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Human Skin Color: Evidence for Selection

Image of a world map from the activity

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Human Evolution
  • Math & Computational Skills
  • Graph Interpretation

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Case Studies

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
86 Users
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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.

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.
     

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

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

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 11.09.15
Date Updated 06.21.21

NGSS (2013)

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

AP Biology (2019)

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

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2, D.1

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.6, 9.1, 4.7
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.H, STB-4.A, ENG-2.A, SP4, SP5, SP6

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

Materials

Resource Google Folder (link)
Educator Materials (PDF) 199 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 616 KB
Educator Materials - Español (PDF) 183 KB
Student Handout - Español (PDF) 682 KB

Use This Resource With

Video Resource
The Biology of Skin Color

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
Educator in front of a colored map
/
1-Minute Tips

The Biology of Skin Color and Hypothesis Testing

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.
View Article
Educator standing in front of an illustration of DNA.
/
1-Minute Tips

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.
Close Modal

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Understanding Variation in Human Skin Color
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The Biology of Skin Color
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Interactive Assessment for The Biology of Skin Color

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This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists

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Teaching an Online Introductory Biology Lab Using Cellular and Molecular Biology Resources
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By: BioInteractive
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