In this online activity, learners discover how random variation influences biological evolution. Biological evolution is often thought of as a process by which adaptation is generated through selection.Œć While it is recognized that random variation underlies the process, emphasis is usually placed on selection and resulting adaptation, leaving a sense that it is selection that drives evolution.Œć This simulation highlights the creative role of random variation, offering a somewhat different perspective: that of evolution as open-ended exploration driven by randomness and constrained by selection, with adaptation as a dynamic, transient consequence rather than an objective.

This project is the culmination of a grant working to share with students the VCU/Richmond East Marshall Street Well Project. Over the last year, the following curriculum has been presented to students in Richmond and surrounding counties five times. Dr. Simmons and students in the Department of Forensic Sciences taught the lessons. Victoria Solana, Dr. Edmondson, and Dr. Simmons developed the lessons. They were refined by the Department of Forensic Science students and Ms. Solano after being taught in each of the classrooms. The feedback that we have received from the students has been reflective of the need for lessons that showcase local and historical issues that have arisen in our own backyard.