SBI3U Evolution Comic Strip

Dec 2011 ST

Speciation Comic Strip Project

Why a comic strip? Comic strips have been appearing in newspapers ever since newspaper printing began in the early 1600’s. There is evidence of the Chinese and Egyptians using sketches to tell stories as early as 800’s B.C. But it wasn’t until the early 20th century that people acknowledged the importance that comic strips played in world history. Comic strips are so named because of their design, being much longer than they are wide. They are used to convey information to the public in a humourous and informative manner. For this project you are to develop a short comic strip (minimum 8 panels) about a new species that illustrates the process of speciation through isolation. The comic strip should

clearly articulate and illustrate how isolation can lead to speciation and differentiate between the mechanisms that effect evolution (e.g. natural selection, genetic drift, mutation etc.). This assignment will allow you to visually illustrate how isolation leads to speciation and let you demonstrate your knowledge and artistic skills! Requirements:

1) The species that you choose to illustrate must be an original organism that you imagine (i.e. unique to you and you alone). The only requirement for the new species is that you must be able to illustrate the speciation process using it. Therefore it should have a trait that can be variable and provide a survival advantage. Make sure you name it – scientific and common name. 2) Comic strip must be a minimum of 8 panels. 3) The first panel will be the title – you make this up – be creative (see survival of the sneakiest for an example). One panel should be used to show the original, single, interbreeding population with obvious genetic variation. 4) The other panels will show how speciation can occur through isolation and the mechanisms responsible for evolution in a population. Remember to use at least one panel to illustrate/explain the source of reproductive isolation (e.g. timing, behavioural). 5) Create at least one panel that clearly shows that you now have two separate species (what is the definition of a species?) (Create a name for the new one using binomial nomenclature) 5) Use call outs (like in a comic book) and background text to explain in clear sentences what is happening in each panel. 6) Make it colourful and remember – this comic strip must be able to convey to a lay person all the steps of speciation. 7) Due date: December 23. If you create something on the computer – hand in a black-and-white copy, but post a colour copy on the wiki.

For those “artistically challenged’, the program Comic Life which can be found on the school computers will be helpful. But you still need to be original. Other options, print out a template from comic life and draw your comic (or be creative in how to create it!). Also, consider just taking a blank piece of paper and dividing it into 8 panels, with four on the front and four on the back.

SBI3U Evolution Comic Strip

Dec 2011 ST

Evolution Comic Strip Rubric

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1

Creativity (C) (_______/10)

The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's

comprehension and enjoyment of speciation through isolation.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's

comprehension and enjoyment of speciation through isolation

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story

making it somew hat diff icult to understand.

There is little evidence of creativity in the story. Story is diff icult to understand.

Dialogue / Text (C) (______/5)

There is an appropriate amount of dialogue and text to inform the audience about speciation.

Includes title frame and species names.

There is enough dialogue and text in this story to inform the audience about speciation. Includes title

frame and at least one species name.

There is not quite enough dialogue or text in this story to inform the audience about

speciation. Includes Title frame; only names one species.

It is not clear that the story is about speciation. Does not include title frame. Inadequate text bubbles to

relay what is going on. Missing title frame and/or species names.

Illustrations (C) (_______/10)

Original illustrations are detailed, attractive, creative and relate to the text on the page. Includes

eight or more panels.

Original illustrations are somew hat detailed, attractive, and relate to the text on the page. Eight

panels.

Original illustrations relate to the text on the page. Only seven panels in length.

Illustrations are not present OR they are not original. Few er than 7 panels in length.

Grammar and Syntax (C) (______/5)

Grammar and usage were correct and contributed to clarity, style and character development.

Grammar and usage were typically correct and errors did not detract from the presentation.

Grammar and usage were typically correct but errors detracted from presentation.

Repeated errors in grammar and usage detracted greatly from the presentation.

Originality (A) (______/10)

Comic shows considerable originality and inventiveness. The content and ideas are

presented in a unique and interesting way.

Comic shows some originality and inventiveness. The content and ideas are

presented in an interesting way.

Comic shows an attempt at originality and inventiveness in part of the presentation.

Comic is a rehash of other people's ideas and/or images and shows very little attempt at original

thought.

Content (K/U) (_______/30)

All content throughout the presentation is accurate. There are no factual errors. Clearly describes

how speciation can occur through isolation and includes how genetic change occurs in the

separate populations and what mechanism isolates the populations reproductively. Excellent

detail.

Most of the content is accurate but there is one piece of information that might be inaccurate.

Describes how speciation can occur through isolation and includes how genetic change occurs in

the separate populations and what mechanism isolates the populations reproductively. Good

detail.

The content is generally accurate, but one piece of information related to below is clearly f lawed or

inaccurate. Describes how speciation can occur through isolation and includes how genetic

change occurs in the separate populations and what mechanism isolates the populations

reproductively. Some confusion. Adequate detail.

Content is typically confusing or contains more than one factual error related to follow ing:

Describes how speciation can occur through isolation and includes how genetic change occurs in

the separate populations and what mechanism isolates the populations reproductively. Very

confusing and lacks detail.

Comments: ______/60