LEARN NC

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

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).

Resources aligned to this objective

Strive to survive: Part 2
Students will explore the concepts of survival and natural selection from scientific and historical points-of-view using inquiry-based investigations, internet research and other strategies.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science)
By Jeffrey Bell.
Woodworms: A study of natural selection
A study of natural selection and the evolutionary process through the use of a fictitious species, toothus pickii.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By B. Carl Rush.

Lesson plans on the web

The Chernobyl disaster
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students discover how a nuclear accident can affect biological systems. By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Comparing theories: Lamarck and Darwin
This Science NetLinks lesson provides an opportunity for students to compare the theories of two historically important evolutionary scientists: Jean Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin. In this lesson, students explore the basic principles behind Darwin's theory of natural selection. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The evolution of dinosaurs over time
This lesson asks students to combine their knowledge of evolution, geologic time, and dinosaurs into a discussion of how these three topics overlap with regard to dinosaur evolution in the Cretaceous period (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Fossilized dinosaur heart
Students will distinguish between ornithischian and saurischian dinosaurs and identify traditional distinctions between reptilians and mammals focusing on heart physiology and metabolism. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: Cable News Network
The history of evolutionary theory
The goal of this Science NetLinks lesson is for students to have the opportunity to examine how evolution has been scientifically explained historically. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The human role in dog evolution
This lesson asks students to investigate and think carefully about the human role in the domestication and evolution of ancient and modern dog breeds. Students will explore the relationship between wolves and dogs, the reasons why dogs have been bred, and the controversial wolf hybrid breed. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Introduction to natural selection
This hands-on activity demonstrates how populations change little by little, generation by generation, due to survival of species that have traits that are beneficial in an environment. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Mammoth extinction
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students will explore a Web resource that presents various hypotheses about why the woolly mammoth became extinct, with a special focus on an infectious disease as the cause. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Paleo-what? The life and work of Emerging Explorer Zeray Alemseged
In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the field of paleoanthropology. They consider how National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Zeray Alemseged chose paleoanthropology as his career as they learn more about the multifaceted field itself. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Physical characteristics of places: The fossil record
This lesson asks students to consider how the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates alters the physical characteristics of places over geologic time. They'll investigate how climate has changed in specific world regions since the time of the dinosaurs and will write paragraphs explaining their findings. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Survival of the fittest?
This lesson, from Xpeditions, introduces students to crocodilian species. Crocodilians, including crocodiles and alligators, are ancient animals that survived the period of mass extinction at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary about 65 million years ago. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and English Language Arts)
Provider: National Geographic
What's the hammer for?
This lesson asks students to consider the possible reasons why hammerheads have “hammers” and to read and analyze scientists' thoughts concerning this question. Students visit relevant websites and conclude by pretending to be researchers investigating this question further and describing their upcoming research. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic