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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Replacing Missing Links in the Evolutionary Chain

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Examine the evolution of various species of hominids from their earliest existence approximately 4.5 million years ago to today. In small groups, learners research one of the ten stages of hominid evolution and then create a poster and...
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PPT
Curated OER

The Earliest Humans

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Study the wonder and science that leads us to our human past. From Darwin and Huxley's assertions regarding the origin of the species to the discoveries at Oldivi Gorge, this PowerPoint is sure to interest your class. They'll learn about...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Evolution of Homo Sapiens

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this Homo sapien worksheet, students use a diagram showing the evolution of man beginning 4 million years ago to complete 3 short answer questions.
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Article
American Institute of Biological Sciences

Action Bioscience: Origins of Modern Humans: Multiregional or Out of Africa

For Students 9th - 10th
Two migration theories are on the table for consideration. Weigh the evidence of each one in this article by Donald Johanson of Lucy fame.
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eBook
Other

Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness

For Students 9th - 10th
This is Chapter One from "Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness," by Ian Tattersall. This chapter presents recent findings about the art and artifacts of early humans, and what those artifacts tell us about the intellectual...
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Website
PBS

Nova: Dig and Deduce

For Students 9th - 10th
This simulation will give you the chance to be an archaeologist and do some field research on Neanderthal artifacts. Dig up the bones and then interpret the evidence.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: The Origin of the Genus Homo

For Students 9th - 10th
The evolution of the Genus Homo is neatly laid out in a chronological fashion beginning with the key change that signaled the origin of Homo, through the evolutionary forms, finalizing with Homo sapiens.
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Handout
Archaeological Institute of America

Archaeology: The New Neandertal

For Students 9th - 10th
Latest theories on the Neandertal. Valuable information can be provided through DNA, proteins, and chemical elements.
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Website
Harvard University

Harvard University: Bar Yosef Reads Ancient Campfires

For Students 9th - 10th
An absolutely fascinating account of the findings at various caves such as Qafzeh and Kebara that signified the emergence of man out of Africa.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Teachers:neanderthals on Trial: Dig and Deduce

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine methods archeologists use to interpret evidence and deduce what the evidence in uncovered bones and artifacts suggests about life in the Paleolithic era.
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Handout
Other

The Japan Times: Neanderthal Man Type Site Rediscovered

For Students 9th - 10th
The site gives a description of both the original and current finds at Neander Valley. DNA was used in identifying relics.
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Handout
A-Z Animals

A Z Animals: Animal Facts: Neanderthal (Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis)

For Students 9th - 10th
Illustrated entry describes the Neanderthal with details about its physical characteristics and statistics.
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Handout
Bagheera

Bagheera.com: Extinct in the Wild Neanderthals

For Students 9th - 10th
This is quite a thought provoking article putting neanderthals in the category of extinct animals. Most of us have not thought of early human ancestors in this way, but this article and the thought questions at the end provide some good...
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Website
BBC

Bbc: Science and Nature: Ice People 200,000 Years Ago

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at Neanderthals, including their appearance, their life during the Ice Age, and their extinction. Follow suggested BBC and non-BBC links for further reading.