Paleoanthropologist Lesson Plans

Students are introduced to Zeresenay "Zeray" Alemseged, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, who is a paleoanthropologist. They do a variety of engaging activities to help them explain bipedalism---humans walking on two feet.

Students examine the cause and effect relationship between geography and ancient civilizations. After reading an article, they determine how new findings can help scientists examine the migration patterns of these civilizations. Using the internet, they research how climate and geography affected prehistoric humans and create their own dioramas. They reflect on these issues in their journals.

Students study individual fields of science and how those fields complement each other in the ongoing study of human origins. They prepare a brief oral presentation giving an overview of how their chosen scientific fields complement each other.

Students research theories of human evolution. In this evolution lesson plan, students use the Internet to learn more about theories explaining the development of Homo sapiens. They act as anthropologists and write a two-page magazine article explaining human origins.

Students consider how Dr. Alemseged chose paleoanthropology as his career as they research the multifaceted field itself. They identify relationships between various aspects of paleoanthropology.

Students see how bipedalism developed in hominids, and the significance of that development in the quest to explain human origins. Student presentations and displays should reflect an understanding of the ways in which bipedalism may have developed.

Students investigate hominid evolution to learn the difference between a relative and an ancestor. They study the emergence of bipedalism and the related physical adaptations and cultural ramifications, and chart patterns of hominid migration.

Young scholars identify one object that would tell the story of their lives. In groups, they determine what can and cannot be told from objects left behind. After watching a video, they compare and contrast chicken bones to human bones. To end the lesson plan, they create a timeline of the Cenozoic Era.

Students brainstorm about evolution and explore the processes of evolution.  In this investigative lesson students map out evolution and compare the two theories after researching them. 

Students examine the life and career of paleoanthropologist Zeray Alemseged and the concept of how bipedalism influenced the development of hominids. They view an online profile, participate in and discuss a mini class obstacle course, complete an online interactive activity, and create a poster illustrating the similarities and differences between apes and humans.