Topic One (1.1): Humans and other species

Topics Icon.png Objectives

  • to form an opinion about the key characteristics of humans;
  • to reflect on your opinion when presented with new information.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn to justify your opinion and then reflect on your opinion when presented with new information.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • Read through and complete the activities on pages 16-19 of the textbook. Jot your answers and ideas down in your notebook.

On these pages you will learn to understand how being human makes us different to any other species. You will also learn about free thinking and what it means. Some of the activities you will see will be group discussions. You could ask a parent or another adult to help you with these tasks or sometimes, it will be possible to do them on your own.

  • In your notebook, jot down five characteristics which make humans similar to other animals and five characteristics which make humans different to other animals.
  • Watch the following video which describes how characteristics of humans have developed over time and complete the worksheet 'What makes us human'. Don’t forget to check your answers.

WATCH - What makes us human? (National Geographic) Links to an external site.

COMPLETE - What Makes Us Human Worksheet. Download COMPLETE - What Makes Us Human Worksheet.

  • Humans are the only intelligent animal. Do you agree? Jot down your thoughts in your notebook.
  • Watch the following videos showing animals carrying out different tasks and answer the questions in your notebook.

WATCH – Cockatoo (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Crow (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Chimpanzees (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Chimpanzees 2 (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Orangutan (YouTube Links to an external site.)

WATCH – Elephants (YouTube) Links to an external site.       

  • What are the animals doing in each of the video clips?
  • Do you think these activities show intelligence?
  • Rank these animals in order of intelligence. Explain why you have put them in this order.

Review Icon.png Review

Look back at your list of the characteristics which make humans different to other animals.

  • Have your ideas changed? Why have your ideas changed?
  • Which characteristic do you think is most important to being human?

You could jot down your thoughts in your notebook.

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

If you feel you need extra help with this topic complete the worksheet below.

COMPLETE - Are all animals intelligent? Download COMPLETE - Are all animals intelligent?

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Complete Coding Activity on page 30 of the textbook.

Complete Biology Activity on page 31 of the textbook.

Download Icon.png Check your answers

If you would like to check your answers for this topic you can do so here.

CHECK - What makes us human? Answers. Download CHECK - What makes us human? Answers.