American Physiological Society
Sticky Adaptations A Lesson on Natural Selection
Now you see it, now you don't! The stick bug exhibits the ability to disappear into a wooded environment. Why does this adaptation manifest in some species, but not in others? Life science students explore animal adaptations in nature...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Survival of the Fittest - Variations in the Clam Species Clamys sweetus
It's not often that you come across a clever laboratory activity that is both imaginative and comprehensive! Using M&M's and Reese's peanut butter candies to represent two different clam species, young biologists test for "relative...
University of Pennsylvania
Evolution by Natural Selection
A diagram, data table, and reading passage top this resource. Through it, biology beginners are introduced to the concept of natural selection. They answer some questions and then participate in a simulation using fabric as a habitat and...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Evolution Begins with the Inheritance of Gene Variations
Connect Mendelian genetics with Darwinian theories. An interactive lesson lets pupils explore how George Shull used research from other scientists to explore genetic variation. The resource outlines the statistical analysis of genetic...
Biology Junction
Lamarck vs. Darwin: Introduction to Change in Organisms
How are traits passed down from parents? Jean Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin envisioned conflicting theories. Learn about both scientists and their theories with an insightful presentation. Giraffes and dogs serve as examples of...
Biology Junction
Evolution – Diversity of Life
Scientists noticed animals with backbones share similar bone structure despite having different forms, such as fins, arms, and wings. Young scientists gain an appreciation for evolution by understanding the history of the theory. They...
Columbus City Schools
Diversity of Living Things
Here's a topic classes can really dig—the fossil record. Use the well-organized and thoughtful road map to take eighth graders back in time to unearth the answer. Learn how our climate has changed, and how organisms have...
Curated OER
Dining Out With Fishes and Birds of the Hudson
The class will make observations to determine how environment has shaped the way particular birds and fish eat. They will view a series of photographs, read two short articles, and then consider how food availability has determined how...
Curated OER
Animal Adaptations
Fifth graders discover the adaptation of species through analyzing pictures. In this scientific discovery lesson, 5th graders discuss the concept of adaptation in order for survival. Students view many images of extinct...
Curated OER
Structural and Behavioral Adaptations
Learners participate in a role playing lab that allows students to experience how different beak adaptations play a role in the type of food the animal can eat, therefore playing a role in the survival of the species.
Curated OER
Life's Lessons: Survival of the Fittest
Students analyze Jack London's use of anthropomorphism to identify the importance of adaptability in life. In this literature lesson, students use the novel The Call of the Wild to identify key elements in survival. Students...
Curated OER
Survival of the Fittest
Students explore plant needs and growth. In this plant science lesson, students use a cereal box to complete a plant growth graph activity.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Natural Selection: How Evolution Works
An interview with Douglas Futuyma, renowned evolutionary scientist, explaining the theory of natural selection and how it steers toward evolution.
Other
Small Planet: Social Darwinism,reason or Rationalization?
This site clearly explains the concept of Social Darwinism, then asks students to evaluate its implications in an example. Good lesson in critical thinking and philosophy.
New Zealand Ministry of Education
Nz Ministry of Education: Survival of the Fittest
Students will gather, select, record, interpret, and present information on survivors and their survival strategies gained from reading the novel Hatchet and true life survival biographies. They will produce a piece of comparative...
Biology Corner
Biology Corner: Peppered Moths Simulation
This simulation allows students to take on the role of a bird and eat different types of peppered moths. Students analyze which types of peppered moths do better in various environments.
BBC
Bbc: Dinosaur Survival Game
If you were a dinosaur, would you have what it takes to survive, reproduce and evolve? Knowing directions (north, south, east, west) and sizing up other organisms in your environment will be crucial to your survival.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 6: 1865 1898: Social Darwinism & Gilded Age
The study resource from Khan Academy provides an overview of Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. Social Darwinism, Charles Darwin, and the Gilded Ages are discussed in this lesson. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US...
Digital History
Digital History: The Theory of Laissez Faire [Pdf]
The economic philosophy of laissez-faire was espoused by Adam Smith in his book, Wealth of Nations. Read about the concepts of this philosophy, how it pertained to American business in the late 19h century, and what the drawbacks to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Being Darwin's Finches
In this biology activity, young scholars will be investigating evolution by "competing" for food like Darwin's finches might have competed. Each student group is given a different type of "beak" to work with and there are also different...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: New Attitutdes Toward Wealth
The accumulation of wealth went beyond inheritance in the late 19th century. Read about three different ideas for the ordinary person to become wealthy.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: The Theory of Evolution
This slideshow provides a brief overview of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, natural selection and survival of the fittest.
Scientific American
Forget Survival of the Fittest: It Is Kindness That Counts
A psychologist probes how altruism, Darwinism, and neurobiology mean that we can succeed by not being cutthroat. Is it possible?
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College: Evolution by Natural Selection
Students develop their understanding of natural selection by analyzing specific examples and carrying out a simulation.