Theory of Evolution and Natural Selection
This unit of study is intended for 9th grade students of various reading abilities. Most of the activities are cooperative to facilitate teaching and learning among peers.
Using this blog, students will explore different resources in the forms of videos, articles, trade books, and websites in learning about evolution and natural selection. Each resource has corresponding activities for students to do.
This short video clip introduces Darwin and his theory of evolution and natural selection. It explains Darwin's insights, and presents him as the first to come up with the mechanism of natural selection.
Before watching the video, students will work in groups in discussing their prior knowledge on evolution and natural selection. They will complete the K part in a KWLQ (What do I KNOW, What do I want to LEARN, What did I LEARN, What new QUESTIONS do I have now) chart.
After watching the video, the students will continue working with their own groups to discuss and complete the rest of the KWLQ chart columns.
Science Channel Video.(n.d.). Natural Selection. Retrieved from http://evolution.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XK&zTi=1&sdn=evolution&cdn=education&tm=52&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//science.discovery.com/videos/100-greatest-discoveries-shorts-natural-selection.html
This website provides an in depth study of Charles Darwin, his voyage and observations, his influences and theory. Several videos about the theory of evolution are also embedded in this site. An example of an application of Darwin's theory using the giraffes' neck is also provided. This website is like a web quest, providing students objectives for the lesson, resources, and lesson review questions to answer.
The students will work cooperatively in reading the texts, and watching the videos in this website. They will do a group study following the lesson in this website. They will also answer the questions at the end of the lesson.
Speedway Sparkplugs. Darwin and the Theory of Evolution. (n.d.).Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/user:speedwaybiology/concept/Darwin-and-the-Theory-of-Evolution-%253A%253Aof%253A%253A-The-Theory-of-Evolution/
Trade Book: The Kingfisher Book of Evolution
Based on CBC review posted 6/23/2010, the Kingfisher Book of Evolution follows the story of life as it unfolds on Earth. Every aspect of evolution is covered, beginning with a look at the first primitive organisms 3.5 million years ago and ending with a daring vision of life in the future. It explores evolution from the perspectives of religion, myth, and history. It has clear text, detailed illustrations and photographs which make it easy for young readers to understand the science behind concepts such as genetics, heredity, and cloning, and to follow the trail of life from DNA to dinosaurs and beyond. Both in tone and content, it conveys the science accurately. Summaries of evolution facts, a glossary, and an index support its value for advanced students who want to read more about the science that forms the underpinning of all modern biology.
Webster, S. (2000).The Kingfisher Book of Evolution. Kingfisher Publications
Article: Selection Spurred Recent Evolution, Researchers Say
This article talks about the new findings about human evolution through natural selection. It states that human evolution accelerated over the past 40,000 years which greatly contradicts the assumption that evolution stopped 10,000-50,000 years ago. This article is very interesting and provides a recent link to Darwin's theory which was conceptualized a long time ago.
Students can work in pairs in summarizing this article, providing the main idea, and supporting details, particularly evidences that support how human evolution accelerated over the past 40,000 years.
Students can also use this article in creating a semantic map in order to understand its rich but challenging vocabulary.
Wade, N. (2007). Selection Spurred Recent Evolution, Researchers Say. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/science/11gene.html?_r=0
This article talks about the new findings about human evolution through natural selection. It states that human evolution accelerated over the past 40,000 years which greatly contradicts the assumption that evolution stopped 10,000-50,000 years ago. This article is very interesting and provides a recent link to Darwin's theory which was conceptualized a long time ago.
Students can work in pairs in summarizing this article, providing the main idea, and supporting details, particularly evidences that support how human evolution accelerated over the past 40,000 years.
Students can also use this article in creating a semantic map in order to understand its rich but challenging vocabulary.
Wade, N. (2007). Selection Spurred Recent Evolution, Researchers Say. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/science/11gene.html?_r=0
