Inheritance & Variation of Traits Third Grade Science Stations

Inheritance and Variation of Traits Science Stations for Third Grade Next Generation Science Standards include 8 different science stations where students can deepen their understanding of how plants and animals inherit various traits. The focus is on NGSS 3-LS3.A and 3-LS3.B and include concepts such as plant identification, seed dispersal, changing leaves, animal survival and growth, classification of organisms, and warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals.

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Stations Include

► Vocabulary Cards in two formats with and without pictures.

► Watch – Students watch a video about the Falling Leaves or How Dolphins Learn to Find Food and answer questions. Allow students to choose the video or have them do both.

► Play – Students interact with a video game about the shape of teeth and eating or learn how changing resources affect plant growth and survival. Each video has its own set of questions and task cards.

► Investigate – Students investigate how colors can be found within other colors and demonstrate how there are many colors in leaves.

► Diagram – Students diagram how organisms are classified according to common traits.

► Read a Passage – Students read a passage about how otters learn some traits from heir mothers and answer questions.

► Model – Students model seed dispersal and chart the differences.

► Explore – Students explore the different traits of plants using an identification key.

► Sort – Students sort the warm-blooded and cold-blooded vertebrates.

Differentiated Responses

Each station includes four different ways to respond to the experience at the station: short answer questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, task cards with short answers, task cards with multiple choice. All the variations are similar to one another. Choose the format that best fits your classroom and students. Students are encouraged to use their science journal, but worksheets are included as well.

Some stations include two or more activity choices and extension activities.

Each station is designed to last about 15-20 minutes. Students may do one a day for 8 days, 2 a day for two days, or any format that works for your classroom. Because there are additional activities for the Watch and Play stations, you can offer those a choice within that station or offer them as an early finisher station, as well.