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Florida alligator, Alligator mississipiensis) Crocodiles have very good vision - they can see almost 180 degrees around them, but cannot see anything below their nose. Florida alligator, Alligator mississipiensis) Crocodiles have very good vision - they can see almost 180 degrees around them, but cannot see anything below their nose.

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The Great Debate schools programme

Plunge your students into the historic debate surrounding Darwin's theory of evolution with the galleries as their stage. Students are introduced to the history of the debate during a lively tour. They are then divided into groups and use exhibits to prepare presentations representing the views of the debate's key characters.

Use the evolution pages below to support classroom learning before and after your Great Debate experience. These pages can also be used independently  to reinforce understanding of how natural selection works.

What is evolution?

What is evolution?
Evolution can loosely be defined as genetic change over time, but to fully understand what it is requires familiarity with the observations that led scientists to explain how it worked.

What is the evidence?

What is the evidence?
Both fossils from long ago and animals alive today show us evidence for evolution and help us to better understand how the process works.

How did evolutionary theory develop?

How did evolutionary theory develop?
Like many new ideas, the theory of evolution was not immediately accepted by all when it was proposed. There were many sceptics who had serious doubts about the idea that creatures could change over time.

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Activity bookings
All activities must be booked in advance.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5555