For Educators: Spitzer Hall of Human Origins
Humans, like all species, are a product of evolution. The Hall of Human Origins presents key and cutting-edge evidence - fossils, genetic data, and artifacts - that scientists use to assemble the evolutionary story of our taxonomic family, the hominids. Discover the relatives that make up our branch on the tree of life. Explore the characteristics that make humans unique. Learn how our species migrated throughout the globe, which we impact without parallel.
Educators Guide and Materials
More Resources for Educators
Use these free online resources before or after your visit to further explore themes presented in the Hall of Ocean Life Exhibition.
Reference List
Spitzer Hall of Human Origins Glossary
What are evolutionary trees? How do hominids differ from primates? And why is it important that humans are capable of symbolic thought? Find out with this guide from "DNA" to "variation."
Reference List
Spitzer Hall of Human Origins Booklist for Adults
Find an answer to the question, "What is human nature?" Investigate Jane Goodall's pioneering field research. And consider the vast potential of the human genome.
Reference List
Spitzer Hall of Human Origins Booklist for Kids
Explore your ancestral past and the 22nd-century possibilities of DNA research with this collection of kid-friendly titles selected for the Hall of Human Origins.
Reference List
Spitzer Hall of Human Origins Online Resources
Unearth and explore a 1.6-million-year-old human skeleton. Watch a video that explains why evolution matters. And compare human skeletons with those of primates.
Activity
Make a DNA Model
Do you know what makes you different from a snail, a tree, or even your best friend? Find out with this hands-on look at genetic code—and build a model that's a million-plus-times larger than life.
Activity
Wear a Chimp on Your Wrist
How can you wear a chimp on your wrist—without getting primate elbow? The answer to this riddle is not as tough as it may seem. Need a hint? Take a closer look at genetic code.
Activity
What Do You Know About Genetics?
How much do you know about what makes you you? Test your genetics knowledge with this interactive quiz. Then, take a nurturing look at the answers when you're done.
Activity
What Makes You, YOU
Nature + Nurture = You! While it may look like a simple equation, the combination of your genes and your environment is actually very complicated. Find out if your answers match your family's.
Darwin
Did you know that for 21 years Darwin kept his theory secret? Learn more about this brilliant observer of nature and how he transformed our understanding of the living world.
November 19, 2005 - August 20, 2006
Traveling Information
Activity
Evolution
Natural selection plays a large role in the evolution of a species. The following activity demonstrates this concept.
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More About This Resource...
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The Museum's Hall of Human Origins exhibit offers the most comprehensive evidence of human evolution ever assembled, from our earliest ancestors millions of years ago to modern Homo sapiens.
This comprehensive and printable guide will help you explore the hall with your students. It includes:
- Detailed background information to help you prepare for your museum fieldtrip, including an overview of the exhibition hall's key concepts.
- An exhibit map that makes it easy to find notable objects, interactive displays, and other highlights of interest.
- Several pre-, during-, and post-visit activities to do with your students.
- A listing of related Museum exhibits and suggestions for how to tie them into your fieldtrip.
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Origin
Educators Guide -
Topic
Biology -
Subtopic
Evolution
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