Curated OER
Molecular Approaches to Evolution
Students are introduced to working with molecular data. The first activity does both simulated and original data are used to compare amino acid, protein or DNA differences to construct phylogenetic trees or cladograms. These activities...
Curated OER
Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009: Out of Darkness
Students analyze the three models on the origin of troglobitic fauna. In this life science lesson, students also consider how the Zonation model explains the fauna's origin. They also use the Internet to research solutional and volcanic...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Lactase Persistence: Evidence for Selection
What's the link between lactase persistence and dairy farming? Biology scholars analyze data to find evidence of the connection, then relate this to human adaptation. Working individually and in small groups, learners view short video...
Curated OER
Pangaea Puzzle: Exploring the Tectonic Forces That Shape the Earth
Sixth graders follow in the footsteps of early scientists as they put the pieces of Pangaea back together and discovered the forces that create the variety of landforms and sea-floor features of our Earth.
Curated OER
Candy Dish Selection
Students explore natural selection. They explore the concepts of adaptations, and the way which random factors affect the survival of individuals and populations.
Curated OER
Natural Selection Foldable
Young scholars examine and identify examples of species that developed as a result of immigration, genetic drift, and adaptive radiation. They conduct Internet research and define key vocabulary terms, and use their species example on...
Curated OER
Where Do We Come From? An Introduction to Primate Biology
Seventh graders explore skeletal biology. Through a discussion and video observation, 7th graders investigate how the anatomy is adapted to the environment. Students study primates and explore their characteristics and behaviors.
Curated OER
From Wolf to Dog
Learners explain how dogs evolved from wolves based on the video. In this biology lesson, students research about breeding animals for specific traits. They interview dog owners and create a presentation about the dog.
Curated OER
The History of Life
In this history of life worksheet, learners complete a crossword puzzle by figuring out the vocabulary words associated with the 11 clues given. Then students review how paleontologists use fossils to learn more about past living things...
Curated OER
Darwin Day
In this Darwin Day worksheet, students read or listen to a tape passage about Charles Darwin, then match phrases, fill in the blanks, choose words, unscramble words and sentences, put sentences in order, write discussion questions and...
Curated OER
Learning Cycle Lesson Plan #6 (Misconception)
Ninth graders investigate evolution via natural selection and form an opinion. They support their opinion using scientific evidence and apply this to adaptations that have allowed certain organisms to survive.
Curated OER
Sequence Alignment
Young scholars explore the uses of sequence alignment. In this DNA lesson students complete several experiments on sequencing and algorithms.
Curated OER
Zoology
In this zoology word search, students find 30 words. This is a very difficult puzzle with complicated science vocabulary, but there is a word bank.
Curated OER
Human Evolution
Students make and use observations of Laetoli footprints to provide clues to life in the past. They collect and analyze data to study the relationship between foot length and body height.
Curated OER
How Science Works: Natural Selection
Students are introduced to the topic of adaptation and discuss how various animals adapt to their environment. In groups, they participate in a simulation in which they are selected based on criteria. They discuss the results and relate...
Curated OER
Change by Chance?
Sixth graders are able to see the role of chance in evolution. The activity is similar to the party game "gossip" or "telephone." Students start off with a drawing of an animal which changes as they pass their copies of the animal to...