With the release of the new Framework for AP Biology, I have found myself looking for new and innovative activities that support the Science Practices. Under the old AP Program, I could look to the “dirty dozen” labs as my guide. This is not the case anymore, and we AP teachers have more options; this is why I like Carolina’s Natural Selection AP Investigation. This investigation can be used as an introduction to experimental design as I do, or as an introduction to natural selection.
The Natural Selection Investigation is broken up into two parts. The first is a Guided Activity in which the students test the effects of salt concentration on the hatching viability of Artemia (brine shrimp). By completing this activity, the students are able to relate the variation in brine shrimp’s salt tolerance to the concept of natural selection. In the Inquiry Activity, students develop and follow...