Anatomical & Embryological Evidence for Evolution Interactive Simulation | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Anatomical & Embryological Evidence for Evolution.

Driving question: "How can quantitative bone measurements, trait matrices, and multi-stage embryo displays be combined to distinguish homologous from analogous structures and construct an accurate vertebrate cladogram?" Objective: Students will measure homologous forelimb bone proportions across five vertebrate skeletons, analyze a three-stage embryological pictorial dataset, and construct a branching cladogram supported by anatomical evidence.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Set of 5 scaled vertebrate forelimb…; Wing comparison card showing internal…; Metric ruler (millimeters) and set of 5…; Pictorial Embryology Display Packet…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 790 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.