EVOLVE resource pack lesson plan - Adaptation

Subject/Area of Learning:

Lesson Plan
Date:
Age and size of group:

Science/Art

Observe
d?

Year 6

Related Curriculum References:

Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different
ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Resources:
IWB, PowerPoint, plasticine, hand-outs, visualizer.
Points Carried Forward:
What plants need to survive and flourish.
Focused Learning Objectives:

Success Criteria:

To learn how animals have adapted to

their environment.

1. I can understand why certain

creatures have certain attributes and
describe one to the class.
2. I can explain to the class why
animals look and behave the way they
do, highlighting at least two features.
3. I can describe how adaptation may
lead to evolution.

Stages of Teaching
Each section below to include, where appropriate
Key Vocabulary Key Questions Differentiation Extension

Timin
gs
5
mins

10
mins

Introduction/Mental Oral Starter

By using the PowerPoint slides, gauge childrens understanding of the
term adaptation. CLICK ON POWERPOINT RESOURCE AND RUN
SLIDESHOW
Model adaptation of a polar bear.
Discuss how Darwin and Wallace considered adaptation (Darwins Finch,
Wallaces Birdwing Butterfly) leading to their idea.
Encourage them to think by using probing questions.
Position different habitats on each table and give each table four
descriptions of the same animal and get them to move to the correct
habitat and guess what type of animal they are. Set out ground rules for
the activity. Use probing questions to challenge preconceptions.
CLICK ON FIRST PUBLISHER LINK FOR HABITATS AND PRINT OUT
CLICK ON SECOND PUBLISHER LINK FOR ANIMAL DESCRIPTIONS
AND ANSWER SHEET AND PRINT OUT
Ext: There are 7 animals so if one group finishes quickly, give them
another.

EVOLVE resource pack lesson plan - Adaptation

Assessment opportunities/strategies (what, how, who, when?)
Probing questions, engagement, outcome of activity (visual), lolly sticks to
question all, not just the keenest.

40
mins

Development:
Create your own animal new to science that is adapted to your chosen
environment.
Groups to work individually initially sketching designs based on their
given habitat.
Using plasticine the children will collaborate with their groups of mixed
ability. PLEASE SEE EVOLVE RESOURCE PACK OF PLASTICINE
RESOURCES.
Questions:
Where does your creature live?
How does it move?
What does it eat? Is it a carnivore or herbivore?
Why is its mouth shaped like that?
Is it nocturnal or diurnal?
Does it make a noise? If so when and why?
Would I like to hold it?
What does it feel like? Why?
Does it have any natural enemies?
How does it detect enemies?
How does it protect itself?
Wander the floor challenging the children as to why they have created
their animal in such a way.
Mini plenary throughout to highlight interesting ideas and praise original
thought.
Hand out LOs and ask the children to stick them in their books
PLEASE SEE LEARNING OBJECTIVE/SUCCESS CRITERIA WORD DOC
IN RESOURCES AND PRINT OFF.
Get the children to think of a name for their animal.
Get the children to reflect on their animal in their books

5
mins

Ext: Think about animals that have not evolved much in thousands of
years e.g. crocodiles and sharks. What relation does this bare to
adaptation and why?
Assessment opportunities/strategies (what, how, who, when?)
Plasticine model, written work, visual displays, probing questions.

EVOLVE resource pack lesson plan - Adaptation

Plenary/Conclusion:
Use the visualizer to display their models. Take photographs to record
work.
What if there was no adaptation? (Lolly sticks)
How would your animal cope in a different environment? (Hands up)
Think, pair, share.
Assessment opportunities/strategies (what, how, who, when?)
Questioning, hands up / lolly sticks, engagement.

Evaluation of lesson

EVOLVE resource pack lesson plan - Adaptation