Year 6 - English
Researching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution
Charles Darwin: biographical writing
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils research Charles Darwin's life and evolution theory in order to write a biography. The biography is written chronologically, from his early life to university, his trip to the Galapagos and his theory of evolution. Finally, pupils present information about evolution to a group.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the theory of evolution by natural selection, giving examples of how it has led to animals having certain characteristics.
Key Notes
- Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection to explain animals' adaptations.
- The theory is based on the idea that within a species, there are variations and competition.
- Within a habitat, some individuals will be better-adapted and others will be less-well-adapted.
- The better-adapted individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these advantageous characteristics.
- Over a huge period of time, the advantageous characteristics become normal in the species (or can create a new species).
Vocabulary To Learn
- variations: differences between individuals in a particular species
- natural selection: theory that organisms with characteristics beneficial for living in a particular environment will pass on these characteristics to offspring
- offspring: the young of an animal
- evolution: the process by which living things change and develop over millions of years.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may believe that evolutionary changes happen rapidly.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection to explain animals' adaptations. The theory is based on the idea that within a species, there are variations and competition.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'variations'
differences between individuals in a particular species.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may believe that evolutionary changes happen rapidly. Correction: Evolution is a process that occurs over huge periods of time.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Identifying features of a biography in preparation for writing about Darwin Study Guide
- Planning a biography about Charles Darwin's life and theory of evolution Study Guide
- Presenting information about evolution Study Guide
- Researching Charles Darwin's life Study Guide
- Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution Study Guide
- Writing the second half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution Study Guide
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