Habitats, Genes and Variation
(Year 2 Term 1)
National Curriculum Coverage
Habitats
explore and compare the differences between things that are living, dead, and things that have never been alive
identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other
identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats
describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
describe the differences in the life cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an insect and a bird
describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals
give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics
Genes and Variation
recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago
recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents
identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution
KS2 Teacher Assessment Framework Outcomes
use the observable features of plants, animals and micro-organisms to group, classify and identify them into broad groups, using keys or other methods
construct and interpret food chains
describe the requirements of plants for life and growth
explain how environmental changes may have an impact on living things
use the basic ideas of inheritance, variation and adaptation to describe how living things have changed over time and evolved
describe how fossils are formed and provide evidence for evolution
Path A Key Questions:
Q: What is a habitat and microhabitat?
Q: What lives in a UK woodland habitat?
Q: What lives in a polar habitat?
Q: What lives in a desert habitat?
Q: What lives in a rainforest habitat?
Path B Key Questions:
Q: What is classification?
Q: How are living things adapted to their habitat?
Q: What factors can change a habitat?
Q: How can living things adapt over time?
Q: How does adaptation lead to evolution?
Knowledge Guides:
Habitats, Genes and Variation Knowledge Guide.pptxWorking Scientifically:
Path A
Path B
RSC HGV topic web.pdfGeneration Genius Lessons:
Path A
Habitats: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/habitats-video-for-kids/
Introduction to Traits: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/introduction-to-traits-video-for-kids/
Living Things Change Their Environment: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/living-things-change-their-environment-video-for-kids/
Path B
Classification of Living Things: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/classification-of-living-things-video-for-kids/
Variation of Traits: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/variation-of-traits-video-for-kids/
Adaptations and the Environment: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/adaptations-video-for-kids/
Genes and Mutations: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/genes-and-mutations-video-for-kids/
Natural Selection: https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/natural-selection-video-for-kids/