This short web article about inherited traits points out the variation among inherited traits with a measurement activity. Students measure their hands and record the measurement, then compare it with 10 of their classmates to see the variation in sizes. Students then find the range and the mean of their data and create a graph to show it.

On this webpage, students read a brief article that explains the difference between inherited and learned traits. After reading the article, students are invited to study a photograph of a tree and list its traits, particularly those that help it survive near the Grand Canyon. An interactive self checking quiz for students to determine inherited vs. learned traits follows this activity.

This course was created by the Rethink Education Content Development Team. This course is aligned to the NC Standards for 5th Grade Science. 

This course was created by the Rethink Education Content Development Team. This course is aligned to the NC Standards for 5th Grade Science.

In this video, students learn that heredity is the passing of traits, or features, from parents to offspring through genes. Genes, which are found inside cells, are shared from one generation to the next, passing on all kinds of characteristics like eye color, dimples, freckles, and height.

Students learn about genetic variation through examination of some of their own genetic traits.

In this lesson, students learn that charactersistics are inherited. Students will take an inventory of their own traits and their classmates' traits. As a homework assignment, students will check to see if family members possess any of the traits that were observed in the class.