LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Introduction to natural selection

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=99

A lesson plan for Grades 8–12 Biology

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
8–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Legal

Creative Commons License

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This lesson is an introduction to natural selection and is suited to any student who is just beginning his or her discovery of evolution. The motivation introduces a species of bird that became (over millions of years) numerous species, through adaptation. The development is a hands-on activity that demonstrates how populations change little by little, generation by generation, due to survival of species that have traits that are beneficial in an environment.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.
  • Goal 5: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of evidence of evolution in organisms and landforms.
    • Objective 5.02: Correlate evolutionary theories and processes:
      • Biological.
      • Geological.
      • Technological.

Grades 9–12 — Biology

  • Goal 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.
    • Objective 3.05: Examine the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection including:
      • Development of the theory.
      • The origin and history of life.
      • Fossil and biochemical evidence.
      • Mechanisms of evolution.
      • Applications (pesticide and antibiotic resistance).