Topic 7.13: Origin of Life

Topic 7.13: Origin of Life

EQ: What evidence supports the scientific explanations for the origin of life on the planet?

OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the scientific evidence that provides support for models of the origin of life on Earth.
• Explain that a scientific theory is the culmination of many scientific investigations 
• drawing together all the current evidence concerning a substantial range of phenomena; thus, a 
• scientific theory represents the most powerful explanation scientists have to offer.

In class reading. Section 24.1 on pages 474-478

1. Working with your partner, create a 4 column chart that summarizes the work of  Miller and Urey. The 4 column headings should be Name(s), The Experiment, The Results, and The Conclusion.

2. Go HERE to see if you can replicate the necessary conditions in the Miller-Urey experiment and make organic molecules. Write down the correct combination of gases and the procedure you followed in order to create organic molecules.

3. For this next part, you will roll a die to be randomly assigned to become an expert on one the the 3 prevailing theories on the Origin of Life. As an expert, you will need to research your topic thoroughly and write a short summary of the theory. Your summary should include the scientific evidence that exists that supports the theory.

Go HERE to roll the die.

If you rolled a...

1 or 2 : You will become an expert on RNA World

3 or 4: You will become an expert on Abiogenesis

5 or 6: You will become an expert on Panspermia

Do your research and become an expert! Be sure to include lots of evidence that supports your topic. Write a summary of your theory and the evidence that supports it. You'll share this in class with other experts.

4. Visit at least 2 experts on each field that you did not research. Have them read their expert summary to you and then decide which one is better. After you decide which summary you prefer, write their summary in your notes and be sure to credit your source!!! At the end, you should have in your notes 3 summaries about the origin of life, yours, and 2 others.