LEARN NC

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

Comparing theories: Lamarck and Darwin

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=387

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

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

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The purpose of this lesson is to compare Lamarck's mechanism for evolution with Darwin’s theory of natural selection. In this lesson, students use an online video tool to explore the basic principles behind Darwin's mechanism of natural selection. They then extend their understanding of Lamarck's and Darwin's models by using them to explain phenomena and by comparing them to one another. Science Netlinks provides student and teacher handouts, links to helpful web resources and detailed directions for completing the lesson.

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).