evolution

Type of Resource: Online Unit, Research Resources, Online Multimedia Library, Teacher Tools and Information, Online Activities, Student tools and information
Free or Fee: Fee
Computer Needs: Quicktime, Real Player
Link: Visit the Site!

Your vote:

Clear

1

2

3

4

5

No votes yet

Recommendation:

This series and website are comprehensive and cover a great deal of material. Time would need to be spent to narrow down components to use in class if the entire program is too large to use. Each topic is fully explored through several media which provides a varied and interesting unit. The visuals are of good quality. A free 40-page teacher guide is provided.

Description:

From an ESN review: "Divine intervention takes on the Big Bang Theory in this PBS-sponsored web site intended to help students navigate the thorny evolution dispute being waged in school board meetings and science classrooms nationwide. A companion to the seven-part PBS television series `Evolution: A Journey into Where We're From and Where We're Going,´ which first aired in 2001, the site explores everything from the philosophies of Charles Darwin `to the vast changes that spawned the tree of life & to the power of sex to drive evolutionary change.´ The series also explores the emergence of consciousness, the success of humans and the perceived conflict between science and religion in understanding human life, according to a synopsis on the project's web site. Several interactive features help bring the debate alive for students and teachers. For instance, a special section called `Learning Evolution´ contains seven online lesson plans. With topics such as `What is the Evidence for Evolution?´ and `Why is Evolution Controversial?´ the content matter is sure to fuel intelligent, lively classroom discussions and should provide students with a basic understanding of the issue from both sides of the debate. Other features include a library of instructional videos and a specially designed Teacher's Guide created to help educators navigate the sensitive subject matter."

Possible uses:

While being sensitive to the national debate on the topic of evolution, teachers can find a vast resource in this PBS site. Utilize some or all of it; allow students to research on the site; share video clips and discuss; debate why evolution is controversial. Some parts can be used to simply discover change in the biological world, whether it´s connected to evolution or not. Find material about why dinosaurs went extinct or about deadly microbes. These can be used without being directly connected to a study on evolution.

Related Resources:

6-8, 9-12+

Science
Science : Biology

Online Unit, Research Resources, Online Multimedia Library, Teacher Tools and Information, Online Activities, Student tools and information

Quicktime, Real Player