain the concepts of natural selection, adaptation, and genetic variation.
- Students will be able to model the process of natural selection and adaptation in a game.
- Students will be able to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on the survival of species.
- Students will be able to identify the key components of an ecosystem and their interactions.
- Students will be able to analyze how genetic variation within a population affects its ability to adapt to change.
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Island
Students arrive to find the classroom transformed into a 'desert island,' complete with limited resources and environmental challenges. They receive a cryptic message detailing the island's unique ecosystem and the mysterious disappearance of its previous inhabitants, immediately prompting them to investigate the island's history, the challenges faced by its inhabitants, and the adaptations necessary for survival.Blind Adaptation Challenge
The class participates in a 'blind adaptation challenge' where they are given limited resources and must overcome simulated environmental obstacles (e.g., a sudden drought, introduction of a new predator). This experiential activity highlights the importance of adaptation and natural selection, while emphasizing the need to think creatively about resource management and survival strategies.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Game Mechanic Modeling: Natural Selection Simulator
Students design a simple game mechanic that models how a specific trait changes in a population over time due to environmental pressures. This could be a card game, a dice-rolling game, or a simple computer simulation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA documented game mechanic that models changes in a specific trait within a population due to natural selection. The documentation should include the rules of the game, the trait being modeled, the environmental pressure, and how the game demonstrates changes in the trait over time.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with MS-LS4-4 (Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time) and MS-LS4-6 (Use mathematical models to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time) and Learning Goal: Students will be able to model the process of natural selection and adaptation in a game.Environmental Impact Analysis: Survival Under Pressure
Students analyze how environmental changes can impact the survival of a species, focusing on how genetic variation plays a role. They will create a report detailing a specific environmental change, its impact on a population, and how genetic variation can either help or hinder the species' ability to adapt and survive.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report analyzing the impact of a specific environmental change on a population, including an explanation of how genetic variation affects the species' ability to adapt and survive. The report should include specific examples and evidence to support the analysis.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with MS-LS4-3 (Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in the embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships not evident in the fully formed anatomy) and Learning Goal: Students will be able to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on the survival of species.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSurvival Island Portfolio Rubric
Game Mechanic Design
Focuses on the accuracy, clarity, and creativity of the game mechanic designed to model natural selection.Accuracy of Simulation
Accuracy of the game mechanic in simulating changes in a trait within a population due to natural selection.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game mechanic accurately and innovatively models changes in a trait due to natural selection, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the underlying scientific concepts. The documentation is exceptionally clear and thorough.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game mechanic accurately models changes in a trait due to natural selection, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the underlying scientific concepts. The documentation is clear and well-organized.
Developing
2 PointsThe game mechanic attempts to model changes in a trait due to natural selection, but contains some inaccuracies or oversimplifications. The documentation is present but may lack clarity or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game mechanic does not accurately model changes in a trait due to natural selection, indicating a limited understanding of the underlying scientific concepts. The documentation is incomplete or missing.
Clarity of Rules and Documentation
Clarity and completeness of the game rules and documentation, including the trait being modeled, the environmental pressure, and how the game demonstrates changes over time.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game rules and documentation are exceptionally clear, thorough, and well-organized. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the trait, environmental pressure, and simulated changes over time, demonstrating sophisticated communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game rules and documentation are clear, complete, and well-organized. They provide a good understanding of the trait, environmental pressure, and simulated changes over time.
Developing
2 PointsThe game rules and documentation are present but may lack clarity, completeness, or organization. Some aspects of the trait, environmental pressure, or simulated changes over time may be unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game rules and documentation are incomplete, unclear, or missing. It is difficult to understand the trait, environmental pressure, or simulated changes over time.
Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation in the design of the game mechanic, demonstrating an ability to think outside the box and develop engaging and effective simulations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game mechanic demonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation in its design, resulting in a highly engaging and effective simulation of natural selection. The design reflects sophisticated problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game mechanic demonstrates creativity and innovation in its design, resulting in an engaging and effective simulation of natural selection.
Developing
2 PointsThe game mechanic demonstrates some creativity in its design, but may lack originality or effectiveness in simulating natural selection.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game mechanic lacks creativity and innovation in its design, resulting in a simplistic or ineffective simulation of natural selection.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Focuses on the quality of research, analysis, and communication in the environmental impact report.Research Quality
Thoroughness and accuracy of the research conducted on the selected environmental change and its impact on a specific population of organisms.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe research is exceptionally thorough, accurate, and comprehensive, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the environmental change and its multifaceted impacts on the selected population. The report reflects sophisticated research skills and insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsThe research is thorough, accurate, and comprehensive, demonstrating a strong understanding of the environmental change and its impacts on the selected population.
Developing
2 PointsThe research is adequate but may lack depth or contain minor inaccuracies. The understanding of the environmental change and its impacts on the selected population is developing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe research is incomplete, inaccurate, or lacks sufficient detail. The understanding of the environmental change and its impacts on the selected population is limited.
Analysis of Genetic Variation
Depth of analysis regarding how genetic variation within the population affects its ability to adapt to the environmental change, including specific examples and supporting evidence.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe analysis of genetic variation and adaptation is exceptionally deep, insightful, and supported by compelling evidence. The report demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay between genetic diversity and environmental pressures.
Proficient
3 PointsThe analysis of genetic variation and adaptation is detailed, well-reasoned, and supported by specific examples and evidence.
Developing
2 PointsThe analysis of genetic variation and adaptation is present but may lack depth, clarity, or sufficient supporting evidence. The connection between genetic variation and adaptation may be unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe analysis of genetic variation and adaptation is superficial, incomplete, or lacks supporting evidence. The connection between genetic variation and adaptation is not clearly established.
Report Quality
Clarity, organization, and overall quality of the written report, including the use of scientific language and proper citation of sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe report is exceptionally well-written, organized, and presented, demonstrating sophisticated scientific communication skills. The use of scientific language is precise and accurate, and all sources are properly cited. The report is a model of scientific writing.
Proficient
3 PointsThe report is well-written, organized, and presented. The use of scientific language is accurate, and all sources are properly cited.
Developing
2 PointsThe report is adequately written and organized, but may contain some errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. The use of scientific language may be inconsistent, and some sources may not be properly cited.
Beginning
1 PointsThe report is poorly written, disorganized, and contains numerous errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. The use of scientific language is inaccurate, and sources are not properly cited.