1. Whale Evolution: a case Study
Objective: the theory of Evolution
Essential Question: How is the scientific theory of evolution supported by different disciplines?

2. Your Job:
In this 3 day project you will assume the role of Paleontologist and other scientific Disciplines to uncover the evidence in favor of whale evolution from a land mammal to a water dwelling mammal.
In doing so you will demonstrate your understanding of the Theory of Evolution and the main sources of evidence in that theory. Your finished product will be a group poster displaying your findings—data, research and evidence—from your ‘excavations’

3. Get ready! Video Clip from: Nat Geo “Morphed: When Whales had Legs”

4. Outline Day 1: Whale Evolution “Fossil Dig”
Day 2: What is the Evidence for Evolution Specializations and research day
Day 3: Putting it all together

5. Day 1: Fossil Dig
Complete the Discovery: Whales in Transition Activity with your group, using the directions provided in your folder.
Day One Roles:
Lead Paleontologist
Paleontologist in charge of Art
Paleontologist in charge of recording data
Paleontologist in charge of securing materials

6. Day 1: Work expectations
By the end of class on Day One you should have completed the following:
Timeline with discoveries (one per group)
Colored Sketch of your prediction with written rational (one per group)
Data table (one per person)
Written answers to discussion questions (one per person)

7. Vocab Briefing: Important Words to Know Please put this info on Pg 122 in ISN
Theory—A proposed explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results
Evolution—a process of biological change by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors
Species—A group of organisms so similar to one another that they can reproduce and have fertile offspring
Adaptation—a feature that allows an organism to better survive in an environment
Paleontology—the study of fossils or extinct organisms.

8. Grading Rubric 30 point project
2 categories: Content Knowledge & Cooperative Leadership
Please Look at the individual rubric that has been given to you and follow it at all times for the highest grade possible
Remember the theme of this nine weeks is: Taking charge of your own learning

9. Day 2: What is the Evidence for Evolution? Research Day
Jig Saw Notes/Research—You become specialized in different disciplines in the field and report back to your groups.
Complete the reading and foldable notes for your expert field. Use Chapter 10.4 Pgs and Ch pgs only.
The Specialists are:
Paleontologist
Geography/Biogeography specialist
Embryologist
Anatomy specialist
Molecular Biology Specialist

10. Day 2: Research Day
Complete the reading/computer extension about the evidence for whale evolution and take notes in notebook for your specialty on the evidence for whale evolution from your specialty area. Use examples, data and sketches where appropriate to help explain your evidence.
Report back to your group and complete the foldable notes and 4 square data table in your ISN as each specialist presents for the group.

11. Day 3: Putting it all together
creating your group poster; debrief class discussion.
You will create a group poster as a culmination of your Fossil Dig and Research Days. Your poster will show the class what you have learned about the Theory of Evolution through this Case Study. Our discussion will enable us to ask questions and further our learning.

12. Day 3: Poster checklist Your poster should include:
1.) Your Timeline from Day One
2.) Your prediction drawing from Day One
3.) Each type of evidence from the specialists and an example of how it was used in this case study.
4.) Drawings/sketches as necessary to help explain evidence
5.) At least two short response questions assessing student learning about this standard.
6.) Everyone’s handwriting should be evident on the poster as an indication that all group members have participated in its creation