Introduction
Today you will be looking at paleoanthropology through the findings of one of the most famous families in anthropology still to this day, the Leakeys. There will be five questions to complete along the way. Once you are complete, hand in your questions to Miss Badger and you may work on your CCT!
Check out this website to find an in-depth description of paleoanthropology:
http://humanorigins.si.edu/education/introduction-human-evolution
1. After reading the information, write your own definition of paleoanthropology.
Task
Now, go to this site and complete the mystery skull interactive.
Try Out All Four!
2a: Make a small note about what types of features may help a paleoanthropologist differentiate bones.
http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/mystery-skull-interactive
Process
Listen to the NPR clip about the Leakeys on the site below:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1387803
2b: Jot down a note with the names of all the members of the Leakey family mentioned in the radio clip.
3: Why did Louis choose to leave the profession? Where did he go? Who continued the work he started?
Use the websites below for step 4:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/louis-leakey-the-father-of-hominid-hunting-119543967/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/boleak.html
4: Create a timeline of events (starting with Louis Leakey, up to today) of the major findings of the Leakey family. You should include ten different things on your timeline.
Conclusion
Watch this Ted Talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/louise_leakey_digs_for_humanity_s_origins
5: Why is it so amazing that we have fossilized remains to study today? What makes it so difficult to create a fossil? What would have to happen if we wanted to leave a human skeleton to become a fossil today?
Once you are complete, hand in your questions to Miss Badger.
If you would like to view more on the Leakeys, (or you keep chatting with neighbour, are playing pool, that flip cup game, or anything else not CCT related), take a look at the following documentary:
http://www.documentarymania.com/player.php?title=Birth%20of%20Humanity