2024 Colorado Science Conference

Learning with scientific models (e.g., cladograms) is a critical component in developing scientific literacy for all students. Scientific models do not have to be highly technical or even expensive. For example, the American Biology Teacher (ABT) published a Quick Fix on Using Pipe Cleaners to Bring the Tree of Life to Life in 2010. This model has since been built upon to integrate various elements of tree-thinking into evolution education for biology students at middle, high school and university levels. Additionally, we will also review how we have previously taught students how to use cladogram models to test real-world hypotheses and make predictions based on the shown relationships versus what would have to be changed within the model to represent something new and different. Teachers will receive the components of the model using pipe cleaners and pony beads to take back the classroom and use immediately.