Hominid Fossils: Ape or Human? Activity

For Middle and High School

$5.00$4.50

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient history with our 'Hominid Fossils: Ape or Human?' learning resource. Perfect for science and apologetics classes, this comprehensive guide helps students visually and analytically distinguish between ape and human fossils. Investigate real-life examples, explore transitional fossils, and challenge your understanding of evolutionary history. Includes images, detailed comparisons, and thought-provoking analysis activities. Ideal for group discussions or individual study.

The Theory of Evolution is very well-known throughout the world and it is a way to explain why we see many so species of animals and plant life today. One of the pieces of this theory that scientists claim that we are a species evolved from an ape-like ancestor who was also the ancestor of modern-apes.

Scientists claim that there are many "transitional fossils" between the ape ancestor and modern day humans, that reflect this evolution. However, when we really examine the fossils and compare them to modern day human and ape fossils, we actually see that they all reflect either an ape or a human, but not both. (Even many evolutionist scientists say these things when examining the evidence).

This activity is designed to teach students about these Hominid fossils and how, when comparing these fossils to modern fossils, we can determine them as either ape or human.

First, students will read about the comparisons between modern human fossils and modern ape fossils. Then, they will go around the room and read about 10 well-known hominid fossils. They will write the names of them, characteristics of the fossil, whether it's a human or ape, and why the fossil was famous.

These are the fossils it covers:

  1. Lucy

  2. Toumai

  3. Turkana Boy

  4. Laetoli Footprints

  5. Taung Child

  6. KNM-ER 1470

  7. KNM-ER 1813

  8. Ardi

  9. Selam (Lucy's baby)

  10. Herto Skulls

Finally, students will answer 10 analysis questions about this activity, the fossils and scientific bias.

There is NO mention of intelligent design or creationism in this product. However, this product was created from a scientific worldview that opposes the theory of evolution.

This product includes:

  1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed  

  2. Teacher Procedure

  3. 4-Page “Hominid Fossils” Student Packet

  4. 10 Hominid Fossil Profile Sheets

  5. Hominid Fossil Chart Answers

  6. Student Packet Questions Answers

  7. Citations

  8. Teacher Tips

To do this activity, students will need:

  • Pencil

  • Copy of "Hominid Fossils" packet (INCLUDED)

  • Copy of 10 "Hominid Fossil Profile" sheets (INCLUDED)

You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at edventureswithmrsd@gmail.com.

Thank you!

6th-12th

  • Science

  • General Science

  • Earth Science

  • Biology

  • Anatomy

23 Pages

PDF

"I pulled up each fossil and we had an open discussion on what students thought about each fossil. My students were very intrigued by the pictures. We ended up having a very "friendly debate" about some of the fossils. Lucy in particular. I plan to use it more in depth in the future. We were just running really short on time this school year." M. Mays