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Balancing Act
Trade-offs in frogs, humans, and other animals
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Sponsored by:
Dr. Michael Reichert's Lab studies the evolution of behaviors, in particular frog communication, and metabolism.
The Gist:
Students will follow in the soggy footsteps of scientists wading through ponds at night to record frogs as they learn about biological tradeoffs that connect humans to horses to frogs. Along the way, they'll decide which male a female frog should choose as a mate, based on analysis of call performance.
Target Subject:
Grades:
Estimated Time:
Target Subject:
ScienceGrades:
9-12Estimated Time:
2 x 45 min classes
Subject breakdown by standard alignments
Driving Question(s):
- How do trade-offs in how organisms use limited energy and time affect survival and reproduction?
- How do performance thresholds influence mate selection?
- What insights can we gain about natural selection in Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla versicolor) from the research findings of Dr. Reichert?
Hook(s):
Cute frogs, seeing sound in spectrograms, and engaging videos create dynamic lessons.
Keywords:
This vs That: Biologists Explain Tradeoffs in Life
Gives a variety of examples
Available Grades Bands
Available Teaching Environments
Materials for Grades 9-12
Presentation (Lesson 1)
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Student Worksheet (Lesson 1)
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Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 1)
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Student Handout/ Table (Lesson 1)
Steps & Flow
Materials for Grades 9-12
Presentation (Lesson 2)
Need: WiFi, Computer, Projector, Sound
Student Handout (Lesson 2)
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Teacher Handout (Lesson 2)
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Teacher Worksheet (Lesson 2)
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Student Worksheet (Lesson 2)
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Steps & Flow
Target Standard(s)
Dimension: Performance Expectation
How does the lesson address this standard?
The culminating discussion in Lesson 2, where students connect their findings on trade-offs to broader biological concepts, ties into explaining how natural selection drives adaptation in populations, particularly how performance thresholds can determine fitness and reproductive success in a given environment.
How does the lesson address this standard?
Lesson 2’s focus on how frog vocal performance affects fitness and survival relates to understanding how trade-offs in traits can influence evolutionary outcomes, such as reproductive success and survival, thereby aligning with the standard on evolutionary processes.
Connected Standard(s)
Dimension: Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Calculus & Higher Level Thinking
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lessons 1 and 2, students create graphs to show trade-offs in everyday life (Lesson 1) and in nature (Lesson 2) using symbols for different data points, helping them practice graphing and understanding functions.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students examine how changes in call rate and duration impact frog fitness, calculating and interpreting these changes over time, which helps them understand the concept of rate of change.
Dimension: Measurement, Data, Probability & Statistics
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lessons 1 and 2, students analyze and interpret graphs showing trade-offs in everyday life (Lesson 1) and in nature (Lesson 2) using symbols for data points. They explore the relationship between two variables and its impact, which helps them practice graphing and understanding functions.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students create scatter plots to show trade-offs and analyze how variables relate in different scenarios. This supports the standard's focus on using scatter plots to represent and analyze data.
Dimension: Language, Speaking & Listening
How does the lesson address this standard?
Throughout the unit, students will work with partners and the class to understand information through discussions and writing.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students combine information from spectrograms and other sources (including a research article) to draw conclusions about frog vocal performance, practicing how to use different types of information to solve problems.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will present their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds, making sure their reasoning is clear and logical. This helps them practice effective communication and presentation skills.
Dimension: Reading
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students analyze various sources (graphs, spectrograms, audio recordings, and a science research article) to build a clear claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will read a section from a science research article that includes advanced academic vocabulary.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students will summarize the complex ideas of trade-offs and performance thresholds in their own words, which helps them practice paraphrasing difficult information.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students collect and evaluate information from spectrograms and scientific articles to draw conclusions about frog vocal performance, practicing how to combine information from different sources.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students combine and assess information from spectrograms and other sources (including a research article) to draw conclusions about frog calls, practicing how to use information from different formats to answer scientific questions.
Dimension: Writing
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students write about how trade-offs in frog vocal performance affect overall fitness, using specific content to support their arguments. This helps them practice writing in the context of biology.
Dimension: Science & Engineering Practices
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students analyze trade-offs in everyday situations and are encouraged to ask questions about how different choices lead to different outcomes. This helps them understand how independent and dependent variables interact in decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students create graphs to show trade-offs using data from different scenarios. This helps them analyze the outcomes of their decisions and draw valid conclusions about the trade-offs they encounter, supporting the standard's focus on data analysis.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students analyze and explain a biological trade-off, making and defending a claim based on evidence. This activity helps them develop critical thinking and argumentation skills, grounded in scientific understanding.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs and performance thresholds in biology. They use and interpret models to understand these concepts, which helps them predict biological outcomes, aligning with the standard.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students interpret spectrograms, using math to understand and explain frog calls. This ties directly to the standard's focus on using quantitative tools to support scientific claims.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students present and discuss their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds. This helps them critically engage with scientific research and communicate their understanding, linking their analysis to broader biological concepts and making sure their interpretations are solid.
Dimension: Disciplinary Core ideas
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs and performance thresholds in biology, which helps them understand how organisms adapt their traits and behaviors to survive in changing environments.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students examine trade-offs in frog vocal performance and connect it to group behaviors that improve survival. This helps them understand how behaviors like vocal communication are shaped by evolution to enhance survival and reproduction.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2’s final activity, students present their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds, helping them understand how these factors drive evolution. The lesson highlights how these biological trade-offs impact survival, reproduction, and competition, influencing evolutionary outcomes.
Dimension: Social Awareness & Relationships
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students discuss trade-offs in everyday situations, considering how their choices affect themselves and others. This aligns with Standard 5A by encouraging responsible and ethical decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students learn about trade-offs in biology, which helps them appreciate different survival strategies and adaptations. This supports Standard 4B by encouraging respect and understanding for diverse approaches.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 2, students practice communication and social skills by discussing their spectrogram interpretations and sharing their findings with classmates. This supports Standard 4A by encouraging positive interactions and teamwork.
Dimension: Responsibility
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students discuss trade-offs in everyday situations, thinking about how their choices affect themselves and others. This supports Standard 5A by promoting responsible and ethical decision-making.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students use problem-solving skills to evaluate trade-offs in academic and social situations, supporting Standard 5C by helping them make responsible and thoughtful decisions in daily life.
How does the lesson address this standard?
In Lesson 1, students graphically represent trade-offs, using a systematic approach to decision-making. This supports Standard 5B by helping them develop structured methods for evaluating options and making informed decisions based on data.
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Major Release Beta
0.1.0 Lesson initialized
June 17, 2024