Making Sense of Evolution

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 16.06.04

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Background and Rationale
  3. The Geologic Time Scale
  4. Fossils: Evidence of Environment and Evolution
  5. Evolution and Environment
  6. Example Organism: The Woolly Mammoth
  7. Student Goals and Activities
  8. Endnotes
  9. Bibliography
  10. Appendix A – Implementing District Standards

Understanding Earth's History and Geologic Time through Evolution

Amanda Snow

Published September 2016

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 16.06.04

Although we can imagine the Grand Canyon being carved by the Colorado River over millennia, it can be difficult for adults and students to picture and understand the considerable changes not only in geology but in the life forms that have existed. In schools it is not common to teach the concepts of geologic time and evolution in tandem. Prior to this unit, students should have studied basic geologic processes and laws, such as sedimentation and the law of superposition. This unit aims at helping middle school students better understand Earth’s history, events, and environments through the lens of evolution. Topics in this unit include the geologic time scale, fossil formation, fossils and evolution, mechanisms of evolution, evolution and the environment, and a glance at an example organism, the woolly mammoth. Students will bring geology and evolution together through the construction of explanatory models, hands-on activities, fossil analysis, argumentation with evidence, and scientific literacy.

(Developed for Earth and Space Science, grade 8; recommended for Earth Science, grades 6-8)

Comments:

Shaleen B Thody

October 24, 2017 at 10:12 am

Any curriculum materials you are willing to share

This is a fantastic way to address the NGSS standards. Any chance you are willing to share more of your curriculum materials?

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