ERIC Number: EJ781296
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 20
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0024-9033
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Evolutionary Change within the Framework of Geological Time
Dodick, Jeff
McGill Journal of Education, v42 n2 p245-264 2007
This paper focuses on a learning strategy designed to overcome students' difficulty in understanding evolutionary change within the framework of geological time. Incorporated into the learning program "From Dinosaurs to Darwin: Evolution from the Perspective of Time," this strategy consists of four scaffolded investigations in which students manipulate and critique a series of (visual) representations of evolutionary change in geological time. These investigations include: (1) bio-stratigraphic correlation; (2) representing the development of life on earth through time; (3) comparing the magnitude of different time scales; (4) temporally scaling evolution. Using this format, students build an ever more sophisticated understanding of evolution in geological time. These activities were evaluated with a class of Israeli high school earth science students. Post-program results indicated that, although difficulties still remained, generally, the students had a better understanding of the scale of geological time and its connection to evolutionary change. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Evolution, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Paleontology, Earth Science, Change, Comparative Analysis, Correlation, Foreign Countries, High School Students, Scientific Concepts
McGill Journal of Education. McGill University, 3700 McTavish Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada. Tel: 514-398-4246; Fax: 514-398-4529; NOTE: As of the winter issue for 2007 (v.42, n1), this journal will only be available online. Web site: http://mje.mcgill.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Israel
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A