Tracing the History of the Theory of Evolution



Tracing the History of the Theory of Evolution

Introduction: Scientific theories, such as biological evolution, are developed over many centuries. They are never the idea of any one person. Outside of science, biological evolution is attributed mainly to Charles Darwin. But, in actuality, Darwin studied the works of many other scientists and synthesized these thoughts with his own observations to develop his theory. Since Darwin’s time, other scientists working in the fields of earth science, natural history, genetics and development of organisms from zygote to death added more detail and support to the theory.

Purpose: Investigate how four disciplinary areas — Earth's history, life's history, mechanisms of evolution, and development and genetics — have contributed to our current understanding of evolution in order to develop an understanding/appreciation for how theories are developed.

Georgia Standards: SCSh7. Students analyze how scientific knowledge is developed. SB5.a. Students will trace the history of the theory of evolution.

Procedure:

1. Obtain the name of the scientist(s) you will be researching and one large index card or ½ piece of construction paper from your teacher.

2. Go to the website and click on the evolution unit at the top. Scroll down and click on the History Project website link. Or go to and click on timeframe indicated on your card (pre-1800’s, 1800’s, 1900-present). Click the link that includes the scientist you have been assigned.

3. Read through the information carefully and completely without taking notes.

4. Now re-read the information and pull out the important bits that are needed to present your piece of history.

a) Contribution and scientist(s) in large letters for the top of your card.

b) As clearly as you can, summarize how the scientist’s work contributed to our understanding of evolutionary processes.

c) Put this all together in an attractive clear way on your card or construction paper.

5. Present the contribution of your scientist(s) to the rest of the class and place your piece of history on the tree prepared by your teacher. (presentations will proceed in chronological order from oldest to most recent)

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Tracing the History of the Theory of Evolution

Introduction: Scientific theories, such as biological evolution, are developed over many centuries. They are never the idea of any one person. Outside of science, biological evolution is attributed mainly to Charles Darwin. But, in actuality, Darwin studied the works of many other scientists and synthesized these thoughts with his own observations to develop his theory. Since Darwin’s time, other scientists working in the fields of earth science, natural history, genetics and development of organisms from zygote to death added more detail and support to the theory.

Purpose: Investigate how four disciplinary areas — Earth's history, life's history, mechanisms of evolution, and development and genetics — have contributed to our current understanding of evolution in order to develop an understanding/appreciation for how theories are developed.

Georgia Standards: SCSh7. Students analyze how scientific knowledge is developed. SB5.a. Students will trace the history of the theory of evolution.

Procedure:

1. Obtain the name of the scientist(s) you will be researching and one large index card or ½ piece of construction paper from your teacher.

2. Go to the website and click on the evolution unit at the top. Scroll down and click on the History Project website link. Or go to and click on timeframe indicated on your card (pre-1800’s, 1800’s, 1900-present). Click the link that includes the scientist you have been assigned.

3. Read through the information carefully and completely without taking notes.

4. Now re-read the information and pull out the important bits that are needed to present your piece of history.

a) Contribution and scientist(s) in large letters for the top of your card.

b) As clearly as you can, summarize how the scientist’s work contributed to our understanding of evolutionary processes.

c) Put this all together in an attractive clear way on your card or construction paper.

5. Present the contribution of your scientist(s) to the rest of the class and place your piece of history on the tree prepared by your teacher. (presentations will proceed in chronological order from oldest to most recent)

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