In this activity children consider how the media highlights some stories and how scientists work to find the science behind the headlines.
Description
The 47 million year old fossil, nicknamed Ida, was highlighted by the media as 'the missing link' in the early evolution of mankind. Ida is unique because of its age and the fact that the skeletal remains are remarkably complete. Scientists agree the fossil tells us about the biology of one of the earliest primates, it is another 'link' but not 'the missing link'.
Children will consider how the media highlights some stories and how scientists work to find the science behind the headlines. They will also consider where Ida fits within the evolutionary tree.
Learning Objective:
- that there are recognisable differences between animals
Children will learn:
- that fossils are the remains of animals
- to use scientific evidence to conclude where Ida may lie on the timeline
These resources were initially developed in partnership with the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.
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