Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab Manual

This inquiry-driven Biological Anthropology lab manual guides students through twelve laboratory exercises that explore core concepts in human biology, evolution, genetics, and diversity. Designed for use in both Biological Anthropology and Physical Anthropology lab courses, students engage with authentic scientific questions by measuring and analyzing data, videos, dynamic scenes, and figures. These exercises activate cognitive, affective, and sensory learning domains, supporting knowledge acquisition, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Each activity is structured as a scientific study and includes an introduction, data & analysis, discussion, and conclusion. Low-stakes questions scaffold student progress and lead to short-answer and extended-response tasks. Complete with printable resources and updated every semester, this Physical Anthropology lab manual is ideal for in-person, online, and hybrid courses—and instructors can switch formats mid-semester. Developed at Ohio State University and used by over 12,000 students, this manual combines flexibility, engagement, and pedagogical rigor. For questions, email dem3anthro@gmail.com.