Lesson 3. Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium

Sugat Dabholkar, Teresa Granito, Kevin Hall
Biology, Self-directed
40-50 min
High School Advanced Biology (AP)
v2

Overview

In this lesson students will understand the basic idea of Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. They will also calculate phenotype frequencies both mathematically and computationally (using a computational model).

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards
  • Life Science
    • [HS-LS2] Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
    • [HS-LS4] Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
  • NGSS Crosscutting Concept
    • Patterns
    • Systems
    • Stability and Change
  • NGSS Practice
    • Analyzing Data
    • Using Models
    • Conducting Investigations
Computational Thinking in STEM
  • Data Practices
    • Analyzing Data
    • Manipulating Data
    • Visualizing Data
  • Modeling and Simulation Practices
    • Using Computational Models to Find and Test Solutions
    • Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
  • Computational Problem Solving Practices
    • Troubleshooting and Debugging
  • Systems Thinking Practices
    • Investigating a Complex System as a Whole
    • Thinking in Levels
    • Understanding the Relationships within a System

Credits

Unit co-designed by Sugat Dabholkar in consultation with Teresa Granito of Evanston Township High School

Acknowledgement

CODAP is a computational tool for data analysis and representation developed and built by The Concord Consortium at https://codap.concord.org/  

The first four lessons are based on a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Biointeractive (https://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/pocket-mouse-evolution)

Lesson 5 is based on the lesson Evolution in Action: The Galápagos Finches Authored by Paul Strode for Howard Hughes Medical Institute based on data collected by Peter and Rosemary Grant, Princeton University.

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (grants CNS-1138461, CNS-1441041 and DRL-1020101) and the Spencer Foundation (grant 201600069). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations are those of the investigators and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding organizations.

Activities

  • 1. Getting to know the model
  • 2. Exploring the model
  • 3. Performing an investigation using the model
  • 4. A big idea

Student Directions and Resources


In this lesson you will learn the basic idea of a Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. You will also calculate phenotype frequencies both mathematically and computationally (using a computational model).

1. Getting to know the model


This model is same as the one that you used in the previous lesson. Just play with the model for a few minutes. Change the parameters and make observations.


Question 1.1

If I am a mouse with dark fur color, what would be my genotype?



Question 1.2

How would you test your answer to the previous question using the model?



Question 1.3

Based on your initial exploration of the model, write down two observations that you find interesting.

2. Exploring the model



Question 2.1

A group of field researchers have estimated the frequency (p) of allele A as 0.7 and the frequency (q) of allele a as 0.3. Set the initial population in the model such that you get those frequencies. Make sure that the total population is greater than 200.

Write down the values you set for the following parameters below:



Question 2.2

Also, write down the values for the Hardy-Weinberg equation values and genotype frequency values in the table below:



Question 2.3

Run your model for 15 generations (ticks). Note the Hardy-Weinberg equation values and genotype frequency values again.



Question 2.4

Discuss with your partner and others in the class and describe your observations.



Question 2.5

Explain the observations that you mentioned as your answer to the previous question.

3. Performing an investigation using the model



Question 3.1

Write a question about the Hardy-Weinberg Law of Genetic Equilibrium that can be answered using this model.

An example of such question would be, how does the population size affect how fast a Hardy-Weinberg Genetic Equilibrium is reached?



Question 3.2

Based on your exploration of the model, guess an answer to your question and state it in the form of a testable statement (hypothesis) - something that you can test using the model.



Question 3.3

Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Explain your design.



Question 3.4

Perform the experiment. Describe your observations and explain whether those support your hypothesis or not. 

* You can record your data in a word or excel file and upload it in the next question to support your answer.



Question 3.5

Upload a word, excel or any other file here if you have used it record and analyze data.

Upload files that are less than 5MB in size.
File Delete
Upload files to the space allocated by your teacher.


4. A big idea



Question 4.1

Mention and describe a big idea that you learned in this lesson.