Apes Lesson Plans

Learners evaluate the intelligence of apes. In this biology lesson, students use a rubric to draw conclusions from a video to determine if an ape is demonstrating real intelligence. Learners discuss their opinions in small groups and then compare their  findings with those of other researchers. Students then evaluate the experiments and conclude weather they have confidence in their findings.

Learners watch a video and answer questions about ape intelligence. In this primate intelligence lesson, students view a program about the science of ape intelligence. They answer viewing response questions and discuss their answers in groups.

Students view a program about ape intelligence and discuss the similarities and differences between apes and humans. In this science lesson students complete an activity that categorizes the social behaviors of apes. 

Students watch a video and discuss the research on the intelligence of apes. In this primate activity, students view a NOVA video about ape intelligence. They work in groups to take notes on the observations and conclusions of researchers studying ape intelligence.

Students discover primate lifestyles by researching Jane Goodall.  In this animal life lesson plan, students discuss the meaning of alpha male, great apes, kin selection, and other primate related terms.  Students read about Jane Goodall's progress in the scientific world and create a Venn Diagram comparing humans and chimps.

Students research topics related to issues in the novel Eva by Peter Dickinson. In this novel research lesson, students research topics for the issues in the novel choosing from the list about the brain, organ transplants, chimps/apes, habitat destruction, scientific ethics, or environmental issues. Students present their research as a web page, PowerPoint, research paper, or participate in a debate.

Students explore the world of apes. In this reading skills lesson, students complete a jigsaw reading activity (the reading material is not included) regarding orangutans.

Students explore early hominid evolution as they analyze bones that share characteristics of both apes and humans. Students compare and contrast key skeletal differences between chimpanzees and humans. In groups, they sort and group a set of mixed bones of chimpanzees and human. A set of Australopithecine bones is introduced and students apply their skeletal knowledge to the classification of these unknown bones.

Students evaluate the degree of chromosome similarity and difference between humans and apes. Students infer about the relationship between a human and ape based on similarities found.

Learners compare and contrast the way humans and chimpanzees walk on two feet. They observe classmates walking and then view a video showing other primates walking. They use the observations to rate each species on speed, agility and stamina on two feet.