This product is a student handout I have created based on an existing virtual lab on evolution.  It is based on the phenomenal "Build-A-Tree" Evolution Lab created by PBS NOVA, and my laboratory handout is a simplified version of the laboratory worksheets created by NOVA. Being faced with converting my traditional laboratory activities into digital distance learning experiences, I found this virtual evolution lab to be everything I needed to teach the evolution unit to my students, in a format I can easily share digitally. No printing required!

This lab is set up as a series of six missions, and within each mission are three levels to complete. Each mission is centered around a different piece of evolutionary evidence and begins with a short video clip which introduces students to the challenges they will complete. Each level requires the students to build a phylogenetic tree consisting of anywhere from 3-7 related organisms using physical characteristics, fossil evidence and DNA sequences. Students are provided with all of the necessary background information about each organism to successfully build the tree. As students progress through the game and solve each "phylogenetic puzzle" the subsequent missions are unlocked. The organisms explored are incredibly diverse, including bacteria, dinosaurs, trees, birds, mammals, and even disease-causing organisms such as parasites.

This lab is perfect for differentiating instruction, as each mission gets progressively harder as students work through the lab. I highly recommend playing the lab yourself first before assigning it to your students! Feel free to edit the document to the desired length for your specific classes. The first two missions can be easily completed by middle school students, while all six missions would be better suited for an Advanced Placement course. I have found four missions works well for my ninth grade accelerated students.

The virtual lab can be found at the following link: NOVA Evolution Lab

The student handout was created specifically for Distance Learning and was formatted using Google Docs.  This lab can be easily shared with students through Google Classroom or the use of a Google Drive. Students can type directly on the lab and submit it to you virtually! 

Included in the Google Drive Folder:

NOVA Evolution Virtual Lab Student Handout

Virtual Lab Answer Key

This virtual lab also pairs excellently with my guided notes on Evolution! You can find them here! Evolution Guided Notes

This product can also be purchased in my Evolution Bundle