Evolution vs. Extinction: Life Science Project (PBL)

In this two week project, students will synthesize their understanding of ecosystems, climate change, and natural selection. Students will begin the project by conducting background research on two animals. They will then predict the effects that climate change will have on each organism. One of the two organisms will go extinct. Students will predict what effect the extinction will have on that organism's ecosystem. The second organism will evolve. The students will brainstorm what adaptations might enable that organism to survive the effects of climate change. Finally, students will create a 3D paper mache model of the newly-evolved organism.

This is a hands-on project that inspires investment and creativity. It also a cumulative project that will require students to synthesize information they have been learning all year long. The futuristic nature of the project will promote critical thinking in your students.

Included in this product are the student packet, a teacher guide, as well as a rubric for grading the project.

Materials required: Newspaper, Masking tape, Flour, Water, Paint, Paintbrushes, Colored pencils/Markers/Crayons