EvoBeaker II: Assessing Simulations for Teaching Evolutionary Biology

生物科学（61）。这个项目涉及开发一个非常灵活的教育软件包，用于本科生的进化论教学。EvoBeaker是一个基于查询的模拟模块集合，允许用户设计进化模拟并见证行动中的进化。对学生学习和误解的研究为软件工具和相关课程材料的开发和测试提供了信息。目前正在评估若干模块的有效性，包括哈迪-温伯格平衡模块、遗传漂变模块；性别的适应性意义，以及进化树。此外，软件包正在通过以下开发得到增强：(1)创建进化模型的新界面，(2)交互式图表，以及(3)为进化生物学入门课程提供的一套完整的课堂测试实验室。关于进化论误解和学生学习的研究结果，以及关于评价EvoBeaker各种模块的有效性的研究结果，正在通过期刊出版物和在会议上的介绍进行传播。此外，软件和课程材料正在商业化提供。EvoBeaker在全国范围内广泛应用于各种生物课程，并帮助成千上万的不同水平和能力的学生更好地理解进化，推动生物教育领域的发展。该项目的更广泛影响包括编写供高中和科学博物馆使用的材料，以及在国际上传播软件包。该项目部分资金由生物科学局生物基础设施司提供。

Biological Sciences (61). This project involves the development of a very flexible educational software package for the teaching of evolution to undergraduates. EvoBeaker is an inquiry-based collection of simulation modules allowing users to design evolutionary simulations and witness evolution in action. Research on student learning and on misconceptions is informing the development and testing of the software tools and the accompanying curricular materials. Several modules are being assessed for their effectiveness, including modules on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, on genetic drift; on the adaptive significance of sex, and on evolutionary trees. In addition, the software package is being enhanced through the development of: (1) a new interface for creating evolutionary models, (2) interactive graphs, and (3) a complete set of classroom-tested laboratories for an introductory evolutionary biology class. Results of research on evolution misconceptions and on student learning, as well as on the assessment of the effectiveness of various EvoBeaker modules, are being disseminated via journal publications and presentations at meetings. In addition the software and curricular materials are being made available commercially. EvoBeaker is being used in a wide variety of biology courses nationwide, and is helping tens of thousands of students of all levels and abilities achieve a better understanding of evolution and advance the field of biology education. Broader impacts of the project include development of materials for use in high schools and in science museums, as well as international dissemination of the software package.This project is partially funded by the Division of Biological Infrastructure in the Directorate for Biological Sciences.