Lesson 47 of 84 · Evolution
Experiment⭐ 30 XPMutations and Variation (Part 3)
Evolution.
🎯 Your mission
Predict it first. Then prove yourself right (or wrong).
⚡ The twist
Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.
Mind = Blown
🔬 The more you look, the more nature shows you.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.
What You'll Learn
Genetic variation within a population is essential for evolution. Variation comes from mutations, sexual reproduction, and gene flow between populations.
Key Words
- trait
- dominant
- recessive
Materials Needed
- onion skin
- iodine stain
- paper
- colored pencils
- coins (for Punnett squares)
- tape
Safety First
- Tie back long hair before starting the experiment.
Steps
Review the background information on Evolution before starting.
Prepare a wet-mount slide of an onion skin and observe it under a microscope (or magnifying glass). Draw and label the cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus.
Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.
Create a data table to organize your measurements.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What does DNA stand for?
Where you see this in real life
This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Try one experiment in real life this week — even a tiny one.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
Next Smart Experiment
We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.
Share this experiment
Send it to a parent who's looking for a 10-minute kitchen science win.
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