Coevolution Lesson Plans

Students participate in a demonstration in which they must attempt to suck liquid from varying containers with straws of varying sizes. They discuss the concept of coevolution and see why this activity illustrate the coevolution of flowers and insects.

Students survey and dissect as many fish as possible. They count nematodes, cestodes and crustaceans on the fish, fill out autopsy reports, and transfer data to a chalkboard data table. Students graph the results of the entire class and explore coevolution.

Students investigate coevolution, the process in nature in which two or more species interact intimately and depend on each other. They conduct an experiment involving the simulation of pollinating insects and flowering plants.

Students use animations and videos to explore types of co-evolution. For this co-evolution lesson, students view Quick-Time videos of leaf-cutter ants, coral reefs, and antibiotic resistant bacteria. They work in groups to complete tasks in Flash Interactive animations. They also research anthrax and write an opinion paper.

Students explore the history of taxonomy, the work of Carl Linnaeus, and the factors involved in the decline and extinction of a variety of botanical species.

Young scholars examine how natural selection creates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, recognize applications of evolutionary principles for medicine, agriculture, and conservation, and discuss how science contributes to decisions in context of society.

Students research and develop power point presentations that answer the question, "What is changing our forests?" In this ecology lesson, students research the niche of Pine Beetles and their increased effect on the forests in Colorado.

Students explore the different types of symbiotic relationships that exist between species. They investigate how humans influence the evolution of bacteria through the development of antibiotics.

Students are able to explain the relationship between adaptation and ability for survival and reproduction. They are able to give examples of a series of adaptations that would support the idea that evolution is a series of minor changes. Students are able to compare and contrast adaptations involving camouflage, warning coloration, and mimicry.

Students gain skill in the design, implementation, and reporting of a scientific research project using the scientific method. They set up an experiment to determine the effect of adding the Rhizobium bacteria to one group of legume seeds. Students plant seeds in containers containing vermiculite and after the seeds germinate, they take the pots home to continue the project.