Alivia Nytko

This activity introduces K-12 students to the concepts of phylogenetics and trait evolution. Students will learn what a phylogeny is, what it represents, and how species are related through shared traits. The activity includes hands-on exercises, reusable models, and take-home materials to reinforce learning.

• Designed for Darwin Day at the McClung Museum.
• Adaptable to various grade levels but designed with 2nd - 5th grade in mind.

Instructions

1. Print and laminate the dinosaur images for durability.
2. Attach boxes to the dowel rod; this is where the different dinosaurs will be placed. I used laminated squares of paper and velcro.
3. Attach flags that describe the traits evolving through the phylogeny (i.e. plant eater, large size, walk on four legs, long neck).
4. The first species (root) should be added as a starting point.
5. Guide students through the activity using the Character Mapping Handout; not all dinosaurs belong on the phylogeny.
6. The final order from the root (Eoraptor) should be Eoraptor - Hypsilophodon - Matheronodon - Iguanodon - Apatosaurus & Camarasaurus.
7. I awarded tiny dinosaur toys once the activity was completed.

Materials

• Character Mapping Handout
• Dinosaur Fact Sheet
• Dinosaurs for Lamination
• Dowel Rods & Yarn