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 5 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 flower with a brighter colour
A moth whose wings match the bark
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A.Sets seed before the summer drought
B.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
C.Reaches water in a dry summer
D.Is spotted less often by birds
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A beetle with a harder shell
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A bird with a stronger beak
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A.Survives being trodden on or pecked
B.Escapes a fox more often
C.Cracks seeds others cannot open
D.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 5 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 5. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A plant with a deeper root — C (Reaches water in a dry summer) 2. A flower with a brighter colour — B (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set) 3. A moth whose wings match the bark — D (Is spotted less often by birds) 4. A tree that flowers a week earlier — A (Sets seed before the summer drought)
2.1. A beetle with a harder shell — A (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 2. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — B (Escapes a fox more often) 3. A bird with a stronger beak — C (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 4. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — D (Is too big for smaller predators sooner)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.