What came first, the chicken or the egg, project:
DUE 8/27/15
Class, I challenge you to answer a simple question: Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Both seem to be
right at first glance. “Well, the chicken has to lay the egg,” or “Well, the chicken has to come from an egg.” It is up
to you to explore the process of evolution to find out which answer is correct, or if there is a third, more
interesting one. Since chickens have changed so much over time, where will we be in the future?
Throughout this project, you will be in your groups to ultimately create a presentation that showcases your groups’
decision on the answer to the question, “What came first: The Chicken or The Egg?.” I encourage you to use
technology in your presentation and use a unique presentation method. Blogster, Prezi, or something new!
Questions to consider throughout the project: Are humans evolving today? What evidence can you provide to
support your answers? In what situations would an organism begin to evolve? Is evolving a good or bad thing?
What technologies are helping/hindering our evolution? Please use the information you have learned about
dinosaur→ chicken evolution to predict what might happen to humans.”
Gather your Information:
Each group will use the links to further their knowledge on the subject of evolution. Each link may have a video, a
information website, or a multimedia source depicting an evolutionary concept. For each resource, write down key
concepts that you might use in your decision making. Make sure that you go through each one so you can use the
information in your presentation.
Formulate your Ideas:
Ponder your answer as a group to the chicken or egg question. Find evidence to support your ideas. Write out a
concept map that has “Evolution” in the center to help brainstorm. Come to a consensus on your group’s answer.
After that, think about what factors are affecting human evolution. With those in mind, predict how humans might
evolve in the near future.
Create your Presentation:
With your groups answer, begin creating your presentation. It must include the following 6 terms:
1. Evolution
2. Darwin or Darwinism
3. Natural Selection
4. Archaeopteryx
5. Genes
6. Genetic Engineering
It will be 7-8 minutes in length.
Resources for Chicken or Egg presentation:
Jurassic Park Movie Clip--Raptors in the Kitchen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRxQ3dcaQk
This is a fun attention grabber for the students
Jack Horner: Building a Dinosaur from a Chicken
http://www.ted.com/talks/jack_horner_building_a_dinosaur_from_a_chicken.html
A TED video that shows a paleontologist reengineering dormant genes in chickens.
Dinosaur’s Flashy Feathers Revealed
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/pictures/120309-microraptors-dinosaurs-iridescent-feathersscience-nature/#/fossil-dinosaur-iridescent-feathers-illustration_49799_600x450.jpg
This is to inform students that dinosaurs had feathers during their evolutionary track.
Velociraptors had Feathers
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070920145402.htm
Meant to change the stereotypical “dinosaur” image.
Archaeopteryx: An early bird
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/birds/archaeopteryx.html
Shows the transition between the big raptors to the chickens of today.
What is Evolution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhHOjC4oxh8
A simple video to teach the basis of evolution.
What is Natural Selection?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SCjhI86grU
A simple video to teach the basis of natural selection.
Resources for Future Human Evolution:
Amber Case: We Are All Cyborgs Now
http://www.ted.com/talks/amber_case_we_are_all_cyborgs_now.html
This TED talk explores how technology has evolved the human race and is meant to evoke critical thought
Harvey Fineberg: Are we Ready for Neo-Evolution?
http://www.ted.com/talks/harvey_fineberg_are_we_ready_for_neo_evolution.html
A TED talk about selecting genes in the future which is coined “Neo Evolution.” Great for creative possibilities
Theo Jansen: My creations, a new form of life
http://www.ted.com/talks/theo_jansen_creates_new_creatures.html
An example of humans directing evolution. Asks the question, “Do we have the power to control evolution?”