Evolution - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd introduces Year 6 students to the concept of evolution within the National Curriculum for Science. Students will engage with various science skills such as observing over time, pattern seeking, and researching using secondary resources. The curriculum knowledge section aims for students to recognize that living things have evolved over time, with fossils providing valuable information about species that once inhabited the Earth. The lesson builds on previous learning, where younger students might have encountered basic ideas about animal offspring and fossil formation, and now delves deeper into the process of evolution and inheritance, highlighting how adaptations can lead to the evolution of new species.

Throughout the lesson, students will participate in activities designed to illustrate the principles of evolution. One activity, titled 'The Message,' demonstrates how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next, but with occasional imperfections in transmission, leading to mutations and, over time, the emergence of new species. Another practical activity involves using various implements to simulate different beak shapes, showing how certain beak types offer advantages in food gathering, akin to Darwin's observations of Mockingbirds. This hands-on approach helps to clarify misconceptions about evolution, such as the rarity of fossils and the trade-offs involved in evolutionary adaptations. The lesson also includes cross-curricular links, influential scientists in the field of evolution, and a plenary session where students reflect on how evolution occurs and the importance of the fossil record.