Publication Date
2011
Abstract
This lesson is part of evolution unit which follows heredity and genetics
The lesson is interdisciplinary in nature in that I discuss the concept of race as a social construct and the idea that there are “black, white, red, yellow” skinned people is something that people developed. It is not based on biology. Race groupings are human-made groups.
Students first learn about mixing light and how to determine black and white from an ADI analysis. They learn that red and green = yellow, etc.
They then photograph each other’s forearms and analyze the images using ADI.
We then discuss skin color as an adaptive advantage.
I reinforce the idea that people’s skin color (before there was sunscreen, folic acid, and Vitamin D supplements) was an adaptation which enabled people to survive. I point out to the students that they come from a long line of WINNERS (otherwise they wouldn’t be here!
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