Evolution and Fossils
Fossils
How to make play dough that looks like rock.
Great for making fossil prints. Here
Archaeopteryx
This is a great image for discussion with children about the link between birds and dinosaurs.
More info on Archaeopteryx here
Missing Link Fossils
In the resources below there are three missing link cards (as above) and three matching fossil photos, Archaeopteryx, Thrinaxodon and Ichthyostega. Together they can be used as a great prediction/matching activity.
How Fossils Form
The above video is good but so is this one Here.
It has no narration. Get the children to do it.
Evolution
Useful information on Darwin for kids. Here
A great teaching guide from Millgate House.
They have given us a free sample activity - Fossil evidence for how land animals evolved - Here
Tree of Life
There is a simple printable tree of life in the resources below.
Darwin's tree of life from his notebook.
A more detailed tree of life.
One Zoom presents a fully interactive complete tree of life. Here
Moth, by Isabel Thomas, is a great book for all ages to learn about evolution.
Video
Evolution
The Simpsons title sequence does evolution.
Thrinaxodon
How Thrinaxodon hibernated to help it survive the mass dinosaur extinction.
Mary Anning tells the story of her life and her astonishing fossil finds.
CPD on Evolution
Downloadable Resources
Fossil evidence for how land animals evolved
A free activity from Millgate House from their book Lat's Talk about Evolution
SOLO Taxonomy based assessment criteria for working towards, expected and mastery.
Evolution of a Species Worksheet
A worksheet where children can use the Tree of Life to discover the changes a species has gone through over time - What has evolved from what!
Jon's Tree of Life - Colour Black and White Toilet Paper Edition
A very simple tree of life. New toilet paper edition - cut this into sections and lay them out along unrolled toilet paper to create a scaled timeline.
Missing Links - Archaeopteryx Thrinaxodon Ichthyostega
Fossils give us evidence of evolution - 3 sheets for children to observe and label missing link fossils.
Information about the three missing link creature above.
A simple game based on the corners game. Can you avoid extinction? There are some slides on the slideshow below that can be used with this if you like.
Evolution and Inheritance Slideshow
As used at the Manchester University session.
Simpsons Evolution True or False
A set of true/false questions based on the title sequence video above.
Bean Hunt Activity - How does evolution happen? - Worksheet
The worksheet (for printing on squared paper) is for children as a follow up to the Bean Hunt activity above.
Great song with Lyrics by Tristan Thomas
Advanced this, but a handy guide to how you can extract DNA in the classroom. Warning: uses methylated spirits. Check safety precautions before using.
Simpsons Dominant or Recessive Genes Worksheet
Intended for KS3 but could be useful.
Use your understanding of gens to work out offspring eye colour.
Simple family tree for using with the question sheet.
Simpsons Family Tree Questions
For use with the family tree above.
What superpowers would you have if Spiderman was your Dad and Wonderwoman was your Mum?
A quick group investigation that explores how individuals are different or similar.
Planet ESNOV Slideshow - Adaptation. By Alex Sinclair
A great slideshow introducing a new planet. Children have to think up creatures with adaptations that allow them to survive.
Variation Data Analysis. By Alex Sinclair
An activity where children collect and compare data about themselves to learn about variation.