A set of 7 puzzles that have students practice critical thinking skills and apply concepts related to evolution, the fossil record, anatomical and embryological evidence, and genetic variation. The puzzles are designed to align with NGSS life science standards MS-LS4-1 through LS4-4.

NGSS Standards Addressed:

• MS-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth.
• MS-LS4-2: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
• MS-LS4-3: Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarity in embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships not evidenced in the fully formed anatomy.
• MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.

Topics Covered:

1. What do you need to drive in Australia? Students match definitions to key fossil record vocabulary. Vocabulary included: adaptation, biodiversity, evolution, extinction, fossil, fossil record, geologic time scale, index fossil, natural selection, relative dating, and species. Supports MS-LS4-1.
2. What part of the car is always wanting a nap? Students determine if each statement about the fossil record is true or false to solve the puzzle. FALSE statements and explanations given in teacher notes. Supports MS-LS4-1.
3. Where do you park a rocket? Students match definitions to vocabulary related to evolutionary relationships and common ancestry. Vocabulary included: adaptation, analogous, anatomy, common ancestor, embryology, evolution, homologous, modification, species, trait, and vestigial. Supports MS-LS4-2 and LS4-4.
4. What is a LITE-YEAR? Students classify anatomical structures as homologous, analogous, or both. Definitions of each are provided. Supports MS-LS4-2 and LS4-4.
5. Why shouldn't you bother with a broken pencil? Students use an embryo comparison image to determine if each statement about embryological development is true or false. The image is required to answer correctly. FALSE statements and explanations given in teacher notes. Supports MS-LS4-3.
6. Why shouldn't you invite a circle to a party? Students match definitions to vocabulary related to biodiversity, extinction, and conservation. Vocabulary included: biodiversity, conservation, endangered species, extinction, habitat, habitat destruction, invasive species, native species, overexploitation, and pollution. Supports MS-LS4-3 and MS-LS2-5.
7. What do you say when you leave brunch? Students determine if each statement about genetic variation and natural selection is true or false to solve the puzzle. FALSE statements and explanations given in teacher notes. Supports MS-LS4-4.

Usage Recommendations: These worksheets are versatile and can be utilized for independent practice, in stations, as homework assignments, or as part of emergency substitute teacher plans for unexpected schedule changes.

Contains:

• Cover, Terms of Use, and Teacher Notes (5 pages)
• Puzzles (7 pages)
• Answer Key (7 pages)