3.1 Scientific Theory about Human Origin

• Meaning of a scientific theory as a way of explaining human origin
• Respectful relationship between scientific theory and religious or traditional stories from Grade 7
• Changes in humans as a result of evolution: upright walking, brain, tools, fire, language
• Stages of human evolution illustrated on a chart
• Map of Africa showing selected prehistoric human remains
• Reasons Africa is considered the cradle of humanity
• Strategies for preserving remains of early humans

• explore scientific theory about human origin
• illustrate changes that took place in humans as a result of evolution
• draw conclusions on origin of humanity based on the scientific theory
• illustrate strategies of preservation of remains of early humans
• develop reasons why Africa is considered as the cradle for humanity
• recognise reasons why Africa is the cradle of humanity

“Why is Africa considered as the cradle of humanity?”

The titles are open to everyone. Reading a lesson needs an account — sign in or create one.

1. What is the scientific theory of human origin?
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   How a scientific theory differs from a guess and from Grade 7 origin stories, and how to study fossils without mocking faith.
2. Changes in humans as a result of evolution
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Upright walking, larger brains, tools, fire and language as changes scientists describe, using bones and artefacts as evidence.
3. Stages of human evolution on a chart
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   A Grade 8 chart of Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Homo sapiens, tied to African sites, without cruel cartoons.
4. Mapping prehistoric human remains in Africa
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   How to locate Olduvai, Turkana / Koobi Fora, Omo and Hadar, Sterkfontein and Jebel Irhoud on an outline map of Africa.
5. Why Africa is considered the cradle of humanity
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Four scientific reasons for the cradle claim, a class debate with assigned roles, and conclusions labelled as conclusions of the theory.
6. Preserving remains of early humans
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   How sites, excavation, museums, law and teaching casts protect fossils, and what a Grade 8 learner should do if they find a bone or tool.