|
| Resources
Supplies:
Office and Creative Supplies
Two In-Class Computers with Microsoft Office Software
Experimental Supplies:
- Cactus plants
- Yucca plants
- Cushion plants
- Lichens
- Freeze Tolerant Insects
- Sun Lamps
- Thermometer
Print Resources:
- Virus and the Whale, NSTA Curriculum Guide
- Making Cladograms, ENSI/SENSI lesson plan (available on the web)
- GIZMO Software- www.explorelearning.com (download for
a fee or free 30 day trial)
- Biology, by Campbell, or other biology text
Video resources:
- Evolving Ideas: How Do We Know Evolution Happens?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/11/2/e_s_3.html
This short, on-line video (7 minutes long) describes two lines of
evidence, fossil and molecular, which contribute to our understanding
of evolution. It focuses on whales, which provide an excellent opportunity
to examine the transition between species because so many intermediate
fossils have been found. The work of Philip Gingerich, who is the
lead scientist in Activity 7 of the Virus and Whale: Exploring
Evolution in Creatures Small and Large is highlighted.
- Evolving Ideas: How Does Evolution Really Work?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/11/2/e_s_4.html
This short, on-line video (<7 minutes long) takes students to Ecuador
to examine the research of a modern-day Darwin, Chris Schneider. Chris
is advancing our knowledge of evolution through his study of natural
selection in hummingbird populations at various elevations.
Primary Literature on Finches:
- Boag, P. T. and Grant, P. R. 1981. Intense natural selection
in a population of Darwin's finches (Geospizinae) in the Galápagos.
Science 214: 82-85.
This paper is the first report of selection for large beaks in Geospiza
fortis (medium ground finch) during the drought on Daphne Major
Island. This study was undertaken July 1975-June 1978.
One of the main conclusions was that “occasional strong selection
of heritable characters in a variable environment may be one of the
keys to explaining the apparently rapid adaptive radiation of the
Geospizinae in the Galápagos.”
- Grant, P. R. and Grant, B. R. 1995. Predicting microevolutionary
responses to directional selection on heritable variation. Evolution
49:241-251.
This paper continues studies of size selection in Geospiza fortis
(medium ground finch) on Daphne Major Island, with the addition of
data from the drought of 1984-1986. Data collected were weight,
wind length, foot length as well as length, breadth, and width of
the bill. Beak size in the population was 4% larger after the
1977 drought. What is interesting is that the population of
1987 experienced decreased means of all measurements except for bill
length. The authors discuss results and suggest that climatic
change may “have indirect as well as direct effects upon the ecological
and evolutionary fates of species.”
Useful Web Resources:
-Extreme Environments
On Earth Extremes
http://www.resa.net/nasa/onearth_extreme.htm
Extreme Experience
http://www.whoi.edu/sbl/liteSite.do?litesiteid=13252&articleId=20426
This website gives links to a conversation between astronaut and deep
sea researcher from their vessels
Thermobiology
http://tbi.montana.edu/outreach/index.html
Resources related to thermobiology and the environment at Yellowstone
National Park
-Lesson Plans (Adaptation & Invasive Species)
Adaptation Lesson Plan
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ScienceAnimalAdaptations58.htm
Invasive Species Lesson Plan
http://www.oar.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_illinois.html
-Fossil Record
History of Life
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~cowen/HistoryofLife/biases.html
This website provides a nice overview of implications of the fossil
record. A handy brief guide for those who want to understand the strengths
and limitations of the record.
Learning from the Fossil Record
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fosrec/
This site has a variety of
activities and lesson plans that can be used to teach the fossil record.
-Evolution Information
Understanding Evolution for Teachers
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evohome.html
Understanding Evolution for teachers is a sub-site
within Understanding Evolution dedicated to helping teachers with the
subject of evolution. The teacher site includes basic evolution information,
classroom strategies, lists of concepts appropriate for different levels,
lesson plans and more.
I highly recommend the activity entitled “What Did
T. Rex Taste Like?” to help your students understand concepts such as
phylogeny, common ancestor, and relatedness. This activity can be found
at: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/Trex/index.html
Evolution – The PBS Series
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/
Evolution, which premiered on PBS September 24 - 27,
2001, travels around the world to examine evolutionary science and the
profound effect it has had on society and culture. From the genius and
torment of Charles Darwin to the vast changes that spawned the tree
of life, from the role of mass extinctions in the survival of species
to the power of sex to drive evolutionary change, Evolution is fascinating
and far-reaching in scope. The series also explores the emergence of
consciousness, the success of humans, and the perceived conflict between
science and religion in understanding human life.
Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science http://www.nap.edu/books/0309063647/html/index.html
Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science
was published and supported by the National Academy of Sciences and
builds on the 1996 National Science Education Standards released by
the National Research Council--and offers detailed guidance on how to
evaluate and choose instructional materials that support the standards.
Comprehensive and practical, this book brings one of today's educational
challenges into focus in a balanced and reasoned discussion. It will
be of special interest to teachers of science, school administrators,
and interested members of the community. |
