Human Skin Color: Evidence for Selection

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.
The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.
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
evolution, folate, human evolution, melanin, natural selection, skin, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, vitamin D
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Curriculum Connections
HS-LS1-1, HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-4; SEP2, SEP4, SEP6
EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.E, SYI-3.D, EVO-1.M, EVO-3.A, IST-2.A, SYI-3.A; SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4
5.1, 5.2, D.1
II.C, III.B.1
8.1
ELA.RST.9–12.4, ELA.WHST.9–12.9
CC1, CC2; DP1, DP3