ONLINE TOOLS
Understanding Evolution
Understanding Evolution is a non-commercial, education website, teaching the science and history of evolutionary biology. This site is here to help you understand what evolution is, how it works, how it factors into your life, how research in evolutionary biology is performed, and how ideas in this area have changed over time. This site is a collaborative project of the University of California Museum of Paleontology and the National Center for Science Education.
Main topics include:
Take a site tour or just start with Evolution 101.
Big Picture on Evolution
The 'Big Picture' series provides teachers and students with up-to-date information on research findings in biomedicine, and the social and ethical implications of this research. It is produced by Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest charity, funding innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally. This issue on Evolution was published in January 2007.
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."
When biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote these words in 1973, he was reflecting on the coming together of two strands of thinking: evolutionary change, kick-started by Darwin in the mid-19th century, and genetics, a subject whose origins go back to the same year, with Mendel's studies, but only really got going in the 20th century.
Since then, the general principles of Darwinian evolution have been widely accepted. At least, they have been in the scientific community. In wider society, a significant proportion of people remain sceptical.
Why should this be? Why does Darwinian evolution raise controversy when, say, quantum mechanics scarcely registers on the public consciousness? This issue of 'Big Picture' looks at the theory of evolution, the evidence that supports it, unanswered questions and the history of public reaction.
The full-text can be read on-line or downloaded as a pdf.
Surviving: The Body of Evidence
--How Humans Have Adapted to Survive in the World
An Exhibit at the Penn Museum, Designed for Students
Over millions of years, humans have inherited characteristics that have helped them live successfully in environments around the world. In this exhibit you will find out what those characteristics are and how you are a part of this ongoing development; what physical changes have occurred in human beings in the last 10,000 years, and even more importantly, what the future may hold for us humans.
The Accompanying Website to the Penn Museum Exhibit
In this special student supplement, you can explore some of these ideas about how humans have changed and survived over time.
The 16-page Supplement (pdf)
Evolution and the Fossil Record
This 36-page pdf booklet provides an introduction to the fascinating fossil record. It is produced by the American Geological Institute and The Paleontological Society and written by John Pojeta Jr. and Dale A. Springer: Evolution and The Fossil Record (Alexandria, Virginia: American Geological Institute, 2001).
Foreword
Evolution is one of the fundamental underlying concepts of modern science. This powerful theory explains such phenomena as the history of life preserved in the fossil record; the genetic, molecular, and physical similarities and differences among organisms; and the geographic distribution of organisms today and in the past. Indeed, evolution forms the foundation of modern biology and paleontology and is well documented by evidence from a variety of scientific disciplines.
Evolution is also one of the most misunderstood and controversial concepts in the eyes of the general public. This situation is unfortunate, because the controversy surrounding evolution is unnecessary. Resistance to evolution stems in part from misunderstanding science and how it is distinct from religion. Science and religion provide different ways of knowing the Earth and universe. Science proceeds by testing hypotheses and thus is restricted to natural, testable explanations. By definition, science is unable to confirm or deny the existence or work of a Creator; such questions are beyond the realm of science. As a scientific concept, evolution therefore can make no reference to a Creator. Many people of faith, including scientists, find no conflict between evolution and their religion; in fact, many religious denominations have issued statements supporting evolution. Science and religion need not conflict.
Numerous lines of evidence show that life has changed through time. Evolution is the best scientific explanation for this change. This booklet describes a small portion of the evidence for this change, especially as documented by the fossil record, and outlines the processes involved in evolution. Many fascinating questions remain concerning the history of life and the process through which it has developed. As we continue to learn about life on Earth, the theory of evolution will itself evolve. That is the strength, adventure, and excitement of doing science!
BOOKS
Dorling Kindersley Books
Dorling Kindersley produces home reference books for all ages, outstanding in quality and accessibility in both text and design.
Eyewitness: Evolution
by Linda Gamlin (London; New York: DK Children, 2000). Ages 9-12. Amazon
Review
...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times
These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal
Product Description
Explore the world of living things, and trace the discoveries that explain the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
The theory of evolution changed our understanding of the natural world -- and Eyewitness Evolution is the perfect way to learn more about it! Discover what life was like millions of years ago; how new species develop; and learn why pandas have false thumbs and penguins stand upright. Superb full-color photographs of animals, plants and fossils make this book a compelling look at evolution.
Eyewitness: Early Humans
by DK Publishing; editor, Phil Wilkinson (London; New York: DK, 2005). Ages 9-12. Amazon
Here is an original and exciting new look at the fascinating world of ancient people and their ways of life. detailed real-life photographs of tools, weapons, jewelry, clothing and even the remains of the people themselves offer a unique "eyewitness" view of how human life changed during its first four million years. See the tools used by the first farmers, the oldest surviving food, the weapons of a Bronze Age chieftain, and what our earliest ancestors looked like. Learn why humans first stood upright, how people survived the cold of the Ice Age, how scientists uncovered the Piltdown Man hoax, how to make a flint ax head, and which people used magic to find their food. Discover how early people hunted and gathered their food, which people made jewelry out of leopards' teeth and hornets' wing cases, how bread was made in the Bronze Age, how mummies and bog bodies have been preserved, and much, much more!
DK Biography: Charles Darwin
by David C. King (London; New York: DK, 2007). Ages 9-12. Amazon
Perfect for book reports or summer reading, DK’s acclaimed Biography series celebrates the life of Charles Darwin–who changed the way we view the world.
- The only full-color children’s biographies on the market
- More than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations in every book
- Include detailed sidebars, handy vocabulary boxes, and a visual timeline
DK Guide to the Dinosaurs
by David Lambert (London; New York: DK, 2006). Ages 9-12. Amazon
Using the most accurate models ever produced, DK Guide to Dinosaurs blends lifelike dinosaurs replicas with photorealistic scenery. The resulting images bring dinosaurs and their strange world back to life in astonishing detail. Visit the dank swamps, moving seascapes, and sun-scorched deserts that marked and molded the lives and ultimate demise of the dinosaurs. Packed with mind-boggling dinosaur facts, records, and timelines, DK Guide to Dinosaurs profiles key species from Barosaurus to Tyrannosaurus and features many of the latest discoveries, including Giganotosaurus and the feathered Caudipteryx. The front cover of this jacket features a pack of Giganotosaurus dinosaurs charging through the conifer forests of Argentina, 95 million years ago. Bigger even than the colossal Tyrannosaurus rex, Giganotosaurus is now thought to have been the largest predator ever to walk the Earth.
Other Books
The Tree Of Life: The Wonders Of Evolution
by Ellen Jackson (New York: Prometheus Books, 2004). Ages 4-9. Amazon
Many children's stories and books have addressed the idea of biblical creation, but the number of works written to acquaint youngsters with the extraordinary and continuing process of natural evolution has been few. The Tree of Life shares the excitement and the beauty of evolution in an easy-to-read and fun manner. From the ocean's microscopic life to amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, insects, birds, animals, and the first humans, author Ellen Jackson celebrates the marvels of evolution in a way that encourages young children to appreciate its significance. The lavish illustrations by Judeanne Winter Wiley capture the wonders of evolution, from its first "beginning to be" forms to species that characterize the world as we know it.
Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story
by Lisa Westberg Peter (San Diego: Harcourt Children's Books, 2003). Ages 4-9. Amazon
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Evolution is a ticklish topic. It is controversial to some for religious reasons; for others, it is a challenging concept to present to a young audience without losing scientific veracity. For one thing, young children have little concept of time-a million years might be the span between birthdays. For another, the idea of slow, evolutionary change still seems somehow equal to a magician's trick. So, accomplishing a reasonable explanation of a scientific concept and its progress through millennia is worthy of note. Peters's simple text uses the "we/us" format to place Homo sapiens in the "family" of life at its very beginnings. "All of us," she states in the first sentence of the book, "are part of an old, old family," going back to Earth's beginnings. "We've changed a lot since then." Through a simple progression, amply bolstered by Stringer's striking, large acrylics, she traces "our" family tree from unicellular organisms through amphibians, therapsids, and early mammals to early primates, hominids, and our distinct "humanness" today. Enriched by two pages of additional data and a colorful time line, the whole is rounded out by carefully written author and illustrator notes. Simpler than Stephen Webster's The Kingfisher Book of Evolution (2000) and Melvin Berger's How Life Began (Doubleday, 1990; o.p.), and perhaps easier than Joanna Cole's venerable Evolution (Crowell, 1987; o.p.), this book is a wonderful companion to Steve Jenkins's equally attractive Life on Earth (Houghton, 2002). Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution
by Steve Jenkins (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002). Ages 9-12. Amazon
From Publishers Weekly
Grabbing the audience's attention with stunning cut- and torn-paper collage illustrations, Jenkins (The Top of the World) illuminates another corner of the science world in this cogent introduction to evolution. Here, he traces the planet's history from its fiery beginnings billions of years ago through the emergence of the first bacteria, development of such organisms as jellyfish, ferns, dinosaurs, mammals and birds, on up to humans. Posing and answering questions ("Why have so many different forms of life developed on the earth?"), Jenkins ably presents such concepts as mutation, extinction and Darwin's theory of "survival of the fittest." The information spans an impressive range; Jenkins organizes and presents it with a clarity that demonstrates his mindfulness of the audience. Spacious white backdrops allow the vigorously lifelike collage images to spring to the fore. Bright-eyed frogs appear ready to jump off the pages; a shark swims menacingly toward readers; a wooly mammoth looks soft enough to pet. Science at its most inviting. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Jenkins's trademark watercolor cut-paper collages, a large format, and the careful use of both an oversized and small font are definite lures into this handsome exploration of the basics of evolution. The author has taken on the formidable task of investigating the scientific theories explaining the innumerable branchings, proliferations, and extinctions of life on planet Earth. His lucid text presents a terse chronology of life from its earliest beginnings as one-celled bacteria in the primordial ocean to the appearance of modern man. He then explains how scientists were persuaded that animal/plant classifications and geological/fossil records provided proof that animals and plants had not remained unchanged since a single moment of creation, and discusses how Charles Darwin's investigations in the Gal pagos resulted in his formulation of the theory of evolution. The discussion also includes natural selection, variation and mutation, and how these processes can produce new species and some of the possible causes of extinctions. The final graphic diagram compares Earth's 4-billion-year history with a 24-hour day, showing modern man popping into the scene at 11:59:58 p.m. Larger and more eye-catching than Joanna Cole's Evolution (Crowell, 1987; o.p.), and far simpler than Stephen Webster's The Kingfisher Book of Evolution (Kingfisher, 2000), Life on Earth is a polished exposition of a difficult, often controversial scientific concept. Substantial, despite its picture-book appearance.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Darwin and Evolution for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
by Kristan Lawson (Chicago: Chicago Press Review, 2003). Ages 9-12. Amazon
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9. A thorough introduction to the life and work of this naturalist and thinker. The book begins with a description of Darwin's family life, privileged childhood, and education. His five-year voyage on the Beagle, during which he collected specimens to send back to England, is vividly described. The author places Darwin's ideas in context with those of other philosophical and scientific thinkers, tracing the work of both his predecessors and contemporaries. Lawson also explores how his subject's theories were accepted or rejected by others and discusses how the disagreement among scientists and creationists continues to the present time. The writing is consistently clear and lively. The text is supplemented by related activities, including how to develop a taxonomy, tying nautical knots, and making geological strata. Brown-and-white photographs and reproductions create a sense of the Victorian era. A list of resources for further research encourages students to delve deeper into the topic. This book covers the same material as J. Edward Evans's Charles Darwin (Lerner, 1993; o.p.), but is more comprehensive.-Ann Joslin, Erie County Public Library, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Both children and curious adults will attain a clear understanding of Darwin’s grand idea and how it changed science forever." -- Discover Magazine
"Hands-on activities encourage budding scientists." -- Publishers Weekly
"Very readable and interesting biography." -- Science and Children
Selected by Science Friday as one of the best science books of 2003. -- NPR’s Science Friday
Dr. Jay Hosler
Dr. Jay Hosler is an Associate Professor of Biology at Juniata College and an award-winning cartoonist who writes and draws comic books about biology and natural history. His work has been called "ingenious" (The London Times), "goofily inventive" (The New York Times), and "entertaining and slyly educational" (The Comics Journal). His works include Active Synapse classics such as Clan Apis, The Sandwalk Adventures, and Optical Allusions. You can visit Jay's website for a more in-depth introduction to this multi-talented cartoonist-biologist-professor-daddy.
The Sandwalk Adventures: An Adventure in Evolution Told in Five Chapters
by Jay Hosler (Columbus, OH: Active Synapse, 2003). Amazon
This is a charming graphic novel featuring aged Charles Darwin, his family, and a family of mites living in his eyebrow. One mite can speak to him, and so Darwin learns of the mites' myth that the Flycatcher (Darwin's nickname aboard the *Beagle*) is their Creator. Darwin must convince Mara and Willy (the mites) that evolution is real. Along the way we see the world through the mites' wild-eyed myths as well as the charming home life of the Darwins at Down House in England. This is a great introduction to evolution as well as a nice gift. Hosler has done other comics as well. In any case, highly recommended.
Optical Allusions
by Jay Hosler (Columbus, OH: Active Synapse, 2008). Available from the Publisher Excerpt
Optical Allusions is the cure for all those clamoring for a painstakingly researched, scientifically accurate, eye-themed comic book adventure! Wrinkles the Wonder Brain has lost his bosses' eye and now he has to search all of human imagination for it. Along the way, he confronts biology head on and accidentally learns more about eyes and the evolution of vision than he thought possible. And, as if a compelling story with disembodied talking brains, shape-changing proteins, and giant robot eyes wasn't enough, each tale is followed by a fully illustrated, in-depth exploration of the ideas introduced in the comic story. Following in the tradition of his first two books, "Clan Apis" and "The Sandwalk Adventures", Jay Hosler's "Optical Allusions" uses humor and adventure to weave an unforgettable story about the wonders of seeing.
Charlie's Playhouse
Children’s Books about Evolution and Charles Darwin: An Annotated Bibliography in Honor of Darwin’s Birthday Pdf
Charlie’s Playhouse also sells evolution toys. Why evolution toys?
Because there aren’t any. Our children deserve to know about the dazzling history of life on this planet. Toy stores are brimming with educational toys on every science -- physics, chemistry, geology, even biology -- but nothing on evolution. We know from our research that parents and teachers are looking for these products.
Kids love dinosaurs, and that’s just the beginning of their boundless interest in how ancient creatures, and all the rest of us, came to be. What a terrific opportunity to have fun with kids, to engage them with evolution, and hopefully to raise the scientific literacy of future generations! We just had to jump in. Link
For Teens and Young Adults
Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature (New York: Knopf, 2007).
By Robin Brande. She is a novelist and former trial attorney. A true believer in multi-tasking, she is or has been various combinations of the following: lawyer, yoga instructor, entrepreneur, community college instructor, Wilderness First Responder, insurance agent, outdoor adventurer, Girl Scout leader, and Sunday school teacher.
From Booklist
As if it's not bad enough being ostracized by her church, her friends, and even her parents for blowing the whistle on an ugly campaign to reform a supposedly gay schoolmate, Mena finds herself embroiled in further drama when the unit on evolution comes up in high-school science class. Brande spares absolutely no sympathy for Mena's persecutors, but the tale is rescued from turning into a catchall antifundamentalist screed by providing an unusually appealing supporting cast. There's a classmate who introduces Mena not only to his unconventional family but also to the twin forbidden pleasures of kissing and Lord of the Rings. There is also a decidedly no-nonsense science teacher whose face-off with a powerful local preacher makes memorable reading. Readers will appreciate this vulnerable but ultimately resilient protagonist who sees no conflict between science and her own deeply rooted faith. Peters, John
Evolution for Students by PBS
The PBS webpage has 7 short videos introducing evolution to high school students. On their site these videos are available in both QuickTime and RealPlayer formats. Below are links to these lectures on YouTube.
The Next Sections: The Education Debate
- The contentious debate in North America is inflamed by two polarized extremes. On the one hand are the anti-theists who assume science tells us all we need to know about life--everything else is irrational nonsense and inherently dangerous. On the other hand are the equally passionate religious anti-evolutionists whose particular interpretation of the biblical account of creation precludes any natural explanation that science can provide (I know; I've been there). This section lists a few valuable resources that shed new light on this fascinating cultural phenomenon.
|
|