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 24 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 beetle with a harder shell
A bird with a stronger beak
A.Sets seed before the summer drought
B.Cracks seeds others cannot open
C.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
D.Survives being trodden on or pecked
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A plant with a deeper root
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A flower with a brighter colour
A moth whose wings match the bark
A.Escapes a fox more often
B.Reaches water in a dry summer
C.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
D.Is spotted less often by birds
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 24 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 24. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A tree that flowers a week earlier — A (Sets seed before the summer drought) 2. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — C (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 3. A beetle with a harder shell — D (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 4. A bird with a stronger beak — B (Cracks seeds others cannot open)
2.1. A plant with a deeper root — B (Reaches water in a dry summer) 2. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — A (Escapes a fox more often) 3. A flower with a brighter colour — C (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set) 4. A moth whose wings match the bark — D (Is spotted less often by birds)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.