Evolution+Resource+File+-+Lucy+Caskey

Resource File for Unit on Evolution by Lucy Caskey

I have collected a variety of links for use by teachers and students studying biological evolution. Resources range from articles discussing important concepts of evolution, as well as the text of the classic "On the Origin of the Species", to games, videos, and graphics that support deeper understanding of the complex and abstract topic of evolution. In addition, I have also included a link to the NSDL which supports the NGSS, the next set of science standards to be implemented in Connecticut.

Screencast for Evolution Resource File

Text Files > Lexile level 1340 [] WebBased Video/Other
 * 1) Petto, A. J. The Deriving Force of Cladogenesis. Reports of the National Center for Science Education, May/June 1999, Vol. 19(3): 13. Reprinted with permission to ENSI and modifications. Article located on the ENSI website; Provides a thorough description of cladograms. Would provide this to students needing further understanding or as an extension.
 * 1) Gould, S. J. 1980. “The Panda’s Thumb” in // The Panda’s Thumb: More Reflections in Natural History // . W.W Norton & Company: New York. Portions of article excerpted from a rticle will be used in evolution lesson on adaptations. Lexile Level 1040. []
 * 2) Jenkins, K. 2006. Macroevolution: Change above the species level. Presented at the NABT Symposium 2006. Reviews concepts essential to understanding evolution; Good summary of how phylogeny and molecular sequences are related. Lexile level 1420 []
 * 3) Milner, R. & V. Maestro. April 2002. Intelligent Design? Reprinted from Natural History Magazine. Article that provides arguments from ID proponents and rebuttals from evolutionary theory proponents. This article would be useful for students that are questioning the validity of evolution. Lexile level 1120. []
 * 4) Darwin, C. On the Origin of the Species. On the Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin. Sixth London Edition. Online text; Would provide selected sections for students to read and paraphrase their understanding. Would be most appropriate for advanced readers. Lexile level 1410. []
 * 1) PBS site that provides games, videos, lessons about various scientific topics including evolution. Provides wide range of age-appropriate activities; Free but required login; Resources are from a variety of agencies and individuals @http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/search/?q=*&selected_facets=supplemental_curriculum_hierarchy_nodes%3Ad452f928-2f35-44a2-9d52-b16fd7ae260a&selected_facets=resource_distribution_type_exact%3A0&display=Science
 * 2) Evolution 101 – web based “course” discussing basics of evolution; easy to read with graphics illustrating concepts; Lexile level 1190. @http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_02
 * 3) UC Berkeley web site showing phylogeny and description of species; easily navigated with significant amount of species information; provides detailed understanding of how phylogeny describes evolution of species; Provides links to other resources. Lexile level 1440. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibit/phylogeny.html
 * 4) Website hosted by Bioscience that provides overview of evolution. Provides articles that have linked lesson plans and resources for students conducting research. Lexile Level 1270. @http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/
 * 5) Website hosted by NSDL that provides links to numerous websites with a variety of activities; this site also host the data literacy maps that supports the Next Generation Science Standards. @http://nsdl.org/resource-packages/evolution
 * 1) Video showing biodiversity in habitats, species, and ecosystems - @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thuViaxRd_w
 * 2) Video documentary on evolution vs. intelligent design controversy that resulted in significant court case @http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligent-design-trial.html
 * 3) Series of short videos produced by HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute) about evolution. Very good description of how natural selection works @http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/making-fittest-natural-selection-and-adaptation
 * 4) Website from Scientific American – a graphic novella on the story of evolution. An alternative reading option for students who enjoy graphic novels. @http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/evolution-the-story-of-life-on-earth/
 * 5) Website that has interactive games and tutorials. Good for students to see how hard it is for species to survive in a changing environment. Ask students what it would be like if natural selection was not operating? What would our world look like? Would it be more diverse or less? @http://www.sciencechannel.com/games-and-interactives/charles-darwin-game.htm