Charles Darwin Develops the Theory of Evolution

April 1, 2016

Gr 3-5-These studies complement equivalent volumes in ABDO's ongoing "Great Minds of Science" series by leaving biographical details by the wayside to instead focus on specific ideas, experiments, evidence, chains of reasoning, and publications associated with each figure's best-known work. Darwin, for example, begins with an explanation of what was so astonishing to the scientist about the Galapagos finches, then goes back to fill in major events of the Beagle's voyage, and to trace the writing and publication of On the Origin of Species with nods along the way to earlier evolutionary theories and scientists. Brief extracts from letters or books supply exercises in understanding primary source material, and sets of closing queries invite readers to review and ruminate. VERDICT Strong choices for deepening subject collections.

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