Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Apes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students prepare experiment plans for a peer review session to test the intelligence level of gorillas. They view and discuss a Discovery Channel video on the wild behaviors of gorillas then create three experiments that could test the...
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Human Evolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
As the great and hilarious Tim Minchin once said, "Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity." Science is more than just a guess; it is based on questions, observations, and evidence. High...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building Bodies

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students identify key anatomical similarities and differences between great apes and humans. They infer likely anatomical features in ancient human ancestors and list principal anatomical changes in primates necessary for adaptation to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ape Cave Exploration

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers simulate online the formation of Ape Cave, in order to better explain its construction. They observe, illustrate and discuss geological features of this lava tube.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Cultural Evolution?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars comprehend what is meant by Cultural Evolution and that it primarily applies at Human Evolution, but that there are examples in higher mammals such as a killer whales, dolphins and great apes of particular groups by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hominoid Cranium Comparison

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers describe, measure and compare cranial casts from contemporary apes (chimpanzees and gorillas, typically), modern humans and fossil "hominids" (erect and bipedal forms evolutionarily separated from apes).
PPT
Curated OER

Evidence of Evolution by Natural Selection

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Being able to test a hypothesis is a scientific must. AP Biology pupils can see the process of hypothesis testing through evidence for evolution as seen in natural selection. Slides contain solid information and excerpts from academic...
PPT
Curated OER

Evidence of Evolution by Natural Selection: Testable Hypotheses #2

For Teachers 9th - 12th
These slides will activate prior knowledge with real-life examples of natural selection. The predictions and outcomes for those examples are explained. Your students will like the information about the relevant chromosome tests that can...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Origins: The Prehistoric Human Race

For Teachers 9th - 12th
When it comes to the origin of the human species students are full of misconceptions. Clear up the hominid confusion with this evolutionary activity focused on assisting students in understanding prehistoric man and his family tree....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rainforest Rescue

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students explore threats to diversity in the Central African rainforest. They use a guided website to research animals that are threatened with extinction, examine human uses of the rainforest and think about what they can do to help...
PPT
Curated OER

Evidence of Evolution by Natural Selection - Testable Hypotheses

For Teachers 11th - 12th
The factors that affect selection and evolution are investigated here. Information about some common ancestry examples are given but with no real scientific evidence. This presentation is very obvious in making biased claims about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chimpanzees: We're Not Entertained

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore multiple perspectives to create a talk show that examines the issues facing chimpanzees. They analyze the gray areas of controversial issues to realize that there can be a wide range of possible positions on a given issue.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Gorilla Quiz

For Students 4th - 6th
In this worksheet, learners complete 11 multiple choice questions about gorilla's physical characteristics, life span, and weight. Answers are provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

1928 Flu

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students state the some diseases are the result of infection. They describe the risks associated with biological hazards, such as viruses. Pupils name ways that infectious disease can be prevented, controlled, or cured. Students...
Article
American Institute of Biological Sciences

Action Bioscience: Relative Scarcity: Apes on the Edge

For Students 9th - 10th
Over the past fifty years the population of the great apes around the world has diminished rapidly. Statistics and reasons of their decline is the focus of this article and its resources.
Website
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: All About Apes

For Students 1st - 5th
Provides a basic overview of the different ape families, along with an in-depth study of each kind of ape. Pictures, charts, and stories are provided.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Life Science: Humans and Primates

For Students 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The great apes are the members of the biological family Hominidae, which includes four living genera: chimpanzees, gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Learn more about...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is the National Zoological Park right at our fingertips. Students will find many things to explore at this colorful and engaging site. Any study of animals will have a successful start here. Chances are students can catch their...
Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: How Smart Are Orangutans?

For Students 9th - 10th
Along with humans, orangutans belong to the Hominidae family tree, which stretches back 14 million years. Lu Gao shares some amazing facts about these incredibly intelligent great apes from Asia. [4:33]
Article
DOGO Media

Dogo News: Orangutans May Soon Challenge Visitors to Tetris

For Students 3rd - 8th
Article reports on new ways technology is being used to provide stimulation for great apes in zoos. Includes video.
Handout
San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego Zoo: Gorilla

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents detailed information about the gorilla, including several photos and an audio clip. [1:52]
Handout
Bagheera

Bagheera: Orangutan

For Students 9th - 10th
This site takes a look at the unique characteristics and history of the orangutan. Special focus is given to the causes of endangerment, as well as conservation efforts currently underway. Relevant learning activities can also be found...
Website
Other

Koko: The Gorilla Foundation

For Students 9th - 10th
The Gorilla Foundation promotes the protection, preservation and propagation of gorillas. Learn about gorillas, including basic gorilla life and the politics of extinction, as well as a "biography" of Koko, the signing gorilla.

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