Human Evolution Activity: Opposable Thumbs Lab

This opposable thumbs lab pairs perfectly with our Hominids Reading & Questions!

Students perform the popular opposable thumb lab but take the analysis further and graph their data!

In this activity, students will:

• PERFORM THE LAB – Students time themselves performing various tasks with and without thumbs. Some tasks are provided in the document, but the students must also come up with some tasks of their own.
• RESPOND to analysis questions related to adaptations
• COMPLETE a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning section
• GRAPH their data on a provided graph

The only supply you’ll need is tape. Cheap masking tape works really well!

Applicable NGSS Standards:

• MS-LS4-2
• Science & Engineering Practice: Developing and using models
• Science & Engineering Practice: Planning and carrying out investigations
• Science & Engineering Practice: Analyzing and interpreting data
• Science & Engineering Practice: Engaging in argument from evidence

Teacher Notes:

• Check out our Natural Selection and Evolution Test!
• INCLUDES ANSWER KEY.
• Please note that this opposable thumbs lab is not editable.
• Check out more resources in the evolution section of our shop!