- Year 2019
- NSF Award #1540699
- Registration Current Noyce Scholar
- First Name Steven
- Last Name Zeko
- Discipline Biology
- Institution Lewis University
Abstract
Evolution is a commonly taught topic in a biology classroom in both high school and college classrooms. With the nature of evolution being a slow occurrence, conducting a lab that shows evolution is an almost impossible task. However, several virtual labs have been made to show the process of evolution. Avida-ED is a computer program, developed by Michigan State University, that simulates a virtual petri dish of bacteria called Avidians. Avidians behave as if they are naturally occurring bacteria in a lab. The Avidians have a genome that is replicated similarly to how bacteria in a lab. These bacteria go through a single generation in seconds. Due to this Avida-ED, using the Avidians, can be used to study evolution. Avida-ED can also be used to help improve student’s ability to comprehend evolution through experimentation and inquiry-based learning. In this research, the use of Avida-ED was supplemented with an activity packet and experiments that address knowledge gaps and allow students to the opportunity to better comprehend evolution. The effectiveness of the activities and experiments were measured by a pre-Avida-ED and post-Avida-ED tests when practiced in a general biology class at Lewis University.
