Name: Human Origins Web Inquiry
1. Got to the website: http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence 2. Read the paragraph under “Evidence of Evolution.” 3. In the maroon box on the left, click on “Timeline Interactive” 4. Start by clicking on the red bands at the bottom of the timeline, beginning with Homo sapiens and the rest of the Hominids. Read the information boxes that pop up when you click. 5. When you come across a species you find particularly interesting, record that information (including dates) in the box below. Record facts of at least 5 interesting hominid species, including Homo sapiens. 6. Then begin to explore the rest of the timeline. As you go, record at least 5 other interesting species. 7. Use the magnifier tool at the bottom of the timeline. Click on “color key” to identify the different color dots. Each dot represents a specific piece of evidence scientists have discovered in their study of evolution. 8. Click on various colored dots to learn about tools, events, geology, climate information, behavior, and skeletal adaptations discovered by scientists that add to the evidence for human evolution. Record 7 pieces of evidence you find interesting or particularly important in the box on the back. Make sure to put down different types of evidence (different colors). 9. Take 15-20 minutes to explore the whole timeline and record interesting facts. 10. Build your own timeline on the next page, filling in the interesting species and evidence you recorded in their proper place in the timeline. Hominids
Species Dates Interesting fact(s)
Homo sapiens
Name:
Evidence
Type of Date Interesting fact(s) Evidence
Name:
Human Evolution Timeline 1. Start by drawing the hominid species on your timeline. Draw a colored band across the time period in which each species existed. 3. Add evidence dots to the timeline. Use a different symbol for each type of evidence. 4. Fill in boxes in the key below with the appropriate color or symbol.
Present 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 million Years Ago Key
Hominids Humans Change the Brains Social Life World Species/Geography Bodies Walking
Symbolism Tools & Food Climate