Online Evolution Resources for Children
Evolutionary Biology Websites Suitable for Kids and Young People
Apr 11, 2009
Parents and teachers can visit the websites to ascertain whether or not they are likely to be suitable for the child’s needs. Biology can be tricky, and so some people may require support with their learning. Some of the sites below do not specify children as their target audience, but have areas written in layman’s English.
Evolution – National History Museum Website
This website is run by the National History Museum, which is based in the UK. Their Evolution section includes the following:
- Pages covering the definition of evolution, the evidence for it and how the theory developed.
- Images and information to support the aforementioned pages.
- The evolution experience, a game to aid understanding about evolution.
- Links to related news stories onsite.
The main website also has another section called Kids Only, a colorful, interactive general science section containing quizzes, games, wallpapers and screensavers.
Science News for Kids Website
This website is run by the Society for Science in the Public, and is a general science site specifically aimed at kids aged 9-14. Their site includes the following:
- News articles on a range of science subjects, including evolution. Topics covered include Charles Darwin and the evolution of bacteria.
- Science-themed puzzles, games and projects.
- Guidance for parents and teachers, including worksheets and recommended reading.
Understanding Evolution Website
This website is a joint effort between the University of California Museum of Paleontology and the National Center for Science Education. It includes the following:
- Evolution 101, a section with introductory-level pages covering the definition of evolution, processes of evolution, microevolution, speciation and macroevolution.
- Dedicated sections to promoting understanding of evolution, such as The Anthropod Story, Evolution of Fire Ants, Bacterial Evolution.
- A glossary of terms used in evolutionary biology.
- Evo in the News, covering current developments in evolution.
- Resources for teachers, including guidance and lesson plans.
Cool Science for Curious Kids – Howard Hughes Medical Institute Website
This HHMI website section covers science generally. Their Cool Science for Curious Kids section includes the following that may aid learning about evolution:
- A program Why are snakes like lizards and monkeys like moose?, which looks at the classification of organisms.
- Guidance for parents.
- Ask a Scientist section (part of the overall HHMI site), which also includes links to other science sites for kids.
Read Online Genetics Resources for Children for details on some other useful biology websites. For a basic evolution primer, read Science Basics for Understanding Evolution.
All sites were retrieved 11th April 2009. Claims and opinions expressed on external websites do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
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