Unit Plan 32 (Grade 1 Science): Traits & Offspring Review

Focus: Explain, with observations and evidence, that young plants and animals are like their parents but not exactly the same; identify and compare traits across families and within a group.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Inquiry/Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students revisit the big idea that offspring look and act like their parents, but they also show small differences. Using photos, simple classroom observations, and kid-friendly data tools (tally marks, “same/different” charts), students identify traits such as color, size, pattern, leaf shape, and body parts. They practice making careful observations, recording evidence, and writing short explanations that match what they see. By the end of the week, students create a “Traits & Offspring Evidence Page” showing observations, comparisons, and a clear claim supported by evidence.

Essential Questions

• What traits do young plants and animals share with their parents?
• How can offspring be similar to their parents but also different?
• How do scientists use observations and evidence to explain patterns in traits?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify observable traits (color, pattern, size, shape, body parts) in plants and animals using pictures or real specimens.
2. Compare parent and offspring traits using a “same/different” organizer (1-LS3-1).
3. Record evidence from observations using drawings, labels, and simple tally marks.
4. Use evidence to explain: “Young organisms are like their parents, but not exactly like them” (1-LS3-1).
5. Create a short final product that includes a claim, evidence, and a clear comparison of traits.

Standards Alignment — Grade 1 (NGSS-Aligned)

• 1-LS3-1 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can observe and name traits I see (color, pattern, size, shape).
• I can tell how a baby/young organism is like its parent.
• I can tell one way the young organism is different.
• I can use my drawings and notes as evidence.
• I can write or say a sentence that explains my claim using evidence.