Inheritance, adaptation, evolution
Variation, selection, and evidence over time
What variation exists — and what story does the evidence tell about change?
Science inquiry · Unit 9
Inheritance, adaptation, evolution
Variation, selection, and evidence over time
Living World · Ecology and evolution
Wero
What variation exists — and what story does the evidence tell about change?
First step
Document trait variation in your dataset, then infer a cautious claim.
What you will show
Revision record when new data challenges the first claim.
Local place context
Which trait or population in your school or community will you measure fairly?
Living World · Ecology and evolution
First step
Document trait variation in your dataset, then infer a cautious claim.
Expected outcome
Revision record when new data challenges the first claim.
You will model how genes and environment shape traits, using class data and a local species case study. How variation appears in a population and what genes, proteins, and environment each contribute. Measurement data, diagrams, and graphs of continuous vs discontinuous variation.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
Trait variation survey
What variation exists in one visible trait across your sample?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Environment vs trait
Does a trait shift with environment — or stay stable?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Parent–offspring pattern
What traits appear to pass from parent to offspring in your model organism?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Selection scenario
If one trait mattered for survival here, what would your data predict?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Data challenges first claim
What new measurement would most likely change your first inference?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Trait data chart
Visualise variation without overstating cause.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Field classification labels
Vinyl-cut labels for consistent trait categories.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Specimen observation stand
Laser-cut a stand for repeatable photos.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
3D trait model
Print a model that explains one adaptation you studied.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Revision story slide
Show how new data changed your claim.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.