Randomized Controlled Trial of a Cohesive Eight-Week Evolution Unit That Incorporates Molecular Genetics and Principles of the Next Generation Science Standards.

ABSTRACT: In response to calls for curricular materials that integrate molecular genetics and evolution and adhere to the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah has developed and tested the "Evolution: DNA and the Unity of Life" curricular unit for high school biology. The free, 8-week unit illuminates the underlying role of molecular genetics in evolution while providing scaffolded opportunities to engage in making arguments from evidence and analyzing and interpreting data.  We used a randomized controlled trial design to compare student learning when using the new unit with a condition in which teachers used their typical (NGSS-friendly) units with no molecular genetics. Results from nationwide testing with 38 tea

SUBMITTER: Drits-Esser D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8734466 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature