Bill Nye Evolution Essay

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Greatest Discoveries With Bill Nye: Evolution Teacher’s Guide Grade Level: 6–8 Curriculum Focus: Life Science Lesson Duration: Three class periods Program Description A Time Before Humans—Examines the cataclysmic events that led to the extinction of the dinosaur. Life As We Know It—Discusses the conditions necessary to create and sustain life. Classifying Ancient Species—Examines the Burgess Shale fossils and the categories used to classify life. Natural Selection— Examines Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution and natural selection. Our Ancestors—Looks at some famous hominid fossils and the information they have given us about early bipedal life. Discussion Questions • • • • • • • What conditions are necessary to create life? What…show more content…
Segment 2: Life As We Know It (8 min.) Description Examine a scientific theory about the potential for life on Earth, and explore an underwater region that defies the rules. Pre-viewing question Q: What kinds of things are necessary to sustain life on Earth? A: Answers will vary. Post-viewing question Q: What are hydrothermal vents? A: Hydrothermal vents are chimney-like structures on the ocean floor. They spew superheated water full of minerals and nutrients. Segment 3: Classifying Species (8 min.) Description Explore the evidence of diverse animal life in the Burgess Shale, and examine the methods scientists use to classify species. Pre-viewing question Q: What features do rocks have that makes them interesting to examine or study? A: Answers will vary. Post-viewing question Q: What animal species can you name? A: Answers will vary. Segment 4: Natural Selection (7 min.) Description Species living on our planet survive if they can conform to their ever-changing environments. Learn about Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution. Pre-viewing question Q: What is a naturalist? A: A naturalist is a person with an interest in natural history, which includes the study of natural objects, especially in the field. Post-viewing question Q: Describe the concept of natural…show more content…
Review the rules before beginning the debate. Next, ask both debate teams to present their opening statements. Then have the audience ask their questions, allowing each side 3 minutes to answer each question. 7. Next, have each side present their closing statement. Give the audience a few minutes to discuss the debate before they declare the winning team. Remind students of the criteria: • • • • • well organized evidence of solid research creative presentation thorough answers to all questions clear evidence of good teamwork 8. After the debate, talk about why many people did not accept Darwin’s theories. Discuss examples of natural selection and evidence that has helped scientists accept the theory of evolution. 9. Have students write a one-page essay about their thoughts on the debate. Make sure they include the tasks that they performed, as well as answer these questions: • • • • • Which team were you on? What did you do to prepare for the debate? What did you do during the debate? How would you rate your team’s overall performance? What did you learn about evolution from the
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