7-12 Life Science Day 1: Evolution

Overview

Teachers will explore the cultural controversy surrounding evolution and the role of science in society, including how both “science” and “society” should react when mainstream scientific understanding is rejected for non-scientific reasons. Also, Darwin’s proposed evolutionary mechanism will be introduced.

Standards Addressed

7.4.3.2.x Individual organisms with certain traits in particular environments are more likely than others to survive and have offspring.

9.4.3.3.1 Describe how evidence led Darwin to develop the theory of natural selection and common descent to explain evolution.

9.4.3.3.3 Recognize that artificial selection has led to offspring through successive generations that can be very different in appearance and behavior from their distant ancestors.

7.4.3.2.1 Explain how the fossil record documents the appearance, diversification and extinction of many life forms.

9.4.3.3.2 Use scientific evidence, including the fossil record, homologous structures, and genetic and/or biochemical similarities, to show evolutionary relationships among species.