Psychology, Grades 9-12

Life Span Development Unit

Lesson: Evolutionary Perspective
Objectives:
1. Student can define the major characteristics of the Evolutionary Perspective.
2. Student understands the contributions of both Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky to this perspective.
3. Student can apply each of these theories to real world examples.
Overarching Essential Question (student should be able to address this after completing the
entire unit):
Why is it important to understand the major theoretical frameworks of life span development; how can this
understanding shape each students views on development?
Essential Question:
What two main theories define the Evolutionary Perspective?
Focus Question:
What role did Darwins research play within this theory? How has Lorenz adapted Darwins work?
Learning Methodology:
1. Students will view the HaikuDeck presentation on the Evolutionary Perspective and on Lorenzs
work.
2. As a class, we will go over this theory, with teacher reinforcement to ensure complete
understanding.
Assessments:
1. After each unit, students will be asked to respond to a simple poll indicating whether or not they
feel they have a good grasp of the material. The poll is not graded, rather used as a gauge to see
how effective each unit is.
2. Individually, students will examine the Evolutionary Perspective. They will construct a genogram,
which describes the genetic/hereditary relationships within their families, but also takes into
account the relationships between each person. An example genogram will be provided. The
genogram will encourage students to look at the relationship between heredity and behavior.