Science Scheme | Year 6 | Block 2: Evolution and Inheritance | Lesson 4: What is Evolution?
Introduce your pupils to one of the most important scientific concepts with this exciting and interactive Year 6 lesson on evolution. Through practical games and guided discussion, children learn how environmental changes impact survival and how these pressures can lead to the gradual evolution of species. This lesson builds directly on prior learning about characteristics and adaptations, helping pupils to connect ideas and think scientifically.
The lesson features an immersive Evolution Game where children simulate how animals with useful traits are more likely to survive and pass on their characteristics. By modelling these processes, pupils develop a clear, practical understanding of how evolution occurs over time.
What’s included:
- Step-by-step lesson plan with clear objectives
- Slides explaining evolution, adaptation and environmental change
- Interactive Evolution Game with habitat boards, dice and bird cards
- Assessment questions and plenary discussion prompts
- Vocabulary support for evolution, variation, adaptation, survival
Teaching tip
The Evolution Game is a brilliant way to help pupils understand how traits are passed on through generations. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce key vocabulary and encourage pupils to explain their thinking aloud during gameplay to develop scientific reasoning.
