In my AP Biology class, we begin the year
by learning about evolution and natural selection.
Students always want to know how humans have
evolved over time, which is where the "Human
Skin Color: Evidence for Selection" activity
comes in.
I use it, along with the short film "The Biology
of Skin Color," as a case study that allows
students to apply their knowledge of natural
selection.
They follow researcher Nina Jablonski as she
delves into the origin of the great variety
of human skin colors.
I alternate short sections of the film with
having students work in groups on sections
of the activity.
As they continue through the activity, students
make and revise hypotheses and predictions,
analyze data, and justify claims with evidence.
They eventually learn about the two competing
selective pressures that account for the worldwide
variation in skin color, the genetics behind
skin color, as well as the effect of human
migration on health.
By the end of the activity, students have
a deeper understanding of how natural selection,
selective pressures, and fitness, all play a role
in the evolution of human skin color.
