differences between individuals in a particular species

theory that organisms with characteristics beneficial for living in a particular environment will pass on these characteristics to offspring

the process by which living things change and develop over millions of years.

Researching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution

English

Identifying features of a biography in preparation for writing about Darwin

Researching Charles Darwin's life

Planning a biography about Charles Darwin's life and theory of evolution

Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution

Writing the second half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution

Presenting information about evolution

In this unit, pupils write a biography based on research about a scientific theory of a famous scientist. In 'Climate Emergency: Journalistic Report Writing', pupils will use a scientific, environmental speech to write a journalistic report from.

In 'Harriet Tubman: Biographical Writing', pupils learnt to research an inspirational figure's life to write a celebratory biography. In this unit, pupils will write a biography based on research about a scientific theory of a famous scientist.

In this unit, pupils research Charles Darwin's life and evolution theory in order to write a biography. The biography is written chronologically, from his early life to university, his trip to the Galapagos and his theory of evolution. Finally, pupils present information about evolution to a group.

Charles Darwin: biographical writing

Which word describes the differences between individuals in a species?

Fill in the gaps: If an individual has variations that make them better-adapted to their environment, they are more likely to __________ and __________. 

They were all very different in every way. 

Species on different islands had different beaks. 

The beaks were adapted to the food on each island. 

What did Darwin notice about the Galapagos finches? 

During a storm, the birds were blown to an island where most seeds were large. 

The birds with larger beaks were more successful and survived longer.

These birds could reproduce more and pass on the larger-beak variation. 

Over a long time, having a larger beak became normal. 

Put the steps in order to explain how finches evolved larger beaks on some islands. 

True or false? Animals make the decision to change their characteristics in order to be better-adapted to their environment. 

Which words best describe the tone of a biography?

Darwin was excited to visit the Galapagos.

Which of these facts link to the theme of Charles Darwin's early life? 

The Beagle's expensive voyage began in 1809.

Darwin paid lots of money to join the Beagle's voyage in 1809.

Darwin's father was born in 1809 and he worked in a bank.

Darwin was born in 1809 into a wealthy family.

What fact is represented by this image from the text map for Charles Darwin's life?

Darwin was sent to Edinburgh University to study medicine.

Darwin did not like the city of Edinburgh.

Which facts are represented by this image from the text map for Charles Darwin's life?

Which picture represents this fact? 'The Beagle visited the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America.'

Which of the following would we **not** find in a text map? 

Starter Quiz

Which words best describe the tone of a biography?