Research the lives of geology and palaeontology pioneers, such as James Hutton (1726-1797), Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1875) and Mary Anning (1799-1847). Look especially at Anning’s work on ichthyosaurs. For details, visit www.sdsc.eduScienceWomenanning.html www.lymeregismuseum.co.ukfossils.htm
KS4
Simulate natural selection by using food dye to stain 100 wooden cocktail sticks red and 100 green. Scatter them over long grass and ask pupils to “capture” them in, say, a minute. More red should be found than green. Link this to a study about camouflage, adaptation and evidence of natural selection using data about the Peppered Moth and the Banded Snail.
Look at the evidence Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace used to form their ideas of natural selection. Why were Jean-Baptiste Lamarck’s ideas rejected? Try to visit Darwin’s home, Downe House in Kent, to see his study and exhibitions of his life, travels and ideas.
