8th Grade Mechanisms Of Biological Evolution Lesson Plan (Science)

Topic: Biological Evolution

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will understand the mechanisms of biological evolution and how they lead to the emergence of new species.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with examples of biological mechanisms (e.g. genetic mutations, natural selection, gene flow)
• Handouts with examples of evolutionary phenomena (e.g. peppered moths, Darwin's finches)

Warm-up

• Ask students to share what they know about biological evolution. Write their answers on the whiteboard.
• Ask students if they have heard of Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel. Write their names on the whiteboard.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by explaining that biological evolution is the process by which species change over time due to natural selection and other mechanisms.
• Introduce the concept of natural selection by explaining that it is the process by which organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on those traits to the next generation.
• Explain that random mutation is the process by which genetic material is accidentally changed, which can lead to new traits that can help an organism survive and reproduce.
• Use the handouts to give additional examples and explanations of the mechanisms of evolution.

Guided Practice

• Divide the students into small groups and give each group a set of problem scenarios.
• Have the students use the handouts and other reference materials to come up with solutions to the problems, explaining why their solutions represent a valid example of natural selection, random mutation, or some other mechanism of evolution.
• Bring the groups back together and have them share their solutions and explanations with the class.

Independent Practice

• Have the students work in teams to create their own problem scenarios, using the reference materials and brainstorming to come up with plausible solutions.
• Have the students use the handouts and other reference materials to come up with solutions to their problem scenarios, explaining why their solutions represent a valid example of natural selection, random mutation, or some other mechanism of evolution.
• Have the students present their problem scenarios and solutions to the class.

Closure

• Have the students reflect on what they have learned about the mechanisms of evolution during the independent practice and presentation activities.
• Ask the students to explain how understanding the mechanisms of evolution can help us to better understand and explain the diversity of life on Earth.

Assessment

• Observation of the students during the guided practice activity and their participation in the discussion during the guided practice activity
• Evaluation of the students' posters or presentations on the mechanisms of evolution they have chosen to research.
• Observation of the students during the independent practice activity to assess their ability to conduct independent research and create a presentation or poster on the mechanism of evolution they have chosen to research.