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Shape of Life provides free science resources for both students and teachers about the evolution of the animal kingdom. We offer short videos, lesson plans, features and news of animals on planet earth.
Phyla
The animal kingdom is one of six kingdoms of life on earth. Discover the greatest story ever told - the story of the animal kingdom and the eight major phyla that make up 99 percent of animals.
Features
Blog
Biomimicry
Scientists and engineers are finding inspiration from animals and plants that may surprise you.
Biomimicry
Scientists and engineers are finding inspiration from animals and plants that may surprise you.
Creature
Gossamer Worm (Tomopteris)
Gossamer worms live in the midwater zone of the ocean along with many other polychaete worm species. They are transparent as are so many of the creatures of this twilight zone between the surface and the seafloor.
Gossamer Worm (Tomopteris)
Gossamer worms live in the midwater zone of the ocean along with many other polychaete worm species. They are transparent as are so many of the creatures of this twilight zone between the surface and the seafloor.
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Lesson Plan
Constructing the Tree of Life
Students explore the evolution of life on earth by constructing a "tree of life" -- metaphorical art that arranges groups of organisms by characteristics and when scientists think they first evolved.
Constructing the Tree of Life
Students explore the evolution of life on earth by constructing a "tree of life" -- metaphorical art that arranges groups of organisms by characteristics and when scientists think they first evolved.
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Teacher
Sabrina Sahlstrom, Marine Sciences, Delta High School
“I started surfing when I was 14. It’s why my focus in teaching is marine life.” Sabrina makes 3D printing come alive in her classroom.
Sabrina Sahlstrom, Marine Sciences, Delta High School
“I started surfing when I was 14. It’s why my focus in teaching is marine life.” Sabrina makes 3D printing come alive in her classroom.
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Scientist
Karen Osborn Curator of Marine Vertebrates, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Karen is so enthusiastic about polychaete (meaning many bristles) worms that she launched International Polychaete Day. Learn more about Karen’s unique curiosity.
Karen Osborn Curator of Marine Vertebrates, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Karen is so enthusiastic about polychaete (meaning many bristles) worms that she launched International Polychaete Day. Learn more about Karen’s unique curiosity.
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Did you Know?
Charles Darwin and Earthworms
Charles Darwin is best known for his voyage around the world on the HMS Beagle and his book “On the Origin of Species." And he was fascinated with earthworms.
Charles Darwin and Earthworms
Charles Darwin is best known for his voyage around the world on the HMS Beagle and his book “On the Origin of Species." And he was fascinated with earthworms.
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