Evolution: evidence
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can research a living thing that has evolved over time.
Key learning points
- Evolution is the process by which living things can gradually change over time.
- The huge variety of living things in the world today is the result of evolution over time.
- The theory of evolution has been proven through evidence from fossils as well as living animals and plants.
- The evolution of living things can be researched using secondary sources of information.
Keywords
Theory - A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for something about our world that is based on learning from scientific enquiry.
Adaptation - An adaptation is a feature of a plant or animal that helps them to survive in their habitat.
Evolution - Evolution is the process by which living things change over time.
Ancestor - Your ancestor lived in the past and is directly related to you.
Secondary sources - Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.
Common misconception
Pupils may think evolution is just one possible suggestion or an unproved idea about how living things change over time, due to the common use of the word ‘theory’ for an initial idea or suggestion.
Use the examples in the lesson to explain there is enough evidence supporting the theory of evolution for us to be certain that it is scientific fact, rather than an idea we are still unsure about.
Teacher tip
For Task 2 pupils must research the differences between two species of penguin. This could easily be changed to a different animal that is closer to your pupils’ interests. For example, they could research hares and Arctic hares instead or polar bears and sun bears.
Equipment
Access to secondary sources of information about penguins (non-fiction texts or the internet).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Fossils can give us evidence about living things that lived millions of years ago. What are fossils?
Q2.How do scientists form their theories?
Q3.A species is…
Q4.Which of these people are not one of Alex’s ancestors?
Q5.An adaptation is a feature of a living thing that helps it to in its habitat.
Q6.The term 'survival of the ' explains how living things that are better adapted to their habitats are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass their characteristics on to their offspring.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The huge variety of living things in the world today is a result of over time.
Q2.Evolution is the process by which …
Q3.How can we find out more about how living things have evolved over time?
Q4.What evidence do scientists have that supports the theory of evolution?
Q5.Which of these statements about evolution is correct?
Q6.Which of these is an example of evolution?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Evolution: evidence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Evolution: evidence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Evolution and inheritance unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.