LEARN NC

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

Survival of the fittest?

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g912/
crocssurvival.html

A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Biology, English I, and Advanced Placement Biology

Provider: National Geographic

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science), thinking skills (information literacy, research skills, visual literacy), education technology (integrating technology), teaching methods (cooperative learning, online learning)
Provider
National Geographic

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Creative Commons License

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In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore crocodilians, ancient animals that survived the period of mass extinction at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary about 65 million years ago. Activities in this lesson engage students in development of information literacy skills, collaborative group work, and improvement of writing skills.

Students will:

  • brainstorm and list reasons why crocodilians might have survived so long;
  • research and take notes on questions about modern and prehistoric crocodilians; and
  • write papers providing their opinions of why crocodilians have survived so long, including evidence from their research.

Xpeditions provides detailed instructions for completing the lesson, assessment and extension activities, and links to helpful web resources.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 9 — English I

  • Goal 3: The learner will examine argumentation and develop informed opinions.
    • Objective 3.02: Express an informed opinion that:
      • states clearly a personal view.
      • is logical and coherent.
      • engages the reader's interest or curiosity.
    • Objective 3.03: Support that informed opinion by:
      • providing relevant and convincing reasons.
      • using various types of evidence, such as experience or facts.
      • using appropriate and effective language, reasons, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose.
      • demonstrating awareness of the possible questions, concerns, or counterarguments of the audience.

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Biology

  • Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of biological evolution.
    • Objective 5.01: Examine the evidence that supports an evolutionary view of life.
    • 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
    • Objective 5.05: Investigate the contributions of early researchers, (e.g. Pasteur and Darwin) and their impact on the current view of evolutionary biology.

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).
  • Goal 4: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.
    • Objective 4.01: Analyze the classification of organisms according to their evolutionary relationships.
      • The historical development and changing nature of classification systems.
      • Similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
      • Similarities and differences among the eukaryotic kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals.
      • Classify organisms using keys.
    • Objective 4.03: Assess, describe and explain adaptations affecting survival and reproductive success.
      • Structural adaptations in plants and animals (form to function).
      • Disease-causing viruses and microorganisms.
      • Co-evolution.