Avoid an Allele Audit: An Instructional Scaffolding for Evolution Equations Modeled After Familiar Tax Forms

Students are often intimidated by genetic evolution equations because they do not relate to everyday concepts. We developed and piloted an instructional scaffolding patterned after income tax return forms that students use to calculate Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, natural selection, and mutation-selection balance of alleles. Students sequentially solve these evolution equations by entering variables into a series of cascading calculations similar to an Internal Revenue Service Tax Form 1040. We discuss suggestions for implementation of this exercise and demonstrate through assessment data that students have improved understanding of these equations after its application.

Automated summary

Researchers developed and piloted an instructional scaffolding based on income tax return forms to help students calculate evolution equations. The study found that students improved their understanding of these equations after using the scaffolding. Suggestions for implementation of this exercise are also discussed.