Evolution+Independent+Study+Unit

The Evolution Independent Study Unit is composed of a number of textbook based assignments, web based assignments and labs. These assignments are designed to provide an introduction to the Theory of Evolution.

Each assignment must be completed by each student by the date provided. Students are encouraged to work in groups but each student must present his/her own work.

TextBook Reference - Chapters 22 to 26

Instructions: There are 7 Short Videos to watch on this page, open the videos using the QUICKTIME link and watch, take notes as you watch the clips and feel free to play them again.Use the computer headphones to listen to the sound. [|Evolution Related Videos from PBS]

You have one essay question to answer. Please write your answers in paragraph form, pay attention to grammar and punctuation. The essay should be approximately 2-3 paragraphs in length. Label the top with your name and video segment/ question the essay is related to. Essay question: Is it correct to say the evolution is JUST a theory? Is gravity JUST a theory? Defend your answer.
 * __Assignment # 1: View Video 1 "Isn't Evolution Just a Theory?"__**

A. You have one essay question to answer. Please write your answers in paragraph form, pay attention to grammar and punctuation. The essay should be approximately 2-3 paragraphs in length. Label the top with your name and video segment/ question the essay is related to.
 * __Assignment #2: View Video 2 "Who was Charles Darwin?"__**

Essay question: Why was Darwin considered to be a "revolutionary"?

B. Activity from PBS.org Complete parts A and B of this activity. All of the material needed can be downloaded from the web site. The exerpts from Darwin's journal is around 10 pages long. It might be better for you to read it on line.

The following are links to the Activity and the materials required. I have also included a more graphic version of Darwin's journal.

[|Who was Charles Darwin?]


 * [|Excerpts from Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle]**

[|World Map]

[|Darwin's Diary]


 * __Assignment #3: View Video 3 "How Do We Know Evolution Happens?"__**

A. You have one essay question to answer. Please write your answers in paragraph form, pay attention to grammar and punctuation. The essay should be approximately 2-3 paragraphs in length. Label the top with your name and video segment/ question the essay is related to.

Essay question: Describe the transitional fossils associated with whale evolution. Include specific examples of these fossils and explain why they are considered to be whale ancestors?

B. Complete the two following activities

[|Homology and Analogy]

[|Life Has a History]

PBS Video Essays

[|Essay Questions]

Work from [|Biology corner]

Assignment 1: The Theory of Evolution

Read the assignment at the following website: [|The Development of Darwin's Theory of Evolution]

Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the assigment