Inheritance and Variation of Traits
In Grade 3, students develop models to describe the unique and diverse life cycles of organisms. They analyze evidence of inherited traits, explore how traits can be influenced by the environment, and investigate how variations in traits can provide advantages for survival. Through these explorations, students build an understanding of inheritance, variation, and adaptation.
Grade Three Expectations for Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death
- Identify the stages in the life cycles of various plants and animals
- Compare and contrast life cycles of different organisms
- Recognize the common elements in all life cycles (birth, growth, reproduction, death)
- Develop models to represent different life cycles
- Observe and document changes in organisms as they progress through their life cycles
- Investigate how different organisms reproduce and develop
- Create diagrams or models to illustrate the life cycles of various organisms
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during life cycle investigations, trait comparisons, and environmental influence experiments
- Conversations: Student explanations of inheritance concepts, life cycle patterns, and environmental influences on traits
- Products: Student work samples, including life cycle models, trait comparison charts, and experiment results
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for investigation and modeling skills
- Rubrics for evaluating life cycle models and trait comparison projects
- Performance tasks involving inheritance and environmental influence concepts
- Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
- Science journals for recording observations, data, and reflections
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Life cycle kits (butterfly, frog, plant)
- Seeds and plants for growth experiments
- Trait inheritance demonstration materials
- Videos and images of life cycles and inheritance
- Books and articles about genetics and inheritance for children
- OECS Grade 3 Science Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Science journals for recording observations and data
- Materials for creating life cycle models
- Data collection sheets for trait surveys
- Inheritance and life cycle vocabulary cards
- Visual aids and reference materials
Teacher Content Knowledge
Inheritance and Variation of Traits in Grade 3 builds upon students' earlier experiences with plants, animals, and their life cycles. Students develop a deeper understanding of how organisms grow, develop, and reproduce. They learn that organisms inherit traits from their parents and that there is variation in these traits among individuals of the same species. Students also explore how environmental factors can influence traits and how variations in traits can provide advantages for survival in specific environments. Through investigations, observations, and modeling activities, students develop an understanding of the basic principles of inheritance, variation, and adaptation.