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Shape of Life provides free science resources for both students and teachers about the evolution of the animal kingdom. We offer short videos, lesson plans, features and news of animals on planet earth.
Phyla
The animal kingdom is one of six kingdoms of life on earth. Discover the greatest story ever told - the story of the animal kingdom and the eight major phyla that make up 99 percent of animals.
Features
Creature
Anchovies and the oxygen minimum layer
Anchovies—small silvery fish that travel in large schools—are a nutritionally-rich, foundational species for both fisheries and ecosystems off the coast of California. They have an outsized role in marine ecology.
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Lesson Plan
What's The Bigger Picture
In this lesson, students combine art and science to interpret and illustrate graphical art. In this way, students will build understanding of the power of data infused art to convey the "bigger picture" of climate change.
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Did You Know?
The Teaching of the Science of Climate Change
Despite the current political administration’s climate denial bringing sweeping cuts to science, research and education, CLIMATE CHANGE is REAL! Furthermore, it’s predominantly attributable to human activities. Teaching climate change from an early age is crucial. We think the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) says it best in their position statement.
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Teacher
Nicole Spayd, Middle School Science at Alexandria Township School, Pittstown, NJ
“My favorite way of teaching the impacts climate change is when we cover animal variations, mutations, and adaptations. The challenges for animals to adapt to an ever-increasing climate crisis really hits home with students.”
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Scientist
Rich Mooi, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology California Academy of Sciences
““If we’re to fight the anti-science tide, as scientists, we need to better communicate with all audiences. Spread the love and enthusiasm.” Rich's Tree of Life of sea urchins serves to spread the love of evolutionary novelty.
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Blog
Climate Change Teaching Resources
With the earth getting increasingly warmer and climate change research in the US under the cutting knife, students at all levels need to be climate literate. Shape of Life is dedicated to helping teachers expand their science curriculum to illuminate climate change and its impact on wildlife.
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