Mrs Mactivity

Year 6 Block 2: Evolution and Inheritance

Year 6 science – Evolution and inheritance

This Year 6 evolution and inheritance unit helps pupils investigate how living things change over time and how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next. Across six engaging lessons, pupils explore variation, adaptation, inheritance and natural selection while developing understanding of the scientific evidence that supports evolutionary theory.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit encourages pupils to recognise that living things have changed over time, understand that offspring inherit characteristics from their parents and explain how adaptations can help organisms survive in particular environments. Through discussion, investigation and simulation activities, pupils develop confidence in analysing evidence and explaining complex scientific ideas using appropriate vocabulary.

Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support engaging Year 6 science lessons.

Looking for the full Year 6 science curriculum?

Visit our main Year 6 science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.

View Year 6 science

Year 6 evolution and inheritance lessons, planning and resources

This Year 6 evolution and inheritance unit includes six fully planned lessons, designed to cover all National Curriculum objectives for this important Upper KS2 science topic. It supports pupils in understanding inheritance, variation, adaptation and how species change over time.

The unit includes differentiated Year 6 evolution and inheritance worksheets, interactive teaching slides and practical enquiry activities, helping pupils explore natural selection, fossil evidence and the work of scientists such as Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel. It is ideal for teachers looking for Year 6 evolution lesson plans, adaptation and inheritance activities and structured KS2 science lessons.

Pupils develop confidence using key scientific vocabulary such as variation, adaptation, inheritance and evolution, while building enquiry skills through analysing evidence, discussing ideas and explaining scientific theories.

What’s included?

  • Six fully planned science lessons
  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class teaching
  • Differentiated Year 6 evolution and inheritance worksheets
  • Knowledge organiser to support key vocabulary
  • Evolution simulation game to explore natural selection
  • Assessment materials to support tracking pupil progress

Working scientifically in Year 6

  • Record data using diagrams, tables and graphs
  • Use evidence to support conclusions
  • Evaluate scientific ideas and arguments
  • Compare and interpret scientific evidence

Key learning outcomes

  • Explain how living things have changed over time
  • Understand how characteristics are inherited
  • Describe how plants and animals adapt to their environment
  • Explain how adaptation can lead to evolution

Why choose this Year 6 evolution and inheritance unit?

  • Aligned with the National Curriculum for KS2 science
  • Clear progression of knowledge and enquiry skills
  • Focus on scientific evidence and influential scientists
  • Differentiated tasks to support mixed ability classes
  • Suitable for flexible use across Upper KS2

This unit forms part of our wider Scintillating Science scheme. Explore the full Year 6 science scheme for curriculum progression and additional science units, or browse our complete KS2 science scheme for Year 3 to Year 6 science planning and resources.