2016 San Diego Science Education Conference

Understanding evolution is critical for understanding biology, but its abstract nature can make it a difficult concept for students to grasp. Experimental work is typically limited to growth of bacteria, and is not always successful under the time and resource constraints of the classroom. Avida-ED, an award-winning, educational application that simulates evolution, was developed by scientists at Michigan State University to overcome some of these challenges. Avida-ED gives students the opportunity to design evolution experiments and test hypotheses using digital organisms. We present our experience of implementing Avida-ED in a project-based learning environment and pose ideas for future use.