Lesson Plan: Bear Evolution
Unit: Evolution
Class: Biology (10th grade)
Time: 1-1/2 – 2 blocks
Students Will: use publicly available genetic databases and bioinformatics software to examine bear
evolution
PA State Standards:
3.2.10.B:
3.2.10.C:
3.2.10.D
3.3.10.D.
Apply process knowledge and organize scientific and technological phenomena in varied ways.
Apply the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.
Identify and apply the technological design process to solve problems.
Explain the mechanisms of the theory of evolution.
Enduring Understandings:
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Phylogeny examines the evolutionary history of different organisms and how they are related to one
another.
Bioinformatics is how biologists analyze data using computer software and mathematics.
Free, genetic databases can be found online, which contain gene sequences, published articles and
much more.
Gene sequences can be found at National Center for Biotechnology Information
(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) among other places.
Gene sequences can be analyzed using Biology Workbench (workbench.sdsc.edu) among many other
software programs. Biology workbench will be used to analyze phylogenic relationships based on gene
sequence data.
Two species that share a recent common ancestor will have biological similarities in their genes.
The more closely related to species are, the more similar the gene sequences should be.
Bioinformatics allows gene sequences to be compared and analyzed for similarities and differences
among different species.
Essential Questions:
1)
2)
3)
4)
What is phylogeny?
What is bioinformatics?
Where can one find genetic information about different organisms and their genes?
Where and how can gene sequences be analyzed in order to show similarities and phylogenic
relationships?
5) What does it mean genetically if two species share a common ancestor?
6) What kinds of similarities are expected in gene sequences if two species are closely related?
7) How does bioinformatics aid in studying evolution?
Phase/Time Frame
Teacher will…
Student will…
Introduction
Use Bear Evolution
PowerPoint to spark student
interest in the relationships of
“bears”
Listen and give their opinions
about bear phylogeny
Model how to use biology
workbench and ncbi.
Listen and ask questions.
Have students get laptops and
begin Family of Bears activity.
Students will begin activity.
Body
Walk around the room and
assist students as needed.
Closing
Have students come back to
their desks and go-over any
questions that students may
have.
Students will give ideas about
what the matrix and tree tells
us about bear evolution.
Discuss accuracy of
tree/matrix.
Discuss ideas for improved
matrixes/trees.
Collect Family of Bears if
completed – otherwise assign
it as homework.
Turn in assignment if
completed, or do as
homework.
Assignment for Next Class: Complete Family of Bears for tomorrow if not done in class.
Resources Used:
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Laptops