Contextualization

The field of biology is full of theories and concepts that seek to explore the mysteries of life and species evolution. Among these concepts, two theories stand out: Lamarckism and Darwinism. These theories, although proposed in different centuries, address the same central theme: species evolution. Despite sharing this theme, they present quite distinct approaches and ideas.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was the first to publish a systematic theory of evolution in 1809. According to him, species evolve through the "law of use and disuse" and "inheritance of acquired characteristics." However, with the discovery of Mendel's laws and the advancement of genetics, Lamarck's theory on heredity was widely refuted.

On the other hand, Charles Darwin, in 1859, presented the theory of natural selection, also known as Darwinism. According to Darwin, individuals most adapted to the environment are more likely to survive and leave offspring, contributing to species evolution. Darwinism is currently the most accepted theory by the scientific community to explain evolution.

The discussion about Lamarckism and Darwinism is essential for understanding evolutionary biology and goes beyond the boundaries of biology, entering areas such as the history and philosophy of science.

Introduction

The history of human knowledge is marked by the constant advancement and revision of theories and laws. This project aims to deepen the understanding of species evolution by analyzing the theories of Lamarck and Darwin and contrasting them with each other and with current scientific theories.

The importance of this study is evident when observing how these theories have impacted our understanding of fauna, flora, and the environment. Understanding how the diversity of species that inhabit the planet emerged is crucial for the development of effective conservation actions and for understanding the impacts of human activities and climate change on biodiversity.

Furthermore, the study of species evolution is an excellent example of the construction of scientific knowledge, showing how theories are proposed, tested, refuted or confirmed, and how they evolve over time.

For this project, we suggest the following resources to base and deepen your studies:

• Book "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin (IBM WebSphere) - Darwin exposes his theories and observations on species evolution.
• Article "Lamarckism vs. Darwinism: An analysis of evolution theories" (Scielo) - An article that details and compares the theories of Lamarck and Darwin.
• Documentary "The Theory of Evolution (BBC)" - (Youtube) - A documentary that explores the history of the theory of evolution, with a focus on Darwin's contribution.

Practical Activity: "Lamarckism and Darwinism: A Journey Through Time"

Project Objective

The objective of this practical activity is to deepen students' knowledge of Lamarck and Darwin's evolution theories, confronting them with current scientific evidence. Students will learn to analyze and discuss these theories, developing research, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Detailed Project Description

The project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will be tasked with analyzing and discussing the theories of Lamarck and Darwin, comparing them with each other and with the theories currently accepted by science. In addition, the groups must investigate the social, cultural, and scientific impacts of these theories in their time, as well as their relevance to the current understanding of species evolution. This project will require more than twelve hours to be completed and should be carried out over several weeks due to its complexity and the volume of work required.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research.
• Reference books on the topic.
• Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Preliminary Research: Each group should start the project with extensive research on the theories of Lamarck and Darwin. It is important to look for reliable sources and note all references used. Each group member should contribute to this stage.

2. Comparison of Theories: After completing the research, each group should make a comparative analysis of the two theories, identifying similarities and differences, as well as aspects that have been refuted or confirmed by current science. This stage will require group discussion and the use of critical thinking.

3. Sociocultural Impact: Each group should investigate the impact of these theories on society and culture in their time, and how these ideas were received by other scientists and the general public.

4. Current Relevance: Finally, each group should discuss the relevance of these theories for the current understanding of species evolution. Which concepts remain useful? Which have been completely refuted?

5. Presentation Preparation: Based on the discussions and findings made during the project, each group should prepare an oral presentation to share their conclusions with the class. The presentation should be well-structured, clear, and engaging. Students should strive to make the presentation accessible to all students, i.e., without unnecessary jargon and with clear explanations of concepts.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, the groups must present:

1. Oral Presentation: An oral presentation based on their research and analysis. The presentation should be clear, well-structured, and engaging.

2. Written Document: A detailed report on the project. The report should contain four main topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

The Introduction should contextualize the theme, relevance, and real-world application as well as the objective of this project.

Development: In this section, students should include the theory behind Lamarck and Darwin, explain the project process in detail, including the methodology used and the results obtained.

In the Conclusion, students should summarize the main points of the work, the learnings, and the conclusions drawn from the project.

The Bibliography should present all sources used in the project, including books, web pages, videos, and other research materials.

Students should strive to make the report clear, concise, and well-structured. They should remember to review and correct the report before submitting it.