A Small Difference That Helps is a free printable Grade 3 science worksheet on how variation among individuals can give an advantage, aligned to Common Core standard 3-LS4-2. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 12 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.
A Small Difference That Helps
3-LS4-2
NameDate
Draw a line from each variation to the advantage.
1.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A bird with a stronger beak
A flower with a brighter colour
A.Cracks seeds others cannot open
B.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
C.Sets seed before the summer drought
D.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A beetle with a harder shell
A moth whose wings match the bark
A plant with a deeper root
A.Is spotted less often by birds
B.Reaches water in a dry summer
C.Escapes a fox more often
D.Survives being trodden on or pecked
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 12 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 12. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A tree that flowers a week earlier — C (Sets seed before the summer drought) 2. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — D (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 3. A bird with a stronger beak — A (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 4. A flower with a brighter colour — B (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set)
2.1. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — C (Escapes a fox more often) 2. A beetle with a harder shell — D (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 3. A moth whose wings match the bark — A (Is spotted less often by birds) 4. A plant with a deeper root — B (Reaches water in a dry summer)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.