Reproduction and inheritance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how reproduction is linked to inheritance.
Key learning points
- All living things develop from other living things; reproduction is the process of making new living things (offspring).
- When organisms reproduce they make offspring of the same kind (species resemblance).
- Offspring inherit features from both parents so they look similar to their parents and one another (family resemblance).
- Features are inherited when genetic material (DNA) is passed from parents to their offspring during reproduction.
- The genetic material (DNA) contains the instructions for building our body and its features.
Keywords
Reproduction - Reproduction is the process of making offspring.
Offspring - Offspring are the young produced following reproduction.
Inherit - Offspring inherit a combination of features from both their parents.
Genetic material - Genetic material is a substance in cells that contains instructions for various features and life processes.
DNA - DNA is a chemical molecule that carries the genetic code.
Common misconception
Not all types of organism pass information to their offspring.
Plants, animals and bacteria shown as parent and offspring.
Teacher tip
CFU slide 12 could be a picture card sort with additional examples used.
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.What is the feature of all living organisms that is shown in the image?
Q2.Which one of the following statements is not a common process of living organisms?
Q3.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q4.What is the name of this molecule?
Q5.What is the name of this structure?
Q6.Which of the options are not one of the letters that make up the genetic code?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the process of passing features from parents to offspring called?
Q2.Living organisms make offspring in the process called...
Q3.Offspring of the same parents can look similar because..
Q4.What inherited features are passed on during reproduction?
Q5.Starting with the smallest, put these structures in size order
Q6.ATCG make up the that is carried by DNA
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Reproduction and inheritance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Reproduction and inheritance, 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 3 science lessons from the Reproduction in humans unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.