Activity: Putting Evolution in YOUR Hands!
In this activity, students will show what they have learned about evolution and think about the process in a more creative and critical way. In the end, students will have a more cohesive understanding of how evolution works. It is designed specifically for grades four through eight as a supplemental research lesson for a unit on evolution. However, it can easily be altered to work with a wider range of grades.
Materials: Books, computers, magazines and various research materials; Notebooks/folders for collecting and recording research; Poster paper for drawing; Colored pencils, crayons, markers, or other drawing supplies; Recycled materials to create a model (more on this later).
Time: Two to three sessions of 45-60 minutes
Day 1 | Introduction Start by talking to students about the way our world is changing and how different species will have to continue to evolve in order for their species to survive. Then, have each student identify a species (plant or animal) – prompt them to choose their favorite one or one they want to learn more about. Have each student research his or her chosen species. How has that organism evolved to survive in its habitat? What adaptations can they find to back up their answers? Have students record these adaptations by writing or drawing them out. Ask your students to draw a picture of their species natural habitat, based on the research they did.
Day 2 | Main Activity
This is the fun part, and where the students really get to use their imagination. Encourage them to think about the impact we have on the environment and how that will eventually change the landscape of where their studied species lives. Have a conversation with the students about what happens to a species when the land around it changes - do they need to evolve so they can survive? Students will then draw what they think their species’ habitat will look like 1000 years from now. Once their habitat is drawn,
they should draw what their species could look like 1000 years from now as well, again highlighting the ways in which the ani- mals had to evolve. When students have completed their drawings, have them present them to the class, explaining each of the decisions they made in their drawings. As students present their creations and the reasons they made specific decisions, actively encourage the class to discuss each project. Depending on how your students work, they may need an extra day to complete this activity.
Teacher Tips
If students make off the wall decisions for what their species would look like in the future, make sure they have a reason that is based on their research of how the species would evolve, not just because it looks cool or is funny. Do let the students have fun with this though, it is supposed to be an enjoyable activity that gets them excited to learn!
Additional Activities
Take this lesson to the next level by having your students build a model of the habitat and evolved animal they dreamed up. Challenge them to use recycled materials for this project. Shoe boxes, bottle caps, paperboard and yogurt cups are all great resources for projects like this. With advance notice, students could begin collecting items a week or two before the lesson plan begins. They could also set up a bin in the cafeteria to collect materials from.
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