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Uks2 SC Y6 SF Evolution and Inheritance
Uks2 SC Y6 SF Evolution and Inheritance
Uks2 SC Y6 SF Evolution and Inheritance
Biology Strand:
Programme of study: Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their
environment in different ways and that adaptations may lead to evolution
Original plan copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users
We refer you to our warning, at the top of the You Will Need document, about links to other websites
Science Year 6
Evolution and inheritance
Resources
needed
Biology Strand:
Cactus plant (if available). Large piece of paper plus e.g. sunflower seeds or 1cm 2
pieces of paper. Quadrats, digital camera. Materials to make model plants. Access
to internet
Group activities:
Adult-led:
Discuss how plants produce large numbers of seeds, but that only a few of them succeed in growing
into mature plants (able to produce seeds themselves have offspring). What problems do seeds &
young plants meet in the environment? List ideas on f/c, e.g. competition for water & sunshine,
animals/birds eating them, trampled, landing in an unsuitable place, weather conditions, etc. On a
large piece of paper draw a 3 by 3 grid & label the cells: path, tree, lawn/field, compost heap, patio,
bonfire, garden bench, pond, flower bed (adapt labels for your school grounds). One child holds the
seeds (c.50 1cm2 pieces of paper or large seeds like sunflower) & throws them up in the air to see
where they land (any that miss the paper have been eaten by birds or small animals). Discuss what
will happen to the seeds that have landed in the various cells the fight for survival. Some children
could blow at the seeds to imitate the wind! Establish that lots of seeds are necessary for a few to
survive! Follow this up by looking at grassed areas (use quadrats to mark similar size areas) in
different parts of the school grounds, e.g. under a tree, in open sunshine & compare the growth of the
grass & other plants. Take photos of areas for further comparisons. Discuss possible reasons why the
areas look different.
Independent:
Show children the PowerPoint document (session resources) about plant adaptation in UK
environments from http://www.saps.org.uk/primary/teaching-resources/88-primary-article-one. In
pairs children research and produce a labelled diagram of a plant showing its adaptations to its
environment (list of suggested plants in session resources), e.g. ivy has special roots on its stems to
climb up tree trunks, walls or fences, hawthorn has spines & holly has spiky leaves to discourage
animals from eating them, etc.
Independent:
Design a plant for a particular habitat make a detailed drawing showing the special features that will
help it survive & possibly make a model of their new plant.
Independent:
In small groups children tackle the plant adaptation game at
http://www.mbgnet.net/teachers/plants.html. They can find out more about the different habitats
described in the game at http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/adapt.html.
Original plan copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users
We refer you to our warning, at the top of the You Will Need document, about links to other websites
Science Year 6
Evolution and inheritance
Biology Strand:
Plenary:
Share childrens plant designs & discuss the features they have included. Will those plants survive in
the chosen environment?
I can:
1. Describe how plants are adapted for different environments.
2. Explain why plants produce large numbers of seeds.
Original plan copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users
We refer you to our warning, at the top of the You Will Need document, about links to other websites