Browsing by Author "Mewhort, Randi L."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Measuring evolution: peppered moths
    (2022) Mewhort, Randi L.; Mewhort, Doug
    This lab was designed to be done by students asynchronously using two websites that each differently illustrate the classic natural selection example of the peppered moth. The learning outcomes for this lab are to experience natural selection through the first simulation, to use Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium as a null hypothesis for populations at specific times and evaluate if populations have experienced evolution (significant changes in allele frequencies) over time using the second model. While a peppered moth simulation was available on the NetLogoWeb site, it did not accurately represent the population or genetics of the moths as it used asexual reproduction. We modified the program to accurately simulate the population and provide students with a more realistic representation of these difficult evolutionary processes. Qualitative feedback from students indicated that they felt they learned a lot from this activity.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Soil respiration
    (2020) Elliott, Christina G.; Mewhort, Randi L.; Wakeford, Donna
    This guided inquiry laboratory exercise is an excellent opportunity to introduce carbon cycling and some of the issues associated with climate change. Students in our major/minor programs generate a class hypothesis using summarized research on soil respiration and vote on a treatment option: soil type, litter type, water levels or temperature. Respiration chambers incubate for a week, and the amount of CO2 produced over the seven days is determined the following week. This is an easy, low tech way to teach these concepts, but could be adapted to use probes to measure CO2 directly. This activity is very adaptable to highlight different skills such as hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and experimental design. In institutions with more space resources this could be easily adapted for more inquiry-based approaches.