Explorations Lab and Activities Manual

The Explorations Biological Anthropology Lab Manual includes 1-4 labs/activities for each of the sixteen chapters and three appendices in Explorations. Each lab/activity includes:

• Learning objectives
• List of required supplies
• Instructions for faculty
• Estimated duration
• Student worksheets
• Reference to the corresponding Explorations chapter
• Consistent format and style

Many labs are designed to be easily adapted for distance learning courses.

Introduction

The learning goal of this activity is for students to become comfortable recognizing and differentiating scientific fact from different ways of knowing. Additionally, students should acknowledge the importance of differentiating between belief and knowledge without discounting alternative ways of knowing or acquiring beliefs in hopes of maintaining cultural relativity.

Procedure

• Distribute one activity page to each student, or project the statements listed below onto a screen. This activity can be done individually, in groups, or as a class. There is also an opportunity to start the activity individually, and to consequently take up answers in a pair-and-share or class discussion.
• Before beginning the activity, students should write the definitions of ‘knowledge’ and ‘belief’ in their own words. Subsequently, they should compare these with the definitions put forth in the textbook. Putting class concepts into one’s own words helps to solidify concepts for students.
• Next, students should be instructed to read each of the following statements and indicate on the activity sheet, adjacent to each example phrase, whether the statement reflects knowledge or belief.

Statements

1. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
2. All living things need water to survive.
3. God is real.
4. No two snowflakes are identical.
5. Lord of the Flies is the best novel ever written.
6. Ottawa is the capital of Canada.
7. The Mona Lisa is the most beautiful painting in the world.
8. Broccoli is delicious.
9. Carbon monoxide is dangerous to humans in large quantities.
10. Dr. G is the best professor.

Adapting for Online Learning

1. Not adaptable
2. Possible to adapt
3. Easy to adapt

This activity could be using various online programs such as Quizlet, Kahoot, or as an activity completed and submitted through the school’s respective online Learning Management System. Creating an online discussion board to articulate the reasoning behind answers as well as follow up questions is highly recommended. This activity may also be used as an iClicker activity.