Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Small and Large

With this lively book of activities as their guide, students can follow seven scientists into their labs and out to the field to discover how evolution works. Meanwhile, you’ll benefit from the practical help the book provides with the twin challenges of evolution: what to teach and how to teach it.

For students, Virus and the Whale brings to light some of today’s most exciting and up-to-date research through the stories of scientists who study evolution. Each featured research project highlights an important aspect of evolutionary biology, from the "arms race" between viruses and their human hosts to the long-term evolutionary changes that can turn a land mammal into a whale. The activities lead students to investigate evolution as they try out the kinds of creative thinking skills real scientists use to make new discoveries.

For teachers, three preliminary chapters explain how to use the scientists’ stories as a logical framework for teaching evolutionary concepts. These chapters provide accurate natural history background; offer additional information on the evolution of each of the seven organisms investigated in the book; and introduce common ways in which children and adults think and learn about evolution. Each activity lists learning outcomes tied to the National Science Education Standards and includes assessment questions and materials lists.

Virus and the Whale combines a dynamic narrative with easy-to-use activities, clear illustrations, and a welcome dose of humor

...[T]he authors outline seven classroom activities based on current research in evolutionary theory and practice. ... An excellent classroom-ready tool. --Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal, Fall 2006

Virus and the Whale is a new, exciting way of teaching evolution that matches up the National Science Education Standards with the instructional materials being used and provides the teacher with clear-cut learning outcomes and a series of assessment questions for seven activities.... This book is must reading for all science educators.... --Science Books & Films, July/August 2006

...[T]he authors provide frameworks to virtually guide students into the labs of seven scientists and into the field to discover the mechanism for, and evidence of evolution. Each featured research project highlights an aspect of evolutionary biology, from the arms race between viruses and humans, to how and why some land mammals evolved into whales. --SciTech Book News, June 2006