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 13 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 fish that grows faster than its shoal
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A flower with a brighter colour
A beetle with a harder shell
A.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
B.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
C.Survives being trodden on or pecked
D.Sets seed before the summer drought
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A plant with a deeper root
A bird with a stronger beak
A moth whose wings match the bark
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A.Escapes a fox more often
B.Cracks seeds others cannot open
C.Is spotted less often by birds
D.Reaches water in a dry summer
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 13 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 13. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — B (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 2. A tree that flowers a week earlier — D (Sets seed before the summer drought) 3. A flower with a brighter colour — A (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set) 4. A beetle with a harder shell — C (Survives being trodden on or pecked)
2.1. A plant with a deeper root — D (Reaches water in a dry summer) 2. A bird with a stronger beak — B (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 3. A moth whose wings match the bark — C (Is spotted less often by birds) 4. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — A (Escapes a fox more often)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.