Bring together a study of two major scientific topics with a instructional activity on the relationship between pollution and evolution. With the help of a PowerPoint presentation, hands-on activity. and class demonstration young scientists learn how air pollution changes the environment affecting the evolution of life on Earth.

Concepts

evolution, pollution, air pollution, climate change, natural selection, global warming, extinction, animal adaptations, charles darwin, carbon dioxide

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• This lesson can be included in a life science unit on evolution, or as part of an environmental science unit on global warming
• Extend the lesson by having the class research other animals that are endangered as the result of human pollution
• Create a note-taking guide or worksheet for students to complete while viewing the presentation

Classroom Considerations

• Some preparation is required for both the hands-on activity and class demonstration, so be sure to plan ahead

Pros

• Photographs are included in the lesson plan as visual support for implementing the hands-on activity and science demonstration
• PowerPoint presentation offers images that clearly demonstrate the impact of human pollution on the evolution of animals
• Lesson can be adapted for use in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade science classes

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.8.2 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 RST.6-8.9