How have living things on Earth changed over time? - presentation

The curriculum for Science Year 6 delves into the fascinating topic of how living things on Earth have evolved over time. Pupils are taught to understand that the diversity of life we see today is the result of millions of years of change. Fossils play a crucial role in this educational journey, offering a window into the past and revealing information about the organisms that once roamed our planet. Students also explore the concept of reproduction, acknowledging that while offspring are of the same kind as their parents, they are not identical copies. The curriculum further covers how animals and plants have adapted to their environments, showcasing the connection between adaptation and the broader process of evolution. Through this unit, students gain substantial knowledge about the mechanisms of evolution and the impact of inheritance on living organisms.

Key vocabulary terms such as 'offspring', 'adaptation', 'evolution', 'inheritance', 'palaeontologist', and 'genotype' are introduced to enrich the students' scientific lexicon. They learn that offspring inherit characteristics from their parents, a process that contributes to the natural variation within species. This variation, coupled with adaptation to the environment, can lead to evolution over time. The curriculum encourages pupils to research the work of Charles Darwin, whose theories remain foundational to our understanding of evolution. By comparing anatomical features like skulls and body parts, students can observe patterns of evolution and understand how species have changed to better fit their ecological niches. This unit not only builds upon prior knowledge from earlier years but also paves the way for a deeper understanding of biology, preparing students to grasp more complex scientific concepts in the future.