Peppered Moths

Summary

Students get to be blue jays and hunt moths on different backgrounds (tree trunks) in this engaging simulation of the change in populations of the peppered moth over time during the industrialization of England.

Materials

• a computer for every 2-3 students
• student sheet (attached)

Instructional Procedures

1. Have students open the website at: Peppered Moths website simulation
2. They should begin by reading the information in the circles. They should answer the introductory questions.
3. They can begin the web activity and take turns being the "Blue Jay". Students watching should record the data every 30 seconds for 5 minutes. If they hit "pause" to it will stop the change in populations but not the clock.
4. They should play for at least 2 rounds. One with the dark background and one with the light background. If they finish early, they can continue to take turns being the hunter.
5. Students should record their data on an overhead, board or computer.
6. Discuss the results with the class and allow time for the analysis questions.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.