Biology Simulations Blog

The Biology Simulations blog introduces the simulations used on the site, discusses new simulations that are in the works, and shares information about simulation and inquiry based learning.

Heredity Simulation

The first of several planned heredity simulations is now up and running! This first one covers basic dominance for two autosomal (not...

Jolene Pappas

Feb 8, 20192 min read

Natural Selection Virtual Lab

Anyone who has taught biology in the past 10 years has probably encountered the peppered moth virtual lab. It's a good one; it's based on...

Jolene Pappas

Jan 21, 20192 min read

In the works: Heredity

My next project is a heredity simulation. Like the rest of the simulations here, it will use fictional examples and will provide...

Jolene Pappas

Jan 14, 20191 min read

Introducing Games

There is a new section...games! Really, it's just one game for now. There is no direct biology educational value to it. It was mostly...

Jolene Pappas

Jan 7, 20192 min read

Competitive Exclusion Principle

The competition simulation allows students to test an example of the competitive exclusion principle. This is the idea that two species...

Jolene Pappas

Jan 4, 20191 min read

Population Dynamics

There are many versions of population dynamics simulations out there. I've used a hands-on paper-based simulation with squares of paper...

Jolene Pappas

Jan 1, 20193 min read

Biodiversity

The biodiversity simulation is very simple to use. Each time the user clicks on the "Produce Community" button, a biological community is...

Jolene Pappas

Dec 28, 20182 min read

Evolutionary Arms Race

The evolutionary arms race simulation is loosely based on the Brodie & Brodie studies of newts (Taricha granulosa) and garter snakes...

Jolene Pappas

Dec 18, 20182 min read

Coming Soon: Natural Selection

I have been working on a new natural selection simulation. Instead of being based on student selection of parameters, this one will let...

Jolene Pappas

Dec 5, 20181 min read

Sexual Selection

The sexual selection simulation examines intersexual selection and natural selection. In intersexual selection one sex (typically...

Jolene Pappas

Dec 4, 20182 min read

Genetic Drift Examples

For a more general discussion of genetic drift, check out the "What is genetic drift?" post. In terms of simulations, if you want to...

Jolene Pappas

Nov 28, 20182 min read

Population Genetics Simulation

The population genetics simulation was the first one made for the site and is one of the most open-ended. Teachers can make a guided lab...

Jolene Pappas

Nov 25, 20182 min read

Introduction to Biology Simulations

As a biology teacher I find simulations incredibly useful, particularly for my evolution and ecology units. Virtual labs help students...

Jolene Pappas

Nov 24, 20182 min read