Topic Six (1.6): Charles Darwin
Objectives
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
- describe the process of peer review;
- describe the evidence that Darwin used to develop his theory of natural selection.
Introduction
This topic is all about Charles Darwin and how he developed his theory of evolution.
Working through your course book
- Darwin proposed the theory of evolution as a result of natural selection.
- Read pages 32–33 of Activate 3.
WATCH - Who was Charles Darwin? | History in a Nutshell | Animated History (YouTube)
and
WATCH - Horrible Histories - Natural Selection (Charles Darwin) (YouTube)
- Use what you have learnt to create a poster about the famous scientist.
Watch - Natural Selection - Crash Course Biology (YouTube)
DOWNLOAD & KEEP - Natural Selection
Download DOWNLOAD & KEEP - Natural Selection
- You can have a look at these interesting evolution facts as well:
READ - 15 Fun Facts about Evolution for Kids (Penguin) Links to an external site.
Read - Evolution Facts for Kids (Kiddle) Links to an external site.
- Did you know that Charles Darwin hated being famous for his theory? He and Alfred Wallace both came up with the same idea independently, and published their paper together, but because Wallace was studying butterflies in and around Indonesia, and Darwin was in the thick of things back in the UK, Darwin was the one who got all of the attention. Wallace was apparently quite happy with this situation, he just wanted to be left alone to do his research!
Review
COMPLETE - B3 2.6 Interactive screen: What is peer review? (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.
Support activities for this topic
WATCH - Natural Selection (Revision Monkey - YouTube)
How are new species created? This film shows how evolution over generations leads to the formation of new species:
WATCH - Origin of Species (Twig) [Not available on Sample Course]
Extension activities for this topic
COMPLETE - B3 2.6 Question-led lesson: Charles Darwin (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.
You might find this video helps with this question:
WATCH - Evolution by Natural Selection - Darwin's Finches | Evolution | Biology | FuseSchool (YouTube)
Why did it take so long for Darwin to publish his book on the origin of species:
WATCH - Darwin's Dilemma (Twig) [Not available on Sample Course]
Check your answers
CHECK - B3 2.6 Question-led lesson: Teacher notes (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.
CHECK - Student Book Answers - Biology 3 Chapter 2 Download CHECK - Student Book Answers - Biology 3 Chapter 2