In science, Years Five and Six have been learning about how scientists believe that life on Earth has evolved over millions of years. We began by considering what we can learn from fossils as well as the limitations of the fossil record. Using photos of ourselves alongside members of our families, we looked at inherited traits and variation.
Many of us had not previously heard of Charles Darwin so we were fascinated to learn all about his round-the-world voyage on HMS Beagle and, in particular, his studies of finches on the Galapagos Islands. This led us onto looking at how different species are adapted to the environments in which they live and how adaptations lead to evolution. We read a book called ‘Moth’ which told the fascinating story of how the peppered moth adapted during and after the industrial revolution.
Next, we will carry out a practical investigation to explore Darwin’s theory about the Galapagos finches. We will complete our learning by comparing Darwin and Lamarck’s differing ideas about evolution.
