Primates Lesson Plans

Learners examine the different branches of the primate family tree. They create fact cards about various species of non-human primates and then write fictional skits about interactions among the different primates.

Students read about primates. In this reading comprehension lesson students read the nonfiction book Primates. Students record details while reading and share with classmates after reading.

Students transfer examples (names) of primates from their location in an outline hierarchy of primate groups into a set of nested boxes reflecting that same hierarchy. A cladogram can then be drawn illustrating how these groups are related in an evolution

This lesson has students compare differences in amino acids in the beta hemoglobin from representative primates, complete a matrix of those differences, and from these data, construct and interpret cladograms as they reflect relationships and timing of divergence.

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

In this lesson students explore why primates are so innate in using tools. They are unique organisms in nature because they do this. The students compare how young orangutans use tools versus human children.

This lesson has students examine groups of hierarchy and see how primates are categorized.  In this primate classification lesson students view video and slides then examine the taxonomy of primates. 

In this lesson learners explore the cave paintings of Lascaux to discover the primative paintings and history of the site. Following the video and the Internet tour, learners create their own art materials and cave paintings.

Students compare their performance of a series of tasks using their thumb and fingers to their performance of the same tasks without the use of their thumb. They discuss the role of fine and gross motor skills and speculate on the role of the opposable thumb in primate evolution.

In this lesson students investigate social behavior patterns of primates. Next, students research a specific primate-analyzing individual and group behavior patterns particular to the species. They create informational posters and present findings to the class.