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Interactive Exploration of How We Get Our Skin Color

Launch Interactive
Topic
  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Structure & Function
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
Resource Type
  • Interactive Media
  • Interactive Videos
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
40 Users
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Description

The added information provided at pause points within the animation How We Get Our Skin Color allows for a richer exploration of the topic of human skin structure and function.

How We Get Our Skin Color explains the connections between the anatomy and function of our skin, particularly in relation to our health. Students learn about the roles of the different layers of cells in skin and dive deeper into the functions of melanocytes, a type of cell that produces the pigment melanin. The animation also explores the relationships between melanin, skin color, vitamin D synthesis, and protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

This version of the animation contains automatic pause points, during which students access additional information in the form of text and illustrations, videos, questions, and fun interactive widgets.

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
  • Explain how the structure of human skin is related to its function and to the evolution of skin color.
Details
Estimated Time
Within one 50-minute class period.
Key Terms

adaptation, folate, keratinocyte, melanin, melanocyte, pigmentation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, vitamin D

Primary Literature

Jablonski, Nina G. “The Evolution of Human Skin and Skin Color.” Annual Review of Anthropology 33, 1 (2004): 585–623. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.anthro.33.070203.143955.

Terms of Use

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

Version History
Date Published 10.13.15
Date Updated 10.13.15
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3.A, HS-LS3.B, HS-LS4.A, HS-LS4.C, HS-PS4.B; SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.E, EVO-3.A, SYI-3.A, SYI-3.B, SYI-3.D, IST-1.K, IST-2.E, IST-4.A; SP1, SP2

IB Biology (2016)

1.2, 2.6, 3.4, 5.1, 10.2

AP Environmental Science (2013)

I.A, III.B

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

8.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.4

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC2; DP1

Materials
Resource Google Folder (Link)
Student Worksheet (PDF) 169 KB

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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1-Minute Tips
The Biology of Skin Color and the Nature of Science
John Moore describes how he uses the short film "The Biology of Skin Color" with his college students to teach them about the nature of science and hypothesis-driven exploration.
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