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English (US)

Hybrid Zones

Evolution's Testing Grounds

Evolution's Testing Grounds
Sponsored by:

  • National Science Foundation

Galactic_PolyMath_First_Sec_Mobile_Info
The Gist:

Students will learn that hybrids are not flukes—they’re commonly found in the wild and our grocery stores! By playing and reflecting on Foraging Frenzy (a research-inspired memory game) students will appreciate how climate change affects species ranges and the direction of evolution.

Target Subject:
Science
Grades:
8-12
Estimated Time:
3 x 45 min classes
Target Subject:
Science
Grades:
8-12
Estimated Time:
3 x 45 min classes
Subject breakdown by standard alignments:Subject breakdown by standard alignments
Subject breakdown by standard alignments
Subject breakdown by standard alignments

Driving Question(s):

  • What is hybridization and how does it impact evolution?
  • Is hybridization good, bad or neutral?
  • How is climate change impacting hybridization and evolution?

Hook(s):

Students will move around, play a memory game, and have many opportunities for discussion as they explore how hybridization, evolution, and climate change are intertwined in diverse organisms.

Keywords:
evolutionhybridsclimate changehabitatspecieschickadees
For Lesson 0
Unit Trailer

Showcases the fun learning materials and connections to real world phenomena and research.

by Galactic Polymath
For Lesson 1
Are hybrids rare? A biologist explains

At the end of lesson 1, this video connects current research to students' developing understanding of hybrids and hybridization.

by Galactic Polymath
For Lesson 2
Foraging Frenzy: A hands-on natural selection memory game

Trailer + explainer for the "Foraging Frenzy" memory game. First part explains the game; second part connects the game to the real world.

by Galactic Polymath
For Lesson 3
What Hybrid Birds Tell Us about Climate Change

Supports Lesson 3 discussion and reflections focused on how L2 gameplay relates to hybridization, evolution, and climate change.

by Galactic Polymath
  • Unit Trailer
  • Are hybrids rare? A biologist explains
  • Foraging Frenzy: A hands-on natural selection memory game
  • What Hybrid Birds Tell Us about Climate Change

3 x 45 min

Available Grades Bands

Available Teaching Environments

Browse & Download All G9-12 MaterialsBrowse & Download All G9-12 Materials
Learning Objectives

Students will be able to...

  1. Distinguish between pure species and hybrids using scientific definitions and naming conventions.

  2. Explore the mechanisms and conditions under which hybridization occurs between two species.

  3. Reflect on how common hybrids are in everyday life, especially in the foods we eat and the impact on biodiversity.

Materials for Grades 8-12

  1. Presentation (Lesson 1)

    Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound

    lesson_tile

  2. Lesson 1 Readings

    For Jigsaw activity: Print class set

    lesson_tile

  3. Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 1)

    Print 1

    lesson_tile

  4. Student Worksheet (Lesson 1)

    Print 1 Per Student

    lesson_tile
Steps & Flow

15 min: Engage

1.

Is this a hybrid?

1.

Is this a hybrid?

To start the lesson, students will actively participate in a four-corners classroom activity where they will vote on whether a series animals are hybrids or not.

  • Hybrid: The offspring that arises from two different species reproducing.
  • Species: Group of organisms that can successfully reproduce and create fertile offspring.

15 min: Explore

2.

Exploring Hybrids

2.

Exploring Hybrids

Students will gain clarity on distinguishing hybrids from species and explore five specific hybrids through a Jigsaw reading activity.

For support on implementing the Jigsaw technique, check out The Jigsaw Classroom

10 min: Elaborate

3.

Share and Reflect

3.

Share and Reflect

Students will listen to Dr. Scott Taylor explain key concepts such as hybrids, hybrid zones, and adaptations, using his research on chickadees as examples.

▶ Are hybrids rare? A biologist explains

5 min: Extend

4.

Let's Get Cooking!

4.

Let's Get Cooking!

Hybrid species are common in plants. To extend lesson 1, ask students to brainstorm recipes using common plant species as inspiration.

Going Further

Ideas and resources for deepening learning on this topic.

  1. Article: Teaching Students a More Precise Definition of Evolution

    A useful perspective about avoiding misconceptions when defining evolution for students.

  2. Article: High-Yielding Hybrids Help Adapt to Climate Change

    Dive deeper into the conversation around hybridization of crops and the benefits to farmers amidst climate change

  3. Tool: One Zoom Tree of Life Species Explorer

    Let students get lost in the complex web of species to grapple with ancestry and biodiversity

  4. Lesson: Speciation (Khan Academy)

    An AP-level series of videos and a written summary delving into the definition of a species, the processes of speciation, reproductive isolation, and dispersal, the difference between pre-zygotic and post-zygotic barriers, and island biogeography.

  5. Article: Pizzlies, grolars and narlugas: Why we may soon see more Arctic hybrids

    National Geographic explores how genetic studies show there’s still a lot to learn about cross-species mating in the Arctic.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to...

  1. Simulate natural selection and evolution by adopting the roles of chickadees with different foraging strategies, competing for resources in varying environmental settings.

  2. Analyze how environmental factors influence the success of different species.

  3. Collaborate to reflect on the outcomes of varying environments and explore how these results relate to concepts of evolution and hybridization.

Materials for Grades 8-12

  1. Presentation (Lesson 2)

    Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound

    lesson_tile

  2. Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 2)

    Print 1

    lesson_tile

  3. Student Worksheet (Lesson 2)

    Print 1 Per Student

    lesson_tile

  4. Handout (Lesson 2)

    lesson_tile

  5. Class Data Spreadsheet

    Make a copy of this sheet to collect and visualize Foraging Frenzy data.

    lesson_tile
Steps & Flow

10 min: Engage

1.

What's a chickadee?

1.

What's a chickadee?

Start by identifying the differences between Carolina and Black-capped chickadees. Then explore how scientists are studying the behavioral differences between these two species.

25 min: Explore

2.

Foraging Frenzy: A Natural Selection Memory Game!

2.

Foraging Frenzy: A Natural Selection Memory Game!

Students will play a natural-selection inspired memory game in groups of 4 that puts them in a hybrid zone. They will try to forage to survive the winter in 3 environments.

Groups of 4 is the ideal size for playing Foraging Frenzy but see game instructions on how to modify for groups of 3.

5 min: Explain

3.

Group Discussion

3.

Group Discussion

Connect chickadee foraging in various environments to concepts of adaptation, natural selection, and human impact.

5 min: Evaluate

4.

Check-In

4.

Check-In

Ensure all students have collected data accurately from Foraging Frenzy and are ready to contribute to a class dataset in Lesson 3.

If time allows, peek ahead to Lesson 3 for compiling and visualizing individual group and class data.

Going Further

Ideas and resources for deepening learning on this topic.

  1. Video: Chickadee Caching and Foraging Behavior

    For students with an extra interest in chickadee behaviors

  2. Article: Warming Temperatures Are Pushing Two Chickadee Species - And Their Hybrids - Northward
Learning Objectives

Students will be able to...

  1. Analyze data and construct an explanation on how traits affect survival in different environments.

  2. Evaluate environmental effects on species success and develop game changes to better demonstrate evolution across generations.

Materials for Grades 8-12

  1. Presentation (Lesson 3)

    Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound

    lesson_tile

  2. Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 3)

    Print 1

    lesson_tile

  3. Student Worksheet (Lesson 3)

    Print 1 Per Student

    lesson_tile

  4. Class Data Spreadsheet

    Same sheet from L2 (revisit to deepen reflection on the gameplay)

    lesson_tile
Steps & Flow

5 min: Engage

1.

Review

1.

Review

Build on previous lesson concepts: hybrids versus species, differences among chickadee species, and the impact of different environments on species.

For guiding students in understanding graphs, check out the Identify and Interpret I2 Strategy by BSCS

15 min: Explore

2.

Class Data

2.

Class Data

As a class, share and compile group data from Lesson 2. Create a class dataset and graph to determine which chickadee species was most successful in each environment.

For CER scaffolding and grading rubric, check out MIT Bloosms CER Resource Sheet

5 min: Explain

3.

Form a Conclusion

3.

Form a Conclusion

After a data-rich discussion, students will write a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) responding to the prompt: "Is hybridization beneficial?"

15 min: Elaborate

4.

Video Guided Discussion

4.

Video Guided Discussion

Guided by researchers featured in a video, students will participate in a discussion to deepen their understanding of hybridization and evolution.

▶ What Hybrid Birds Tell Us about Climate Change

5 min: Evaluate

5.

Reflection

5.

Reflection

Putting it all together, students will reflect on key concepts of evolution.

Going Further

Ideas and resources for deepening learning on this topic.

  1. Video: Myths and Misconceptions about Evolution (TedEd)

    Ensure students understand the process of evolution and clear up common misconceptions.

  2. Activity: Spoons, forks, chopsticks, straws: Simulating natural selection

    Have students review the process of adaptation through natural selection with this engaging activity. Students play the roles of predators with different feeding appendages and compete to gather beans as prey, and track the changing frequencies of each appendage type over multiple generations.

  3. Lesson: Teaching Speciation Using Anole Lizards

    A video, virtual lab, and three activities synthesizing concepts of natural selection and speciation using research on Carribean anole lizards. Students analyze data about the effects of natural selection in different contexts, construct phylogenetic trees, and test hypotheses about evolution and species distribution.

Materials for Grades 8-12

  1. HybridZones_Assessment

    Digital form for pre/post test assessment. See printable teacher version for evaluation guidance.

    lesson_tile

  2. HybridZones_Pre-Post Assessment (TEACHER KEY)

    Printable assessment

    lesson_tile

  3. HybridZones_Pre-Post Assessment (STUDENT)

    Printable assessment

    lesson_tile

Connection to Research

In each lesson, students learn about evolution and hybridization directly from scientists in a series of engaging videos. Then after playing a game simulating chickadee foraging habits, students will use their own data to draw conclusions about the success of different foraging strategies in different environments, participating in the same types of critical thinking scientists use to explore this still-ongoing research question.

Research Background

Dr. Scott Taylor, Dr. Amber Rice, and Dr. Tim Roth study hybridization between closely related birds to better understand why two species remain distinct despite widespread interbreeding. We are specifically interested in how hybridization might result in strong selection against individuals who do not have the same spatial memory as others, which might lead to mortality during the winter for the small non-migratory birds that we work on.

Further Reading:

Target Standard(s)

Skills and concepts directly taught or reinforced by this lesson

Dimension: Language, Speaking & Listening

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students engage in collaborative discussions, sharing and building on ideas about evolution and hybridization.

Dimension: Performance Expectation

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students evaluate evidence from simulations to understand how environmental changes affect species success and evolution.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students construct explanations about how these factors drive evolution, using evidence from their chickadee simulations.

Dimension: Social Awareness & Relationships

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students interact positively during simulations and discussions, enhancing their understanding of hybridization and evolution.

Connected Standard(s)

Skills and concepts reviewed or hinted at in this lesson (for building upon)

Dimension: Reading

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students use multiple sources to understand hybridization and resolve any conflicting information about species and hybrids.

Dimension: Writing

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students use texts to analyze and reflect on the mechanisms and conditions of hybridization between two species.

Dimension: Language, Speaking & Listening

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students present their findings on how traits affect survival in different environments, ensuring clarity and logical flow.

Dimension: Science & Engineering Practices

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students observe different organisms and ask questions to distinguish between pure species and hybrids.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students examine models of species and hybrids to clarify definitions and ask further questions about their characteristics.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students use scientific reasoning to link evidence to claims about natural selection and evolution during simulations.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students construct arguments using data from their simulations and observations to explain the success of different chickadees.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students defend their claims about chickadee success in different environments using evidence from their simulations.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students use charts and graphs to analyze data and explain how traits affect survival in different environments.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students construct and revise explanations on species success and evolution using reliable evidence from various sources.

Dimension: Disciplinary Core ideas

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students explore genetic and trait variations to understand the conditions necessary for natural selection and hybridization.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students reflect on how hybrids with beneficial traits become more common in everyday life, especially in foods we eat.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students simulate these factors by adopting different chickadee foraging strategies to understand their role in evolution.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students analyze how environmental factors influence species' success, leading to adaptation through natural selection.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students explore how changing environments lead to trait distribution changes and adaptation in chickadee populations.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students analyze how environmental changes have historically led to species expansion, new species, and extinctions.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students evaluate environmental effects on species success and discuss how failure to adapt can lead to extinction.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students evaluate how human activities impact biodiversity in various environments.

Dimension: Planet

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students discuss the role of hybridization in biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.

Dimension: Peace and Prosperity

How does the lesson address this standard?

The lesson promotes inclusive education by encouraging collaboration among students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Dimension: Self Awareness & Self Management

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students demonstrate integrity by accurately reporting their simulation results and respecting differing viewpoints.

Dimension: Social Awareness & Relationships

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students work in diverse groups to explore outcomes of varying environments and relate them to evolution concepts.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students resolve conflicts during group activities by focusing on scientific evidence and respectful dialogue.

How does the lesson address this standard?

Students recognize when they need help understanding data or concepts and seek support from peers or teachers.

Please let us know how it went with your class!

We want to know what you (and/or your students) think!

Share your feedback in < 5 min with these forms:

Matt Wilkins: Led the project, spearheaded all curricular materials, and produced videos
Ella Houlihan: Co-developed all curricular materials, produced videos
Stephanie Rapciak: Assisted conceptualization and development of learning materials, produced videos
Dri Tattersfield: Assisted conceptualization and development of learning materials, produced videos
Katie Capp, PhD: Helped align to standards and finalize all materials
Stephanie Castillo: Produced and edited all videos
Amber Rice, PhD: Defined outreach goals, ensured scientific accuracy, and secured funding for the project; produced and featured in videos
Tim Roth, PhD: Defined outreach goals, ensured scientific accuracy, and secured funding for the project; produced and featured in videos
Scott Taylor, PhD: Defined outreach goals, ensured scientific accuracy, and secured funding for the project; produced and featured in videos

Map Makers

Provided maps of hybrid zones for videos and lessons

  • Eric Money, PhD | Associate Director of Educational Innovation, North Carolina State University Durham, NC
Photographer

Provided image of hybrid warbler for [vid1]

Graphic Designer

Helped create Foraging Frenzy game

Illustrator

Created original artwork for banner, video, and other lesson materials

  • Anna Wilkins | Freelance Character Designer & Storyboard ArtistAtlanta, GA

Major Release Beta

0.1.0 Unit initialized

February 17, 2024

0.2.0 Adding elements for launch

July 2, 2024

0.3.0 Updated illustrations and finalizing assets

July 29, 2024

Major Release 1

1.0.0 Public launch!

August 29, 2024