Teacher Process
Lesson Plan for How Life Began WebQuest
Content Area: Science; Religion
Title of Lesson Plan: How Life Began: A Debate
Description of Students: Students in grades 9-12
Broad Goals:
Students will research and evaluate three major theories for how life began on Earth.
Pennsylvania State Standards in Science and Technology
3.1.10E Describe patterns of change in nature, physical and man-made systems
3.2.10A Apply knowledge and understanding about the nature of scienctific knowledge. Compare and contrast scientific theories and beliefs
3.3.10B Describe and explain the chemical basis of living things
3.3.10D Explain the mechanism of the theory of evolution
Objectives:
Students will research a theory of the origin of life using a variety of sources.
Students will evaluate the theory and present arguments for why the theory is valid.
Students will present their ideas to their classmates using a PowerPoint presentation.
Procedures:
Before beginning the WebQuest, have students view the NOVA documentary "How Life Began", part of the Origins series. This program provides a strong background for both the chemical evolution and extraterrestrial theories. Divide students into teams and assign each team to research either the chemical evolution theory, the extraterrestrial theory, intelligent design, or the teachings of one or more religious or cultural groups (every culture has some story about the origin of Earth and life). Include interviews and religious texts as well as web-based sources.
After researching, students should prepare a class presentation using PowerPoint or other presentation program outlining their research as well as their arguments for why the theory is valid. The class can then vote on the theory that should be taught in science class.
To conclude the lesson, have the class discuss which theories are testable and which require a leap of faith. Students should understand that even scientists are unsure of how life on Earth began and that all of the theories presented are missing information or lacking in "proof". It is important to emphasize that man's curiousity about his origin and purpose on Earth is the link between all the ideas presented.
Materials:
Computers with Internet Access and PowerPoint
Religious texts (Bibles)
Accommodations & Modifications: none required
Assessment: See scoring Rubric in Evaluation section