How to Teach Inherited Traits and Acquired Traits

Looking for ways to teach inherited traits and acquired traits? Let kids analyze pictures of plant and animal parents and siblings.

Ms. Sanchez Teaches Inherited Traits and Acquired Traits

Our favorite third grade teacher sat at the back table with her teaching partner. “Let’s continue planning our life science activities,” she said. “Next up: inherited and acquired traits.”

“Hmm,” said Mr. Jones. “I’m not sure that we can do hands-on activities for these concepts.”

“I agree, and so do the standards.”

Inherited Traits of Plants and Animals

Ms. Sanchez opened their science standards on her laptop. Then she read the first standard aloud:

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.

“So,” Mr. Jones said, “where will we get that kind of data? This sounds rather sophisticated for third graders.”

“Actually, I found a set of resources that simplifies the process. Kids generate data from photos of plants and animals.”

Identifying Inherited Traits

Ms. Sanchez clicked to a new file. “As you can see,” she said while scrolling down, “they first observe some tomato seedlings. They identify common inherited traits, as well as variations. Then they quantify their findings – by counting.”

“Ah, that makes sense. And it’s age-appropriate.”

Ask kids to observe similarities and differences in plant and animal siblings (such as these tomato plants) to learn about inherited traits.

Drawing Conclusions

Ms. Sanchez scrolled down a bit more. “After they analyze four organisms, kids determine if the siblings are more alike or different. Then they list evidence of inherited traits.”

“I like it,” her teaching partner said. “Kids integrate critical thinking with science. It really drives the concept home.”

After kids observe similarities and differences in plant and animal siblings, they draw conclusions about inherited traits.

Acquired Traits of Plants and Animals

“Let’s look at the related standard.” Again, Ms. Sneed read it aloud:

Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

“Hmm,” Mr. Jones said again. He looked slightly baffled.

“No worries. I found another set of resources for this.”

Identifying Cause and Effect Relationships for Acquired Traits

Ms. Sanchez opened another resource. “For four organisms, kids look at two pictures and read a short passage. Then they establish cause-effect relationships.”

“Wow, this targets an ELA skill that our students struggle with. It also provides lots of guidance.”

Kids observe before and after photos of plants and animals. Then they write cause-effect statements about acquired traits.

Writing Explanatory Paragraphs

Again, Ms. Sanchez scrolled down. “When they’re finished, a set of graphic organizers guides them to write an explanatory paragraph. More ELA.”

Kids use cause-effect relationships they've observed to write paragraphs explaining acquired traits.

Enjoy Teaching

“I was feeling anxious about covering these standards,” Mr. Jones admitted. “But these resources have really soothed my mind. Our students will do simple activities, but they’ll think deeply. Let’s do it!”

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