Natural selection Lesson Plans

Students complete two activities to study Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection. They read Darwin's journal from the voyage of the Beagle and look at the scientific ideas that influenced the development of his theory.

Students produce a newspaper describing the times during which Charles Darwin introduced the theory of natural selection. In this evolution lesson, students make observations and explore the role of observation in Charles Darwin's work. They use multimedia tools and newspapers to help them create a newspaper about Darwin's times and work.

Learners explore biology by completing hands-on activities in class. In this evolution lesson, students define terms such as mutations, natural selection, and adaptation before conducting an adaptation related experiment in which candy is used. Learners discuss how clams have changed over time due to their surroundings and complete a worksheet in class.

Ninth graders examine the three types of natural selection as well as some examples of adaptations. After hearing the natural selection story about moths in England and the Industrial Revolution, they discuss stabilizing, directional, and disruptive natural selection and complete a worksheet.

Students working in pairs attempt to produce a full sequence of 13 cards of one suit (ace - to king). This must be done by shuffling the suit of cards for each round, then checking the cards.

Students explore the concept of biological evolution. They explore how biologists determine the number of animals in a large population. Students are able to formulate a hypothesis, perform an experiment, which simulates evolution by natural selection, collect data, formulate models and graphs, label graphs, and interpret data.

Students discuss the evolution of the eye and how a complex organ can evolve through natural selection. They research genetic variation, adaptation, and sexual selection. They analyze data to determine how beak length of Gal??pagos finches evolved.

Students examine how Darwin used the processes of science to support his theory. They distinguish between artificial and natural selection, recognize Darwin's contribution to science. They produce a newspaper describing the times in which Darwin introduced his theory of natural selection, reporting the public reaction to his theory.

Students review the unit on evolution and natural selection by playing a card game. Students take turns drawing a card from the stack and reading the question out aloud. The reader gives an answer. The other students, in turn may pass or challenge an answer. The correct answer earns the student a point.

In groups, students review the identity of an animal based on a physical description and then sketch the animal. They examine how the polar bear has changed to its environment by reading and discussing a New York Times article. They research different physical traits and behaviors of the polar bear, then synthesize their understanding of natural selection by presenting at a mock awards ceremony for the polar bear.