Adaptations and Variation of Hawaii's Endemic Species
Click on the lessons to the left to download curriculum in individual sections or download the whole unit at the bottom. Also see some more examples of student work. Some of the files are large. Read on for a description of the adaptations unit or download the unit introduction for a complete description of the lesson format, assessment, and content
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Purpose:
This curriculum was designed to communicate concepts about evolutionary processes to
seventh grade students. Hawaii is home to many endemic species that exhibit different
genetic variations. These unique species are excellent examples to utilize to help students understand evolution.
Rationale:
The Hawaiian Island chain is the most isolated archipelago on the planet. This isolation
has limited the number of animal and plant species that have arrived here naturally.
When organisms do colonize the islands successfully, their populations must change over time in order to suit the conditions of their new environment. As a result of millions of years of evolution in isolation, the Hawaiian Islands are home to many fascinating
endemic species, such as Hawaiian honeycreepers, Happy-face spiders, and Ohia trees.
This curriculum focuses on examples of Hawaii’s native flora and fauna to understand
evolutionary concepts, including genetic variation, natural selection, and adaptation.
CONCEPT MAP
Hawaii Standards Addressed:
Standard 7.1: The Scientific Process: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION: Discover, invent, and investigate using the skills necessary to engage in the scientific process
Standard 7.5: Life and Environmental Sciences: DIVERSITY, GENETICS, AND EVOLUTION: Understand genetics and biological evolution and their impact on the unity and diversity of organisms
West Hawaii Explorations Academy class ready for a science day
WHEA student inspects a Nene Goose. WHEA students investigate an Ohia tree