KS4 Evolution
Ceri Evans' masterclass: evolution *suitable for home teaching*
This is a great video to watch for fantastic teaching ideas. Ceri teaches an interactive lesson of the theory of evolution, including concepts such as variation, mutation, environmental change, variation, natural selection and adaptation.
Biodiversity and Evolution (Age 14 to 16)
This practical activity, with supporting power point, can be used to introduce the concept of natural selection using Darwin's finches as an example.
Evolution *suitable for home teaching*
Why does Darwinian evolution raise controversy when, say, quantum mechanics scarcely registers on the public consciousness?
This issue of 'Big Picture' looks at the theory of evolution, the evidence that supports it, unanswered questions and the history of public reaction.
Very useful for practicing extended writing, there is also an associated activity in which students explore evolution through different styles of writing and different view points.
Wellcome Trust: Tree of life *suitable for home teaching*
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the programme was part of the BBC's Darwin season. It charts the process of evolution, from simple organic molecules in the primordial soup to the variety of species that is seen today.
This is accompanied by an interactive tree of life for students to explore evolutionary relationships, together with lesson plans, activities and teachers notes.
Darwin Today Factsheets *suitable for home teaching*
Five posters of fascinating information. You can use these to add relevant information on the latest applications of evolutionary science to class presentations. Or they would make a display for students to read as they line up before your lessons. They would also be ideal for group research activities.
Changing Climates, Evolving Humans
Students often find human evolution more difficult to describe. This colourful leaflet from the Natural Environment Research Council looks at how environmental factors have affected human evolution. It includes a timeline and map showing how and where humans have developed and changed over millions of years.
Testing the Theory
This activity asks students to use the Theory of Evolution
by Natural Selection to explain the characteristics of three animals. Then they apply the theory to think about how humans may become adapted to a future environment.
This can be used for a homework activity.
