12 of 58 results for "evolution"
Kahoot
Kahoot! Animal Superpowers

Meet nature's superheroes. Gorillas, camels, cheetahs — these animals have evolved abilities that put them in a league of their own. We've put together a collection of BBC video clips all about animal superpowers (see Related Resources below). Watch them, then take the Kahoot to see what stuck.

Watch the videos, then take the Kahoot to see what you've learned about how these animals' bodies and behaviors help them thrive in the wild — and pick up some solid grounding in evolution and adaptation along the way.

Kahoot
Kahoot! Masters of Camouflage

Meet nature's master hiders. Gliding tree frogs, octopuses, arctic foxes — these animals have evolved brilliant ways to blend in, hunt, and survive unseen. We've pulled together a collection of BBC video clips (see Related Resources below) showing off these disappearing acts. Watch them, then take the Kahoot to see what stuck.

Some of the tricks are wild: glass frogs clear their own blood to turn see-through, while arctic foxes shift their fur with the seasons to stay hidden year-round. Explore how these masters of camouflage pull it off, and pick up some solid grounding in evolution and adaptation along the way.

News Clip
New Dinosaur Alert: Meet the Enigmacursor

Did you know we’re still finding new dinosaurs?! You’d think the 66 million years they’ve been extinct would have been enough time for research, but the Natural History Museum is getting ready to welcome yet another new addition — a small dinosaur that they had previously mistaken for a Nanosaurus. It’s a two-legged, herbivorous dinosaur with big feet and a long tail, about the height of a labrador. Scientists have renamed it “Enigmacursor,” which means “puzzling runner,” and would also be a very cool name for the next Nike sneaker. 

To determine if a dinosaur (or any creature) is new, researchers try to find unique features, like parts, proportions, and shapes. The Enigmacursor will be displayed at the Natural History Museum and will be an important tool for learning how its bigger relatives evolved, since dinosaurs started their evolution as small animals and became much, much bigger over a long, long time.

Playlist
Got Science? Weird and Wonderful Videos Playlist

Dive into this curated playlist of clips from Got Science?, the BBC’s magazine-style series that unpacks the science behind everyday life. From why we melt at baby animals to why scary movies make us jump, each episode reveals the surprising biology and behavior shaping our world. Students can explore questions like why flies are nearly impossible to catch and why bedbugs are so tough to defeat. Every video includes discussion questions, writing prompts, and more to spark curiosity and critical thinking in middle and high school classrooms.

Playlist
The Ink-credible Octopus Video Playlist

Dive into the fascinating world of octopuses with this engaging playlist of 10 clips from BBC's Blue Planet and Natural World: The Octopus in My House. From playful antics and clever communication to incredible evolution and underwater adventures, explore the intelligence and charm of these eight-armed marvels. Perfect for curious minds and ocean lovers alike!

Playlist
The Planets of Our Solar System Playlist

From the scorching surface of Mercury to the icy winds of Neptune, this BBC Learning Hub playlist takes you on an awe-inspiring voyage across our celestial neighborhood. Explore the mysteries of alien worlds, witness dramatic planetary weather, uncover the origins of Saturn’s rings, and ponder life on Mars. Whether you're a curious stargazer or a space science enthusiast, these video clips from landmark BBC series like The Planets and Wonders of the Solar System will ignite learner's imagination and deepen your cosmic curiosity.

Video
How Earth Got Its Water

In How Earth Got Its Water, geologist Iain Stewart explains how Earth's first oceans were born from a rainstorm that lasted hundreds of thousands of years. But that epic downpour only gave Earth half its water — the rest came from space! Scientists crashed a satellite into a comet to uncover how these icy space rocks helped fill our oceans billions of years ago. And the story isn’t over — today, in East Africa, a massive crack is slowly splitting the continent, and one day, it could form a brand-new ocean! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.

Video
Erosion and Evolution

In Erosion and Evolution, geologist Iain Stewart explains that rivers and volcanoes have shaped the Earth in dramatic ways. Rivers sweep rock and debris with them as they head toward the ocean, preparing for new land to form downstream. Scientists have found the conditions that mimic those found when the Earth was young around volcanoes and hydrothermal vents. The changing amounts of ice on the planet also impact how modern man has adapted. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.

Video
How Ice Provides a Reflective Shield on Earth

In How Ice Provides a Reflective Shield on Earth, geologist Iain Stewart explains that ice is a unique substance. Because it floats and is reflective, it provides a reflective shield for the Earth and impacts how much energy is absorbed, which impacts the climate. The changing amounts of ice on the planet also impact how modern man has adapted. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.

Video
How Sunscreen Works

In How Sunscreen Works, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explains why pale skin needs extra protection from the Sun because it doesn't have much melanin, which helps block harmful UV rays. He uses a special UV camera to see how much protection his skin naturally has and discovers he needs sunscreen to stay safe from sunburn. After applying sunscreen to one side of his face, the camera shows that the sunscreen makes his skin much darker, proving it's protecting him from the Sun’s harmful rays. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body's largest organ.

Playlist
Ducklings, Seal Pups, and Elephant Calves: The Baby Animal Playlist

Get ready for cuteness overload with this heartwarming playlist of baby animal videos! Watch ducklings wobble, elephants splash, wildebeests race, seals snooze, and otters play with endless charm. Perfect for captivating your class while sneaking in a little science, these clips will have your students saying “aww” while you say, “This totally counts as learning!”

Video
Postcards From the Surface of Mars

In Postcards From the Surface of Mars, Professor Brian Cox examines the geographic evolution of Mars, noting the vast canyon called Valles Marineris. He looks at photographs taken from the surface of Mars that look eerily similar to Earth: sunsets, clouds, and landscapes. There is, however, one glaring difference: no sign of water. This video is excerpted from BBC's Wonders of the Solar System, a spellbinding documentary series that explores the most extreme locations on Earth to explain how the laws of physics carved natural wonders across the Solar System.