Evolution+4

Goal - understanding role of independent lines of evidence in evaluating scientific theories, specifically evolution.
 * Assessment Items from the Evolution 4 Small Group**

Learning outcome – articulate that lines of evidence are independent of each other, yet these lines are consistent with evolutionary model and inconsistent with competing models.

Activities: Formative Assessment (In class activity) Assign students to groups; have each group make predictions for what an evolutionary model (descent with modification) vs. special creation model would make for each of the following: intermediate forms in the fossil record radiometric dating continental drift and biogeographic diversity patterns existence of non-functional characteristics homologies in structures and genes experimental studies direct observations of human-driven evolution (antibiotic resistance, pesticide resistance, herbicide resistance)

Summative Assessment: What makes a scientific theory strong?

Evolution would be more strongly supported by which of the following observations (choose either A or B): A: Complexity emerges over time || B: Complexity does not change over the history of life || A: Organisms will have only fully functional characteristics. || B: Organisms will have functional features and features that have no apparent functional value. || A: Variation among organisms will tend to be arranged in nested patterns || B: Variation among organisms will not tend to be arranged in nested patterns || A. The earth is 4 billion years old || B. The earth is 400,000 years old. || A: Overall, cave organisms tend to be generally similar to nearby surface-living organisms. || B: Cave organisms tend to most closely resemble cave dwelling organisms in distant parts of the world. ||
 * 1.
 * Explain your choice: ||
 * 2.
 * Explain your choice ||
 * 3.
 * Explain your choice: ||
 * 4.
 * Explain your choice: ||
 * 5.
 * Explain your choice: ||

Write the number for the question above in the space next to the most appropriate phrase or idea below: ___ Historical constraint ___ Homology ___ “Rabbits in the pre-Cambrian” ___ Radiometric dating ___ Biogeography