English National Curriculum - Science

Evolution

Mission Objectives

Describe the key stages of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection

Explain the role of mutation in driving change within a species over time

Evaluate the evidence for natural selection

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Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

natural selection

the process by which individuals with characteristics better suited to their environment survive, reproduce, and pass those characteristics on to their offspring

variation

differences in the characteristics of individuals within a population, caused by mutations and the reshuffling of alleles during sexual reproduction

camouflage

a characteristic that makes an organism harder to detect in its environment, increasing its chances of survival

mutation

a change in the base sequence of DNA, providing the only source of new genetic variation in a population

evolution

the gradual change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time, which may result in the formation of a new species

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.

Underpinning this is a strong foundation in applied science built across a range of industry roles. Samantha has held scientific roles at John Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire Water and WasteCare, where she led technical projects, drove operational efficiencies and ensured compliance with industry standards. Across these roles she has first-hand experience of how scientific knowledge translates into measurable outcomes in professional and commercial environments.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

Handouts

Beak adaption: 
Dried pasta
Rice
Raisins
Small beans
Paper clips
Tweezers
Clothes pegs
Teaspoons
Cocktail sticks
Timer (30 seconds per round)
A tray, plate or sheet of paper per group

Moth activity: 
Small circles of pale and dark paper (punched out with a hole punch)
Pale sheet of A3 paper (lichen bark background)
Dark sheet of A3 paper (soot-covered bark background)

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