7th Grade/Science
Unit: Biology
Concept: Natural Selection
Populations and species demonstrate variations and inherit many of their traits through gradual processes over many
generations.
The student knows that populations and species demonstrate variations and inherit many of their unique traits through
gradual processes over many generations
Generalizations
TEKS: 7.11
7.11C Identify changes in genetic traits that have occurred over several generations through natural selection and
selective breeding such as the Galapagos Medium Ground Finch or domestic animals (Supporting Std)
CCA, DCA, Benchmark
 Compare and contrast selective breeding and natural selection
 Show how a specific trait’s prevalence in a population changed over time and identify the reason that the trait
may have become more or less prevalent
 Compare the types of beaks for finches
 Describe how beak shapes changed even though their common ancestor was the same
 Describe how the changes in traits are due to changes in DNA from the parent
MISCONCEPTIONS:
 Students may think that organisms can change at will
 Students may think that change due to the environment can be passed on
 Students may think that the environment can limit traits although they still exist in DNA
Student Expectation:
Formal Assessment:
Clarification:
Notes to Teacher:
Key Academic Vocabulary:
Generation
Inherit
Vertical Alignment:
Natural selection
Selective Breeding
5th Grade
5.10B – Differentiate between inherited traits of plants and
animals such as spines on a cactus or shape of beak, and
learned behaviors such as an animal learning tricks or a
child riding a bicycle.
Charles Darwin
Trait
Before
After
Galapagos
8th Grade
8.11C – Explore how short and long-term environmental
changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent
populations.
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7th Grade/Science
Core Instruction:
Engage
UNIVERSAL
GENERALIZATION: Change
occurs over time.
Explore
Journals of Charlotte Durand
Gizmos – Natural Selection
Explain
Students will explain what
they observed in the
explore activities
Elaborate
Debate of what is better
natural selection or
selective breeding
Passing Game activity
ESL Bird Beak Lab
Natural Selection
Enrichment - Peppered
Moths
Peppered Moth Game
EduSmart 7th Grade
Variability and Survival
Have students have a
gallery walk about
selective breeding vs.
natural selection with
projects such as:
 Dog Breeding
 Horses – Racing
aspects
 Cats – Allergies
 Corn
 Flowers (tulips or
roses)
Evaluate
The case of the peppered
moth
Rain Forest Crisis
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