Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Webinar: Neanderthal Mystery

Archived Webinar

The Zoom webinar with Museum Technician Molly Kamph aired April 23, 2020, as part of the Smithsonian Science How series. Watch a recording in the player above.

Description

Museum Technician Molly Kamph leads students in an activity that uses real (digital) archival and archaeological material to solve the mystery of a Neanderthal's death thousands of years ago. The objects used in the activity are part of an archival museum collection from archaeologists Ralph and Rose Solecki, famous for discovering Neanderthals at Shanidar Cave. 

Teaching Resources

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

6-8th Grade

Life Science

MS-LS4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • 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 under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

People, Places, and Environments

  • The study of people, places, and environments enables us to understand the relationship between human populations and the physical world.
  • During their studies, learners develop an understanding of spatial perspectives, and examine changes in the relationship between peoples, places and environments.

     
Resource Type
Videos and Webcasts
Grade Level
3-5, 6-8
Learning Standards
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, Next Generation Science Standards
Topics
Life Science, Anthropology and Social Studies