When studying locations of specific species, interesting patterns emerge. Young scholars discover this as they plot the location of specific species on a group of islands. Patterns emerge as they identify the Wallace Line. They then...

What does it take to create a scientific theory? Learners attempt to answer the question by studying the work of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. While watching a video, they track observations from each scientist and then look...

One important skill in analyzing scientific evidence is identifying facts versus opinions. Scholars identify pieces of evidence from the film The Day the Mesozoic Died and then discuss this evidence in small groups at the end of each act...

Author Brian Selznick takes scholars on a virtual field trip to New York City's American Museum of Natural History. Three stops to the Hall of North American Mammals, Mosquito Model, and Hall of Meteorites showcase prominent dioramas and...

What can fossils tell us about periods of extinction? Young scholars interpret fossil layers to make conclusions about changes in life during different geological time periods. They analyze the fossils for abundance and diversity as well...

Ancient fossils have many stories to tell. Scientists must use different strategies to read these remnants. A video lesson explains how archeologists use different strategies to date each specimen. The timeline of a fossil helps identify...

On the Caribbean islands, lizards expanded into different niches instead of competing for resources. Scholars discuss and learn from experts in a video how scientists prove the theory. They build phylogenetic trees based on appearances...

Two scientists, two independent studies, two similar theories! A video lesson presents the work of Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace that led to their theories on evolution. Scholars then evaluate statements and provide evidence to...

Are birds descendants of dinosaurs? Learners consider the question as they watch an informative video comparing fossil records of dinosaurs with current species. Following the video, groups ponder the evidence to draw conclusions about...

Extinction events have happen throughout geologic history, but only five mass extinctions occurred over the last 4.5 billion years. Scholars view fossils from a layer of sediment during an extinction event and observe patterns to draw...

Human bodies prove evolution thanks to our genes, bones, and more. Learning about specific body parts and how they evolved from other species helps individuals better understand the transition species that helped us become who we are today.

Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals. NOVA's Evolution Lab explains how organisms on different continents can be so closely related. The resource discusses the processes that bring life from...

Have you been shaped by evolution? A short video introduces the idea of evolution through examples of natural selection, reproduction, traits, and more. The video exists as a small part of a series from the NOVA Evolution Lab.

Scientists learn about animals and plants living today by understanding the fossil record. A helpful resource includes a brief explanation of the process to help scholars complete the online game. It also mentions the gaps in knowledge...

It doesn't matter if you look on land, in the air, underground, or in water—evolution is everywhere. Scholars complete worksheets with multiple question types as they progress through six online missions creating phylogenic trees. 

Many scholars study phylogenetic trees without understanding how they are made. Through an online game, young scientists use the given data to create phylogenetic trees of increasing complexity. They rely on the trees they create to...

Are chickens and crocodiles really related? Young scientists compare the bone structure of current domestic chickens to other animals throughout evolution. This helps them understand the branches that separate crocodiles and birds as...

Are women's eggs similar to chicken eggs? Scholars compare eggs from a variety of species to better understand embryonic development. Connections to evolution through hands-on activities help to cement the new vocabulary introduced.

Sink your teeth into an engaging lesson on climate change! Science sleuths examine the prehistoric central Florida ecosystem through fossil analysis and a Socratic discussion. The easy-to-follow teacher's plan provides detailed...

Here's a topic classes can really dig—the fossil record. Use the well-organized and thoughtful road map to take eighth graders back in time to unearth the answer. Learn how our climate has changed, and how organisms have changed along...

Step right up! An engaging research-centered instructional activity, the third in a series of six, has young archaeologists study the amazing animals of the Cambrian explosion. Working in groups, they profile a breathtaking and odd...

It is easy for humans to adapt to changing environments, but how do animals and plants do it? Classes discuss how plants and animals deal with environmental changes in the second of seven lessons. Through questions and discussions,...

To find life on another planet, scientists look for gases (atmosphere), water, and temperatures that are not extreme. In this activity, groups of pupils become "Titan-ians," scientists who want to explore Earth for possible life forms....

Most meat-eating dinosaurs had bones filled with air, just like today's birds. Scholars explore the idea that humans still live with dinosaurs, aka birds in a video that explains how researchers determined that modern birds descended...