Unit Plan 17 (Grade 1 Science): Variation Within Species

Focus: Compare variations among young plants/animals within the same kind (same species/group) to show that individuals can share many traits but still be different, using evidence from observations and simple class data.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Traits • Patterns)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn that even within the same kind of living thing, individuals can look a little different. Students compare groups of young animals (like puppies or kittens) or young plants (seedlings of the same type) and notice variations in traits such as color, size, patterns, and shape. They practice careful observation and simple data collection (tallies, picture graphs, bar graphs) to describe what they notice.

Students connect these observations to the idea in 1-LS3-1: young organisms are like their parents, but not exactly like them—and even young organisms in the same group can show variation. The week ends with a Variation Data Display + Mini-Claim, where students use class data to explain one pattern of variation they observed.

Essential Questions

• What are traits we can observe in plants and animals?
• How can individuals in the same group be similar and different at the same time?
• What does variation mean, and how can we show it with data?
• How can we use evidence to explain patterns we notice?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify observable traits that can vary within a group (color, size, markings, leaf shape, etc.).
2. Compare multiple young organisms of the same kind and note at least two ways they are similar.
3. Describe at least one way individuals show variation within the group.
4. Collect and represent class observation data using tallies and a simple graph (picture graph or bar graph).
5. Create a Variation Data Display + Mini-Claim supported by observation evidence and class data.

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.
  • Example: Use observations and simple class data to show how young organisms share traits but also show variation within a group.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name traits I can see in a group of plants or animals.
• I can tell how the group is similar (many traits the same).
• I can tell how the group is different (traits that vary).
• I can make a graph from our class observations.
• I can write a claim: “In our group, I noticed variation in ____. My evidence is ____.”