Science Scheme | Year 6 | Block 2: Evolution and Inheritance | Lesson 2: What is Inheritance?
Help your Year 6 pupils explore the concept of inheritance with this engaging and well-structured science lesson. Building on their understanding of characteristics, this lesson introduces how offspring inherit traits from their parents – and why siblings are never exactly the same. Pupils will learn the meaning of inheritance and variation through interactive discussions, visual prompts and group problem-solving tasks.
Children will apply their knowledge by analysing dog breeds and discussing how certain traits are passed down to meet specific purposes. This lesson includes opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration and real-life examples that bring abstract scientific ideas to life.
What’s included:
- Detailed lesson plan linked to Year 6 National Curriculum
- Slides explaining inheritance and variation using animal examples
- Dog breeds activity with differentiated worksheet
- Starter and plenary questions to reinforce understanding
- Vocabulary support for inheritance, variation, characteristics, offspring
Teaching tip
Encourage pupils to discuss how they resemble family members to personalise the concept of inherited traits. Use sensitivity when discussing family structures to ensure all pupils feel included. The dog breed activity works especially well for visual learners and those who enjoy applying science to real-world contexts.
