Simulating Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium......Gummy Bear Style!

This simulation allows students to apply the complicated Hardy-Weinberg concept to a make-believe population of Gummy Bears. It is a great introduction to Mechanisms for Evolution (Natural Selection, Migration, and Genetic Drift). There is room on the lab for students to take notes/write down information about these three mechanisms.

Students then venture into the world of red and green gummy bears simulating how alleles are passed down through five different generations in three different scenarios (Random Mating, Natural Selection, and Genetic Drift). Students will learn how to easily calculate allele frequencies to determine if gummy bear populations are in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium or are experiencing evolution (changes in allele frequencies over time).

This lab has been a tradition in my own classroom for about 20 years now and it provides my students with the foundation they need to dive into the Hardy-Weinberg equation the following day. **There is a key and instructions provided at the end of this simulation.

**Required lab materials: Plastic cups (1 per student), Red and Green Gummy Bears (50 of each color should be plenty for a class of 30). These can be ordered Online or hand-picked if you purchase them in bulk. They can be used year after year......they "fossilize" nicely :-)

This activity pairs well with the Hardy-Weinberg Equation, PTC Taste Test, and Practice Problems Bundle also found here on Amped Up Learning

**The concepts provided in this packet meet the AP Biology Essential Knowledge Components for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium as published by the College Board.

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