Human Skin Color: Evidence for Selection

Topic

Resource Type

Level

High School — General High School — AP/IB College

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Description

In this case study, students use real data to propose hypotheses, make predictions, and justify claims with evidence, as an exploration of concepts presented in the short film The Biology of Skin Color.

At specific pause points, students analyze data presented in a scientific figure and interpret graphs to make evidence-based claims using the data and information from the short film. The activity brings together many science practices and was designed for introductory college courses.

This activity was adapted from the case study “The Evolution of Human Skin Color” by Dr. Annie Prud’homme-Généreux, published by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science.

Student Learning Targets

Make predictions and propose hypotheses based on available information.
Use real data presented in scientific figures and information from the film to make evidence-based claims.

Details

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

evolution, folate, human evolution, melanin, natural selection, skin, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, vitamin D

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Version History

Date Created 11.09.15

Date Modified 04.04.18

Curriculum Connections

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-1, HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-4; SEP2, SEP4, SEP6

AP Biology (2015)

1.A.1, 1.A.2, 1.A.4, 1.C.3, 3.C.1, 4.C.2; SP1, SP5, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2, D.1

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C, III.B.1

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

8.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.4, ELA.WHST.9–12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC2; DP1, DP3

Educator Tips

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1-Minute Tips

Biology of Skin Color

Kenyatta McKie describes how she uses "The Biology of Skin Color" short film to allow students to think of their own hypothesis on how skin color evolved.

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Educator standing in front of an illustration of DNA.

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Human Skin Color: Evidence for Selection

Helen Snodgrass describes how she uses BioInteractive's "The Biology of Skin Color" film and "Evidence for Selection" activity to show students how humans have evolved over time.

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