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