Students explore the evidence of hominin evolution by examining real replicas of skulls and life-size models of species from the genera Australopithecus and Homo.

They will collect data from the specimens to analyse trends in human evolution, sequence the specimens based on those trends, and compare their findings with anthropological theories. Student data can be used for assessment tasks. 

In this program students will:

• Analyse evidence for evolution including foramen magnum positioning, brow ridge, cranium capacity, facial slope, teeth and limb structure.
• Collect and analyse data on skull specimens.
• Justify trends in hominin evolution using evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Discuss how new evidence influences understanding of evolution.

This program will address the following key dot point on the Study Design:

• Evidence for major trends in hominin evolution from the genus Australopithecus to the genus Homo: changes in brain size and limb structure.

Incursion programs are only available to schools classed as rural or metro disadvantaged by the Department of Education.