C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Organisms & Life Processes·language

Inheritance Vocabulary

Use vocabulary for variation and inheritance — inherited characteristic, acquired characteristic, variation, offspring, trait, species, breed, genetic, environment — and apply these when comparing organisms and explaining similarities and differences within and between species

Suggested ages 8–10

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Learning journey

Your child is discovering how the human body works — learning about the digestive system and how different types of teeth help us eat and break down food.

Evidence of understanding

  • Distinguish between inherited and acquired characteristics with a correct example of each
  • Use 'variation' correctly to describe differences within a species and explain what causes variation
  • Use 'offspring', 'species', and 'trait' correctly in written descriptions of living things

Assessment prompt

Can Inheritance Vocabulary explain why children look similar to but not exactly like their parents — using words like 'inherited' or 'variation'?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.