Human skulls: using evidence from the past (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how human skulls have changed over time and use fossil evidence to suggest reasons why.
Key learning points
- Scientists who study humans depend on fossil evidence to help them learn about how our ancestors have changed over time.
- Human skulls can show changes in characteristics such as: skull shape, brain and jaw size.
- Modern day skulls show differences, suggested by scientists, linked to humans chewing softer, processed food.
Keywords
Prehistoric - Prehistoric times are time periods which came before written records began.
Fossil - A fossil is the remains or imprint of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock.
Evidence - Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true.
Ancestor - Your ancestor lived in the past and is directly related to you.
Skull - The skull is the name for the bones of the head.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that humans as we know them have always looked the same as they do now.
Use the images of skulls in the slide deck to clearly show how humans’ appearance has changed over many thousands of years.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to think about how humans may continue to change thousands of years into the future based on how our lifestyles are changing. Might our legs get less muscular as we lead more sedentary lives? Might our fingers get more dexterous as we spend longer on smartphones and other devices?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a skull?
Q2.Where is a human’s brain?
Q3.Which arrow is pointing to the jaw on this skull?
Q4.The remains or imprints of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock are called ...
Q5.What is the purpose of a skeleton?
Q6.What are the ancestors of living things?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.We call the time period before written records of human life began times.
Q2.Which of these statements about human skulls is correct?
Q3.What can scientists who study prehistoric humans use to gather evidence about how our ancestors have changed over time?
Q4.How long has it taken for the shape of human skulls to change so that the jaw is smaller and there is more room for a larger brain?
Q5.Which of these changes have been observed in the skulls of humans over millions of years?
Q6.What do scientists suggest is a possible reason for modern human skulls having smaller jaws and teeth than those from millions of years ago?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Human skulls: using evidence from the past (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Human skulls: using evidence from the past (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Evolution and inheritance unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.