Lesson summary for...

Visualizing life on Earth: Data interpretation in evolution

Author/Source: UC Museum of Paleontology
Overview:This web-based module leads students through an exploration of the patterns in the diversity of life across planet Earth. Students are scaffolded as they practice data interpretation and scientific reasoning skills.
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • Biological evolution accounts for diversity over long periods of time.
  • Background extinctions are a normal occurrence.
  • Rates of extinction vary.
  • The fossil record documents the biodiversity of the past.
  • The fossil record documents patterns of extinction and the appearance of new forms.
  • We can learn about the natural world using our senses and extensions of our senses.
  • Scientific ideas are developed through reasoning.
  • Our understanding of life through time is based upon multiple lines of evidence.
  • Scientists use fossils (including sequences of fossils showing gradual change over time) to learn about past life.
  • Scientists use the geographic distribution of fossils and living things to learn about the history of life.
  • Rates of speciation vary.
Grade Level:9-12
Time:2 hours
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson:
Teaching Tips:To check their understanding, students complete multiple choice questions online. Free response essay items throughout the activity allow the module to be used as a graded assignment. A menu at the bottom of the first page of the module will allow you to assign sections to work on individually.