Subject: Earth and Life Science

Grade Level: Grade 11

Objective: Theories on the origin of life

Learning across curriculum:

1) Chemistry - The study of chemical reactions and elements can help students
understand the chemical processes that may have contributed to the origin of life on
Earth. For example, the formation of complex organic molecules could have been
facilitated by certain chemical reactions.

2) History - Studying the history of scientific discoveries and theories can provide
context for understanding the development of theories on the origin of life. Students
can explore how different ideas and evidence have shaped our understanding of this
topic.

3) Philosophy - Philosophical discussions about the nature of life and the existence
of a creator can help students critically analyze different theories on the origin of life.

ENGAGE:

Teaching Strategy: Role-Playing

Instructional Materials: Index cards with different theories on the origin of life
written on them

1) Idea: Divide the class into groups and assign each group a different theory on the
origin of life. Ask them to research and prepare a short skit or role-play that presents
their theory to the class. This activity encourages active participation and critical
thinking.

2) Idea: Show the students a series of images related to the origin of life, such as the
Miller-Urey experiment or the fossil record. Ask them to write down their initial
thoughts and questions about these images. Then, facilitate a class discussion
based on their responses.

EXPLORE:
Activity 1: Timeline of Life

Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-Based Learning

Materials: Large poster paper, markers

Significance: This activity helps students visualize the timeline of life on Earth and
understand the different stages of evolution.

Instructions:

1) Divide the class into small groups.

2) Provide each group with a large poster paper and markers.

3) Instruct the groups to create a timeline of life, starting from the formation of Earth
up to the present day.

4) Encourage them to include key events and milestones in the evolution of life, such
as the emergence of prokaryotes, the development of multicellular organisms, and
the appearance of humans.

Rubric:

- Accuracy of timeline: 15 pts

- Inclusion of key events: 10 pts

- Creativity and presentation: 10 pts

Assessment Questions:

1) What are the major events in the timeline of life on Earth?

2) How did life evolve from simple organisms to complex organisms?

3) What are the factors that influenced the diversification of life forms?

Activity 2: Origin of Life Debate

Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning

Materials: Research materials on different theories of the origin of life

Significance: This activity encourages critical thinking and research skills as

students explore and defend different theories on the origin of life.

Instructions:

1) Divide the class into small groups.

2) Assign each group a different theory on the origin of life, such as the primordial
soup theory or the panspermia theory.

3) Instruct the groups to research and gather evidence to support their assigned
theory.

4) Organize a debate where each group presents their theory and defends it against
counterarguments from other groups.

Rubric:

- Research and evidence: 15 pts

- Presentation and clarity of arguments: 10 pts

- Rebuttal and response to counterarguments: 10 pts

Assessment Questions:

1) What are the main theories on the origin of life, and what evidence supports each
theory?

2) How did the debate help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of
different theories on the origin of life?

3) What are the implications of the different theories on our understanding of life's
origins?

EXPLAIN:
Teaching Strategy: Lecture and Discussion

1) Explain the different theories on the origin of life, including the primordial soup
theory, the panspermia theory, and the hydrothermal vent theory. Provide examples
and evidence for each theory.

2) Facilitate a class discussion to compare and contrast the strengths and

weaknesses of different theories. Encourage students to critically analyze the
evidence and evaluate the plausibility of each theory.

ELABORATE:

Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning

Task 1: Design an Origin of Life Experiment

Task 2: Create a Scientific Model of Life's Origins

EVALUATE:

Teaching Strategy: Problem-Based Learning

Question 1: Based on the evidence and theories presented, which theory of the
origin of life do you find most convincing? Provide reasons for your choice.

Question 2: How would the understanding of the origin of life impact our
understanding of the universe and our place in it?

Question 3: What are the ethical implications of the different theories on the origin of
life?

Assignment:

Assignment 1: Research Paper

Assignment 2: Reflective Essay