LEARN NC

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

The history of evolutionary theory

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=391

A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Earth and Environmental Science, and Biology

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science, environmental science), thinking skills (higher order thinking, information literacy, research skills)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

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In this lesson, students are introduced to the concept of evolution by natural selection from a historical standpoint, and they examine the evidence and arguments that support this theory. Students will examine the arguments and theories set forth by three historically important scientists: Jean Baptiste Lamarck, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Charles Darwin. After conducting research using online web resources, students participate in a discussion about their preconceptions and ideas about evolution, the theory of natural selection, and Darwin's role in history. The teacher leads students in a discussion about the support and criticism of the theory that giraffe’s neck developed over time because of a need to adapt to the environment. Then, students read an excerpt from The Origin of Species and discuss general questions about the information. Finally, students present their knowledge in a multi-media format. Science NetLinks provides links to student handouts and web resources, discussion questions, and directions for completing the lesson. This lesson also contains links to similar Science NetLinks lesson plans and other web resources that provide more information on evolution.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Biology

  • Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of biological evolution.
    • Objective 5.04: Analyze the mechanisms of evolution, their role, results and implications.
      • Identification of patterns and the responsible mechanisms.
      • Analyze heredity and its link to natural selection.
      • Examine speciation.
      • Examine macroevolution.
      • Recommended laboratory - Population Genetics and Evolution

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Earth and Environmental Science

  • Goal 2: The learner will build an understanding of the interdependence of Earth's systems.
    • Objective 2.05: Investigate the biosphere.
      • Organisms: adaptations to their environment.
      • Populations and communities: exponential growth and carrying capacity.
      • Ecosystems and change: biomass, energy transfer, succession.
      • Evolution of life: natural selection, extinction.
      • Biomes: global distribution.

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).