Exploring Evolution and Selective Breeding Through Corn
This activity from the Library of Congress (LOC) blog, Teaching With the Library, supports educators in utilizing primary sources from the LOC. Best suited for high school biology classes, the activity highlights how teachers can center a unit on evolution and selective breeding around the historical newspaper article “From Grass to Corn in Eighteen Years” (Crossville Chronicle, August 17, 1921). It includes a link to the LOC’s Primary Source Analysis Tool and offers guiding questions to enhance student learning throughout the unit. Beyond deepening understanding of evolution and selective breeding, the activity encourages students to reflect on scientific practices and the constructive nature of science.
Happy Teaching!