Human Ancestors
Teacher Resources
Driving Question: How did early humans evolve on Earth?
Hundreds of thousands of years ago, multiple human species lived on Earth at the same time. Did all these species die out, leaving our species, Homo sapiens, to roam the Earth alone? Or do we carry some of these species with us?
Learning Objectives:
- Use evidence to explain human evolution.
- Describe how early humans lived.
Vocab Terms:
- bipedalism
- collective learning
- evolution
- hominin
- Homo sapiens
- symbolic langauge
Opener: Human Ancestors
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide.
For more information about why OER Project uses openers in every lesson, check out our Openers and Closers Guide.
Our ancestors took millions of years to evolve into modern humans. How many of these early ancestors can you identify?
Our Evolutionary History
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide.
Looking for exemplars of the Evolution Comic? Check out this post in the OER Project Teacher Community.
Every moment in nature is a test. This slideshow and activity walk you through how (and maybe why) our ancestors evolved the way they did.
Human Evolution
One of Many Humans
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide.
Check out our Reading Guide to learn about the Three-Step Reading approach.
As humans evolved, our brains got bigger, and a bigger brain means more room for complexity. As you read, think about whether our evolutionary journey is complete.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- What are some of the extinct human species that came before us?
- What were some characteristics of australopithecines?
- What changes occurred as humans evolved into different species?
- What role did climate change play in the evolution of humans?
- Why aren’t there any other species of humans alive today?
After you read
Respond to this question: How do you think humans might evolve in the future?
Closer: Human Ancestors
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 4 of the Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide.
Go to our online teacher community for some ideas about how to engage students even more with the topic of human evolution.
Ever hear the phrase, “I wish I knew then what I know now?” Well, here’s your chance to share what you know with someone from the distant past…or future!
Mysteries of Our Human Origins
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 4.2 Teaching Guide.
There are still some mysteries surrounding our human origins. Explore what we do and don’t know in this podcast clip.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you listen
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you listen
Look for answers to these questions:
- What is the difference between hominins and hominids?
- What percentage of Neanderthal DNA can be found in many Europeans today?
- What human species’ DNA can be found in some Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand populations?
- How have many Tibetans adapted to their environment?
After you listen
Respond to this question: How might humans adapt to different environments in the future?
How are modern humans linked to other extinct species of humans?