Context

I can manipulate allele frequency in order to identify the distribution of traits in a population.

My students often have a hard time with cross cutting concepts and I think this learning objective gives them the freedom to approach this difficult concept from multiple perspectives. I chose the word manipulate intentionally because I think it lends the opportunity for students to think about allele frequency in a way that makes the most sense to them. Whether that be in the form of a visual, being able to use hands on materials/manipulatives, or using a mathematical approach. Many of our students have strong verbal communication skills and like to verbalize their thinking and I think giving them those opportunities throughout the unit can help with their understand. They also typically struggle with written assignments.

The objective also provides potential points for formative assessment such as a debate activity where students are presented with an allele frequency problem or issue and must argue for a particular side. This gives students the ability to apply their knowledge verbally, avoiding potential writing related language barriers, and gives me the ability to assess their understandings. It also touches on the NGSS standard HS-LS3-3.

My biggest struggle planning this unit so far has been identifying the learning goals to hit each aspect of the standards. This connects to lesson planning because it helps us practice identifying the gaps we anticipate out students might come across throughout the lessons and units. For example, incorporating a debate activity for students who struggle with writing language demands gives more entry points for my particular students.