Around the world, about 2/3 of adult humans are lactose intolerant. Scholars work in small groups to discuss a few statements about lactose intolerance. Then, they watch a video on the topic and readdress each statement. Whole-class discussion allows for a better understanding of the evolution related to the enzyme lactase.

Concepts

evolution, enzymes, milk, glucose, dna, genes

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Invite a doctor to speak to the class about lactose intolerance
• Discuss the cultural differences in lactose intolerance, i.e. most people of European descent produce lactase while many other groups don't

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of heredity, natural selection, mutations, genetic variation, enzymes, and digestion

Pros

• Provides links for further study of lactose, human evolution, and genetics
• Offers discussion questions encouraging higher-level thinking skills

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.8.1.a SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a L.8.1.a L.8.2.a L.8.6 L.9-10.1.a L.9-10.2.a L.11-12.1.a L.11-12.4.a L.11-12.6 RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4