LEARN NC

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

Chimps, humans, thumbs, and tools

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g68/lonsdorf.html

Provider: National Geographic

About this resource

Appropriate grades
4
Subjects
science (general), thinking skills (higher order thinking, information literacy, visual literacy), education technology (integrating technology), teaching methods (discussions, online learning)
Provider
National Geographic

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In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore how some animal species use tools in a similar manner to humans. Activities in this lesson engage students in whole class discussion and development of problem-solving skills.

Students will:

  • discuss the work of Jane Goodall and Elizabeth Lonsdorf;
  • identify on maps where Goodall and Lonsdorf have done research with chimpanzees;
  • distinguish between tools which need no alteration from how they appear in nature, called “naturefacts,” and those which have to be crafted, i.e., “artifacts”;
  • consider whether use of parts of one's own body can be considered tool use; and
  • explain what is meant by “opposable thumb,” and its importance to primates.

Xpeditions provides detailed directions for completing the lesson, suggestions for assessment and extension activities, discussion questions, and links to necessary web resources.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 4

  • Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
    • Objective 1.01: Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
      • Other animals.
      • Plants.
      • Weather.
      • Climate.
    • Objective 1.02: Observe and record how animals of the same kind differ in some of their characteristics and discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this variation.
    • Objective 1.03: Observe and discuss how behaviors and body structures help animals survive in a particular habitat.
    • Objective 1.04: Explain and discuss how humans and other animals can adapt their behavior to live in changing habitats.
    • Objective 1.05: Recognize that humans can understand themselves better by learning about other animals.