Alexandra Schoessler

Metaphorical Expression
Evolution: The Evolution of Pop Culture
50 Min
7 Period
th

STANDARDS/ELEMENTS: CCGPS, GPS/GSE (where applicable) and TAG Standards

Life Science Standards
S7L5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources to explain the theory of evolution of living
organisms through inherited characteristics.
b. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variation and environmental factors
influence the probability of survival and reproduction of a species.

TAG Standards
5. The student develops original ideas, presentations, or products through synthesis and evaluation.
7. The student uses analogies, metaphors, and/or models to explain complex concepts.
7. The student responds to contributions of others, considering all available information.
8. The student participates in small group discussions to argue persuasively or reinforce others’ good points.

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING(s):
Scientists analyze and recognize how organisms, places, things, and ideas change over time.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION(s)
What is evolution and how is it seen throughout multiple areas of life – not just in nature?

TEACHER LESSON PREPARATION

- Prepare powerpoint & make sure all links work
- Get the six stations and baskets ready for the groups
- Print notes sheets

ACTIVATING STRATEGY
Write on the board – “What is evolution?”
After discussing for a couple minutes, watch the Evolution of Rap video and discuss again

Instructional Sequence and Activities including use of technology

**This lesson is heavy in small group collaboration & discussion. Make sure to be circulating the room to keep conversation on track.

Explain to the students that we will be exploring the definition of evolution in nature by comparing it to other items that we
see in pop culture. Students will be in their lab groups and be given 5 minutes to analyze the theme in the box on their
table. They must answer the following questions with their group for each box and record the answers on their paper:
1. What are the pop culture items trying to convey?
2. Individually, choose one word or phrase to explain what you see
Students will do this for each of the six groups, leading to having them create a direct analogy between evolution of pop
culture and evolution of life. The following are the themes for each box:
- Batman symbols over the years (pictures provided)
- Cheerleading uniforms throughout the decades (pictures provided)
- Art through the periods (examples provided)
- Hunger Games Tracker Jackers (reading segment provided)
- Music recordings (physical examples from records to a Walkman to ipods provided)
- Phones (physical examples starting with the nokia going all the way through iphones)
After each group has had a chance to analyze the contents of each box and discuss with their group, ask the students as a
whole to answer the following questions:
“What is a simple definition of evolution?”
**Lead the conversation to conclude that evolution is change over time
“How is evolution in nature similar to evolution in pop culture?” – Direct Analogy
On their notes sheet, have the students answer the question: “what part of you has evolved over the years and why do you
think so?” (Personal Analogy) Have the students turn and share their answers with a partner before sharing in front of the
class.

For homework, have the students answering the following question on a Microsoft forms (their answers must be at least 3
sentences):
“How is evolution both a bane and a blessing?” – Compressed Conflict Analogy

When students return the following day, have them share their answers to the last question with a partner and then turn it
to class discussion for sharing and discussion.

Assessment Strategies
Assessments will be heavily based in class discussion throughout the lesson. Pay attention to each group and what conclusions they are
coming too. Step in and redirect the group if need be. A more formal assessment will be used for their homework by having them
analyze the term evolution through comparison. With a thorough understanding of the word and what it looks like, students should be
able to offer a thorough explanation of the good and the bad that goes along with the term.

Differentiation
This lesson offers a multitude of ways and opportunities to reach a conclusive idea of what evolutions means while solidifying its
meaning and what it looks like through a series of comparisons. Students will use kinesthetic learning by analyzing actual objects, visual
learning through the video, as well as reading a short excerpt and then discussing the information. Students will also be creating a
written response on the subject using a compressed conflict analogy.

Materials/Links/Text References/Resources
- powerpoint
- 6 boxes with materials included
- notes sheet
- Microsoft forms for comparison response