Using the Scientific Process to Study Human Evolution

Resource Type
Description
This interactive module explores how scientists use the scientific process to learn about the distant past of humans.
This Click & Learn shows how paleoanthropologists, scientists who study human evolution, use the scientific process to make inferences about prehistoric events. Their work involves asking questions, making observations, testing ideas with evidence, and collaborating with others.
The accompanying “Worksheet” guides students’ exploration of the Click & Learn.
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
- Identify and explain key elements in the scientific process, such as asking questions and testing ideas with evidence.
- Describe how scientists use the scientific process to learn about human evolution.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
dinosaur, fossil, Homo sapiens, paleontology, principle of superposition, radiocarbon dating, scientific method
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS4-1; SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
EVO-1.M, EVO-1.N, EVO-3.G; SP1, SP2, SP3
IB Biology (2016)
5.1
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 2.6
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.H, SP5
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
3.2
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9–12.9
Vision and Change (2009)
CC1; DP1, DP4