Speciation Lesson Plans

Young scholars examine the molecular studies of organisms that have led to a new era in their understanding of speciation and evolutionary relationships. Students study the allelic frequency of genes controlling specific molecules and assess historical continuity among closely and distantly related species. Young scholars research and work on molecular data.

Learners are able to recognize that scientists use different definitions of species. They are able to assess the strengths and limitations of species definitions depending on their context. Students are able to use definitions of species to enhance their understanding of speciation. They are able to understand the concept of taxonomy and biodiversity inventories.

Students place different subspecies of a CA salamander are placed on grid map of CA according to where samples were collected. Then discuss patterns of their distribution, their likely evolutionary relationships, and probable sequence of formation.

Students explore how different species thrive.  In this speciation lesson students research and complete a lab activity.

Students investigate the models for the origin of modern humans and the conditions that facilitate speciation and evolution. The classification and nomenclature of hominid species is examined.

Ninth graders explore evolution. They study a cartoon scenario of a rabbit population in which there is selection and a change of gene frequency. Students discuss frequencies, evolution, and speciation.

Students discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they design another species of shrimp that could survive in a different portion of the rift.

Students create an evolutionary tree based on fossil morphology and their ages. In this fossil record lesson plan, students are given 23 pictures of fossil. They study their morphology and arrange the fossils by age and structures on a chart with time periods. Students tape the fossils in place and analyze their results to form a phylogenic tree.

Students explore how gene sequence analysis can be used to examine phylogenetic similarities of different organisms. Students work in groups to simulate a gel electrophoresis separation of fragments using poster board to create their gel.

Students investigate the differences in bird beaks. In this animal biology instructional activity, students are shown images of bird beaks and identify reasons why bird beaks are shaped in different ways. Students simulate how bird beaks work by creating a tweezer-like object and demonstrate how bird beaks collect food.