Biodiversity and evolution
Explore the theory of evolution by natural selection by looking at the fossil record.
Students will experience
- Begin the excursion in the Learning Lab studio, and be guided by a museum learning expert.
- Explore the 600 million years: Victoria evolves exhibition and examine the fossil record to find evidence for evolution.
- Visit the Research Institute Gallery and Gandel Gondwana Garden to see how current research relates to our understanding of evolution.
- Researching themes across multiple galleries to deepen their understanding of evolution.
Students will learn
- How Australia was once part of Gondwana, and how this influenced the present biodiversity.
- How the evolution explains past and present biodiversity and demonstrates how all organisms have some degree of relatedness to each other.
- That fossils, found in different times and difference places, have contributed to our understanding of the evolution of species.
Students will be provided
- All resources and materials to complete all of the tasks in the excursion.
Availability
Terms 1–4, Monday to Friday
Duration: 90 minutes
Student information
Years 9 to 10
Minimum 15 students
Maximum 30 students
Bookings
Workshop
Presented by a museum educator
Victorian Curriculum Links
Science: Levels 9 and 10
Biological sciences
- the theory of evolution by natural selection includes the processes of variation, isolation and adaptation and is supported by evidence including the fossil record, biogeography and comparative embryology; the theory explains past and present biodiversity and demonstrates how all organisms have some degree of relatedness to each other (VC2S10U05)
Questioning and predicting
- investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be used in guiding investigations to test and develop explanatory models and relationships (VC2S10I01)
Evaluating
- arguments based on a variety of evidence can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information (VC2S10I07)
Accessibility
Please view our accessibility page for general information. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.
Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund
The Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund aims to enhance access to our museums (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum), programs and events by offering free or subsidised education programs for eligible schools. Find out more about the fund.
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