Human Evolution

 

                                    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 

    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                       

                                                           

                                                               

                                       

 

                                                           Introduction

   
    We have been studying about the fossil and artifact records of hominids recently; and  about human evolution.  
    The answers to the mystery of our human origins, how human beings came to be the way are, is something that has challenged man’s imagination, since the time we had the consciousness to think about the mystery and the will to find answers to the mystery.

 

 

 

                                     The Task

 

Small groups of students working cooperatively, will research the following fundamental questions associated with human evolution:


      1. How did hominids evolve (change) over three million years from the Australopithecines of East Africa, like "Lucy," to modern man, Homo sapiens sapiens, 40,000 B.C.?

 

2. Why or what caused our ancestors to change?


3. Did the early ancestors of Homo sapiens, develop independently in different parts of the world or did Homo sapiens have a common ancestor that developed uniquely in Africa; and migrated out of Africa to other parts of the world? What does the genetic record of our species offer up as evidence to answer this question?


                               

                                     The Process
 

    The research should result in detailed answers that go much beyond "cut and paste" encyclopedia research.  Avoid "cut and paste" encyclopedia research. Cite all the material you take from scholarly works that you put in your written research work.
 
     Each individual in the group will work on all 3 questions in the task above. 
 
     Each individual in the group will orally present a part of the group's work.
     Do not read from a prepared script.  Know your material so you can talk to the class about your work rather than reading off a prepared paper.
 
     The group will develop a MS Powerpoint presentation or will create a website that assists in the total presentation.
 
     Each group member will hand in a written paper that completes the "3 task" questions.  Document your research. 
     Cite all materials that you obtain and use in your paper from books, multimedia and internet sources. 


 

Web Site Example Citation

Author name [if given]. Title of Web page. Date

updated/posted on Internet. <URL address>.

Dawe, James. The Jane Austen Page. 27 Oct. 1999

<http://jamesdawe.com/austen.html>.

{ For more examples, see

http://www.mta75.org/curriculum/english/stylesheet.html

 
 

 Resources on Human Evolution and Pre-History

      1. A fossil Unearthed in Africa Pushes Back Human Origins

        2. Stephen J. Gould, Evolution Theorist, Dies at 60

        3. Becoming Human

        4. Neandertals: A Cyber-Perspective

        5. Evolution (PBS)

        6. Evolution: Theory & Science

        7. A History of Evolutionary Thought

        8. Evolution (Dept. of Cellular Biology, Harvard Univ.)

        9. Human Origins Program  (Smithsonian Institute)

        10. Skulls Found in Africa and Europe Challenge Theories of Human Origins

        11. The Leakey Foundation

        *12. Wells, Spencer – The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey

        *13. Dennett, Daniel - Darwin's Dangerous Idea

         14. NYTimes -Sep30_Human_Fossils_Found

                                   

                                        Evaluation Rubric


 		 Beginning

1

 Developing

2

 Accomplished

3

 Exemplary

4

 Score
 

 

Task #1

Hominid
evolution

 

 Poor presentation of the stages of the development
of hominids as they evolve into our species		 Weak or missing stages in the development
of homo sapiens		 Identifies the various stages of human evolution in detail; Summarizes the significance of each step in the evolution of our species Identifies the various stages of human evolution in detail; Summarizes stages and makes a sound and convincing presentation 40 Points
 
 

 

Task #2

Natural
Selection

 

 poor understanding of natural selection and why we evolved at each stage weak understanding
of natural
selection and why we evolved at each stage		 Demonstrated good understanding of natural selection and how we evolved at each stage of hominid development Demonstrated excellent comprehension
of the theory of natural selection and why we changed 		40 Points
 
 

 

Task #3

 One site or Multi-site orgin for our species

 

 Presented inconsistent view on this topic Presentation
not well developed		 Demonstrated good arguments to support his theory Demonstrated excellent arguments to support his theory 20 Points
 

rubric form developed by Bernie Dodge


An individual will receive a grade for his oral presentation.
 
 Each individual will hand in a written paper that completes
the 3 "task questions."  The written work grade for each member of
the group will be the average grade of the handed in written work
of the group members.

                    The written paper should be 5 pages in length. Double- space the paper and use a 12 point font.
 
       The written work is due from each group, Weds., Oct. 15, 2003. 
 
      The group work should be completed by Weds., Oct. 15, 2003.
 Group presentations begin, Weds. 15, 2003.