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American Museum of Natural History

For Educators: Spitzer Hall of Human Origins

humanorigins_edguide

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


Hall of Human Origins Educator's Guide

Hall of Human Origins: Connections to Other Museum Halls

Hall of Human Origins: Previsit Activities Grades K-4

Hall of Human Origins: Pre-Visit Activities Grades 5-8

Hall of Human Origins: Pre-Visit Activities Grades 9-12

Hall of Human Origins: Exhibition Activity Sheets for Students Grades K-4

Hall of Human Origins: Exhibition Activity Sheets for Students Grades 5-8

Hall of Human Origins: Exhibition Activity Sheets for Students Grades 9-12

Compare Skeletons

Compare Primates

Fossil Find


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.

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Curriculum

Multiple Cultures, Multiple Identities

What defines you: your ethnic background, the region you live in, your age, or your gender? Correct answer: All of the above. Assemble the pieces of your identity in a cultural chest. 

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Article

Coming to Life (SuperScience)

What does it take to create realistic exhibits like the ones featured in Night at the Museum? Meet the exhibition project manager who's in change of the Museum's dioramas.

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Activity

Go on a Genetic Journey Quiz

Can you curl your tongue? Do you have a "hitchhiker's thumb?" Investigate which of these four traits you share—and which of them are rare. 

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  • More About This Resource...

    • 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.

    • Origin

      Educators Guide

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Evolution