PPT
Curated OER

The Earliest Humans

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Study the wonder and science that leads us to our human past. From Darwin and Huxley's assertions regarding the origin of the species to the discoveries at Oldivi Gorge, this PowerPoint is sure to interest your class. They'll learn about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Replacing Missing Links in the Evolutionary Chain

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Examine the evolution of various species of hominids from their earliest existence approximately 4.5 million years ago to today. In small groups, learners research one of the ten stages of hominid evolution and then create a poster and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Origin of Life: Alternative Views

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the topics of faith and science as they relate to the origins of life. They consider the major points of Darwin's Theory of Evolution and brainstorm various explanations of how life began. Students investigate different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Origins: The Prehistoric Human Race

For Teachers 9th - 12th
When it comes to the origin of the human species young scholars are full of misconceptions. Clear up the hominid confusion with this evolutionary activity focused on assisting students in understanding prehistoric man and his family...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Our Past: Where Did Humans Come From?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Investigate the theories of human evolution. In this research based lesson, learners research and discuss how geographic isolation, interbreeding, generalization, and specialization are factors in the history of humans. Groups work...
PPT
Curated OER

A Brief History of Life: How Did Everything Begin?

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Addressing the idea of intelligent design, as well as a number of creation myths, this presentation gives a measured and scientific perspective to the beginning of the world.  It includes a graphic on the Big Bang Theory, evolution,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching Controversial Science Issues Through Law Related Education

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Discuss the differences in dialogue and debate when considering a controversial topic. Your class can work in small groups to complete a guided discussion of this controversial topic and then participate in a simulation of the Scopes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The "Science" of Racism

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How can we keep racism out of our society? Analyze the factors that lead to racism today and research previous scientific findings that impacted social policy. Your high school students identify ways to prevent past mistakes from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is the Evidence for Evolution?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify one object that would tell the story of their lives. In groups, they determine what can and cannot be told from objects left behind. After watching a video, they compare and contrast chicken bones to human bones. To...
Unit Plan
Core Knowledge Foundation

Genetics and the Master Race

For Teachers 7th Standards
How did the beginnings of genetic research influence the Nazi party? A thorough, engaging unit incorporates the work of Gregor Mendel, the study of inherited traits, and the use of racism and discrimination during the Holocaust.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Does Evolution Work?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to how the process of evolution works. As a class, they review the characteristics of natural selection and how those with advantageous traits reproduce and survive. To test this theory of natural selection,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is evolution and how does it work?

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students discuss the theory of evolution. For this evolution lesson, students discover Charles Darwin and his ideas of heredity, variation, and selection. This lesson gives information for the students to read. 
Lesson Plan
Historical Thinking Matters

Scopes Trial: 3 Day Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Was the Scopes trial more complicated than a simple debate between evolutionists and creationists? As part of a structured academic controversy (SAC) activity, pupils consider multiple perspectives of the Butler Act and engage in close...
Unit Plan
PACER Center

The Peer Advocacy Guide

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Teasing, mocking, and disrespect can be the hallmarks in the life of those with disabilities. Disrupt the cycle of abuse with a toolkit designed to turn peers into advocates for all those who are bullied. Everything needed to create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Origins of Man

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils learn about new technologies being used to update what is known about human evolution and migration. They then compare the new theories to the traditional knowledge.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why Does Evolution Matter Now?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine how natural selection creates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, recognize applications of evolutionary principles for medicine, agriculture, and conservation, and discuss how science contributes to decisions in...
Lesson Plan
Historical Thinking Matters

Scopes Trial: 1 Day Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Why did many Tennesseeans support the 1925 Butler Act, which forbade the teaching of evolution? Using several primary source documents and a brief video clip, your young historians will draw connections between the broader historical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Darwin's Finches

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders engage in a study of the Theory Of Evolution with the use of Darwin's finches as examples while making a connection to adaptive radiation. They use class discussion in order to further the lesson and focus upon...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evolution vs. Intelligent Design

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore the arguments surrounding evolution versus intelligent design have affected relationships among people of different religious backgrounds.  In this ethics instructional activity, 9th graders determine whether...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Darwinist Dogma?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students debate whether teachers should be mandated to present theories challenging evolution in their classrooms. For homework, they write letters to their local school board expressing their own opinions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

They're more evolved that way

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the notion of local evolution, or genetic selectivity among different continent-based human populations. They consider specific examples of local evolution, such as lactose tolerance, skin color, and cognitive capacity,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Team Works

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students define "group" and list American social and political movements throughout history. They examine one model of a successful team and positive group mentality by reading and identify the traits of a successful group and those of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Lost World (4 parts)

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders view this science fiction adventure, though not scientifically accurate, creates opportunities to explore the extinction of dinosaurs and to explore evolution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Short Answer

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners examine the discovery of the Flores man. For this anthropology lesson, students discover details about the Flores man and the work of anthropologists. Learners are challenged to create their own stories that explain Flores man.