Change Over Time or Evolution

This article utilizes the concept of structure and function to introduce students to evolution. As prep for the lesson students use Darwin’s trip to the Galapagos Islands to connect geograp... See More

This article utilizes the concept of structure and function to introduce students to evolution. As prep for the lesson students use Darwin’s trip to the Galapagos Islands to connect geography, history and scientific observation. The activity is provided in this article. Mutation and environmental changes are also part of understanding change over time. This seems like a great interdisciplinary activity that incorporates Mendelian principles.

Assumptions Or Misconceptions

This article provides a paper & pencil approach to understanding the major steps of the evolutionary process. However, even the author is quick to strongly suggest that it would be importan... See More

This article provides a paper & pencil approach to understanding the major steps of the evolutionary process. However, even the author is quick to strongly suggest that it would be important to let the students know that the activity is based on many assumptions and alterations in order to create a model that will facilitate the presentation of those major steps. As teachers, we need to be careful to not suggest new misconceptions or give rise to additional misunderstandings as we create learning opportunities for our students. Some middle school students might have a difficult time separating the fact from fiction portions of this activity.