Downloadable (1 PDF - 8 pages)

Ideal for grades 6-9, this lesson uses physical motion and play to teach students about natural selection and how advantageous or disadvantageous traits affect an organism’s ability to survive. The lesson starts with a physical activity and ends with an in class portion to provide reinforcement and assessment opportunities.

After completing this interactive lesson, students will understand:

• All organisms in the world have small genetic variations within their populations and these variations can help or hinder the creatures ability survive and reproduce.
• That organisms can pass on advantageous and disadvantageous traits.
• The cause and effect relationship between traits and survival.

Resources included:

• Lesson plan
• Student reflection worksheet

Additional resources required:

• Large open space for running and catching objects.
• A variety of objects to throw (balls or bean bags)
• 2 pylons or hula hoop