Lesson 68 of 84 · Genetics
Lesson⭐ 30 XPDarwin and the Galapagos (Part 4)
Darwin and the Galapagos (Part 4).
🎯 Your mission
Learn the rule. Then catch nature using it.
⚡ The twist
Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.
Mind = Blown
🔬 The more you look, the more nature shows you.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.
What You'll Learn
Charles Darwin observed that finches on different Galapagos Islands had different beak shapes suited to their food sources. This helped him develop the theory of natural selection.
Key Words
- recessive
- mutation
Steps
Read about Genetics and write down three key facts.
Model mitosis using pipe cleaners as chromosomes. Show each phase: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Look for patterns in your observations.
Make a graph or chart showing your results.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3Who is known for the theory of natural selection?
Where you see this in real life
This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Try one experiment in real life this week — even a tiny one.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
Next Smart Experiment
We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.
Share this experiment
Send it to a parent who's looking for a 10-minute kitchen science win.
Checkout complete lesson on Genetics for 8th Grade
Get the full Genetics track as a printable PDF — all lessons, worksheets, and answer keys.