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 8 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 plant with a deeper root
A beetle with a harder shell
A bird with a stronger beak
A.Sets seed before the summer drought
B.Reaches water in a dry summer
C.Cracks seeds others cannot open
D.Survives being trodden on or pecked
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A moth whose wings match the bark
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A flower with a brighter colour
A.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
B.Is spotted less often by birds
C.Escapes a fox more often
D.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 8 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 8. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A tree that flowers a week earlier — A (Sets seed before the summer drought) 2. A plant with a deeper root — B (Reaches water in a dry summer) 3. A beetle with a harder shell — D (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 4. A bird with a stronger beak — C (Cracks seeds others cannot open)
2.1. A moth whose wings match the bark — B (Is spotted less often by birds) 2. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — D (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 3. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — C (Escapes a fox more often) 4. A flower with a brighter colour — A (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.