Evolution

Where can I find information about evolution?

Junior Secondary

(Years 7-10)

Colour photo of a Darwin Finch. Different species of finches in the Galápagos Islands helped Charles Darwin come up with his The Theory of Evolution.

Image: Darwin Finch (49214270717) by kuhnmi on Wikimedia Commons.

Entry last updated: 26/05/22

Introduction

Evolution is a scientific theory used by biologist to explain how living things have changed over a long period of time. Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, geologist and biologist was the first to introduce the theory of evolution in his book 'On the Origin of Species' published in 1858.

What is evolution?

Charles Darwin believed that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors. The websites below have more about the theory of evolution, types of evolution, evidence of evolution, evolution clarification and other related information on evolution.

Britannica School

Britannica School is part of EPIC, a collection of reliable databases covering lots of different topics. It’s put together especially for New Zealand school students and helps to answer questions like this.

  • Select the middle level and type search words 'evolution' into the search box.

  • Explore the link evolution (scientific theory) to find out more about the origin of life, and how natural selection directs evolution.

  • The link human origins is about how modern humans have evolved.

  • Remember to explore the images, videos and related articles to find out more about this topic.

Tips: To get to the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6 pm Monday to Friday and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Tips: Search words, or keywords, are the most important words in our question. Usually it’s better to leave out small words like ‘the’, ‘a’ and ‘of’ and just choose the main ones, e.g [evolution]. We can always change our keywords or add more if we need to.

Science in Context

Science in Context is another EPICdatabase with information of hundred's of important science topics such as evolution.

Tips: Many web pages have links to further information or to other recommended sites. Following these links is a great way to find out more. This searching method is called “pearl growing” because you are picking up pieces of sand to make a beautiful pearl!

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free to use site filled with information and educational videos on a range of topics in science, math, history, computers and more. Unfortunately Khan Academy does not work in Internet Explorer.

Tips: Websites that have .org or .net in the address can have good information, but you need to assess how reliable it is. Check the About us link on the website, if you can find one. That can tell you what the organisation’s mission and values are.

Charles Darwin

Charles Robert Darwin's theory of evolution became the foundation for other evolutionary studies. The websites below are about his life and his process of discovery.

Biography in Context

In addition to biographies, this EPIC resource has video and audio recordings and images of past and present famous people in various fields.

  • Type in 'Charles Darwin' into the search box.

  • The biography Charles Robert Darwin is the life story of the naturalist and his Voyage of the Beagle.

Tips: To get to the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6 pm Monday to Friday and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Britannica School

Britannica School from EPIC has a special section on biographies of famous people. You can search using the biographies link or use the search feature.

  • Select Middle and type 'Charles Darwin' into the search box.

  • Go to the link Charles Darwin ( 1809-1882) British naturalist.

  • Remember to explore the Related Resources, Images and Videos listed on this page to know more about this topic.

Books

Your school and local library will have many books about Charles Darwin and evolution. Here are some suggested titles:

Evolution by Sally Morgan.

Charles Darwin by Sarah Ridley.

Charles Darwin's Voyages of Discovery by Izzi Howell.

Evolution by Daniel Loxton.

All about Evolution by Robert M L Winston.

SCIS no: 1918916

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