El-Fish Simulator - Teacher's Lesson Guide

Overview

The El-Fish Simulator is a powerful tool for teaching genetics, evolution, and data analysis through interactive digital organisms. Based on the 1993 software by AnimaTek/Maxis, this modern version includes comprehensive educational features aligned with NGSS standards.

Grade Levels

Standards Alignment

NGSS Standards

Learning Objectives

By the end of these lessons, students will be able to: 1. Explain how traits are inherited from parents to offspring 2. Predict offspring characteristics using genetic principles 3. Analyze population changes over multiple generations 4. Design experiments to test genetic hypotheses 5. Evaluate the role of mutation and selection in evolution 6. Create data visualizations to support scientific arguments

Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: Introduction to Digital Genetics (45 minutes)

Grade Level: 7-12
Objective: Understand how digital organisms model real genetics

Materials

Procedure

  1. Hook (5 min): Show students the aquarium with swimming fish. Ask: “How are these fish different from each other?”

  2. Introduction (10 min):

  3. Guided Practice (15 min):

  4. Independent Practice (10 min):

  5. Closure (5 min):

Assessment

Differentiation

Lesson 2: Mendelian Inheritance Patterns (45 minutes)

Grade Level: 8-12
Objective: Discover patterns of inheritance through breeding

Materials

Procedure

  1. Review (5 min): Quick review of yesterday’s observations

  2. Direct Instruction (10 min):

  3. Investigation (20 min):

  4. Data Analysis (7 min):

  5. Discussion (3 min):

Assessment

Extension Activity

Create F2 generation and observe 3:1 ratios for simple traits

Lesson 3: Mutation and Variation (45 minutes)

Grade Level: 7-12
Objective: Explore how mutations create genetic diversity

Materials

Procedure

  1. Engagement (5 min): Show two fish - parent and heavily mutated offspring

  2. Exploration (15 min):

  3. Explanation (10 min):

  4. Elaboration (10 min):

  5. Evaluation (5 min):

Assessment

Lesson 4: Natural Selection Simulation (90 minutes - Block Schedule)

Grade Level: 9-12
Objective: Model natural selection and adaptation

Materials

Procedure

  1. Setup (10 min):
  2. Prediction (10 min):
  3. Simulation Round 1 (20 min):
  4. Mid-point Analysis (10 min):
  5. Simulation Round 2 (20 min):
  6. Data Analysis (15 min):
  7. Conclusion (5 min):

Assessment

Differentiation

Lesson 5: Artificial Selection Project (Multi-day)

Grade Level: 8-12
Objective: Design and execute artificial selection experiment

Day 1: Project Design (45 min)

  1. Introduction (10 min):
  2. Planning (25 min):
  3. Begin Experiment (10 min):

Day 2-4: Selection Process (20 min each day)

Day 5: Presentation (45 min)

  1. Preparation (15 min):
  2. Presentations (25 min):
  3. Reflection (5 min):

Assessment Rubric

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Needs Work (1)
Hypothesis Clear, testable, with rationale Clear and testable Somewhat clear Unclear
Data Collection Complete, organized, accurate Mostly complete Some gaps Incomplete
Analysis Insightful, uses statistics Good interpretation Basic analysis Limited analysis
Presentation Engaging, clear, visual aids Clear with visuals Adequate Unclear

Supplementary Activities

Quick Activities (10-15 minutes)

  1. Fish Race: Breed for maximum speed, compete between students
  2. Color Challenge: Match a target color in fewest generations
  3. Pattern Puzzle: Recreate specific stripe/spot patterns
  4. Size Extremes: Create largest and smallest fish possible

Cross-Curricular Connections

Mathematics

Computer Science

English/Language Arts

Art

Student Worksheets

Worksheet 1: Fish Observation Log

Name: _________________ Date: _________

Fish Name: _________________
Generation: _________________

Physical Traits:
□ Body Length: Long / Medium / Short
□ Body Height: Tall / Medium / Short  
□ Primary Color: _______________
□ Secondary Color: _____________
□ Stripes: Yes / No (Count: ___)
□ Spots: Yes / No (Count: ___)
□ Special Features: _____________

Behavioral Traits:
□ Swimming Speed: Fast / Medium / Slow
□ Schooling: Yes / No
□ Preferred Depth: Top / Middle / Bottom

Parent Information (if known):
Parent 1: ___________________
Parent 2: ___________________

Predictions for Offspring:
_________________________________
_________________________________

Worksheet 2: Breeding Data Table

| Generation | Parents | # Offspring | Trait Measured | Average | Range |
|------------|---------|-------------|----------------|---------|--------|
| 1          |         |             |                |         |        |
| 2          |         |             |                |         |        |
| 3          |         |             |                |         |        |

Assessment Strategies

Formative Assessment

Summative Assessment

Alternative Assessments

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Student Challenges

Problem: “My fish won’t breed!” - Solution: Ensure two fish are selected (yellow glow), check that they’re not the same fish

Problem: “Offspring don’t look like parents” - Solution: Great teaching moment! Discuss genetic recombination and mutation

Problem: “All my fish died” (cleared tank accidentally) - Solution: Use Load Tank feature or Import ROE files

Problem: “Can’t see genetic changes” - Solution: Use Educational Module’s statistics panel, focus on measurable traits

Technical Issues

Browser Compatibility - Works best in: Chrome, Edge, Firefox - May have issues in: Safari (older versions), Internet Explorer

Performance - Limit to 30-40 fish for smooth animation - Close other browser tabs - Reduce animation speed if needed

Saving/Loading - Saves automatically every 30 seconds - Export ROE files for backup - Can share fish between students via ROE files

Extensions and Advanced Topics

For Advanced Students

  1. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium: Calculate allele frequencies, test for equilibrium
  2. Genetic Drift: Small population effects
  3. Gene Flow: Mix two isolated populations
  4. Epistasis: Investigate gene interactions
  5. Quantitative Traits: Analyze polygenic inheritance

Research Projects

  1. Compare to actual fish evolution (cichlids, guppies)
  2. Investigate commercial selective breeding
  3. Study genetic algorithms in computer science
  4. Explore ethical issues in genetic modification
  5. Create field guide for digital fish “species”

Competition Ideas

  1. Speed Breeding Contest: Fastest average speed in 10 generations
  2. Beauty Contest: Most aesthetically pleasing fish
  3. Diversity Challenge: Most genetic variety maintained
  4. Precision Breeding: Match target specifications exactly
  5. Evolution Race: First to achieve specific adaptation

Resources and References

Scientific Papers (Simplified for Students)

Videos to Supplement

Additional Software/Apps

Books for Further Reading

Tips for Success

Classroom Management

  1. Assign computer buddies for technical support
  2. Use timer for breeding rounds to maintain pace
  3. Create “Fish Farm” bulletin board with printed achievements
  4. Rotate “Fish Master” role for demonstrations

Engagement Strategies

  1. Name all fish with creative, memorable names
  2. Create backstories for fish lineages
  3. Hold “Fish Shows” to display best specimens
  4. Connect to pets/animals students know

Data Management

  1. Use shared spreadsheets for class data
  2. Create class “gene pool” via ROE library
  3. Regular exports to prevent data loss
  4. Screenshot important moments

Differentiation Tips

  1. Vary challenge difficulty in Educational Module
  2. Pair advanced with struggling students
  3. Provide sentence starters for hypotheses
  4. Allow artistic expression in fish design

Conclusion

The El-Fish Simulator provides an engaging, hands-on approach to teaching genetics and evolution. By allowing students to directly manipulate genetic variables and observe outcomes across generations, abstract concepts become concrete and memorable. The combination of visual appeal, immediate feedback, and data collection tools makes this an invaluable resource for modern science education.

Remember: The goal is not just to breed pretty fish, but to understand the fundamental principles that govern all life on Earth. Happy breeding!

Appendix: Quick Reference

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key Genetic Terms

Challenge Point Values

Success Metrics