Inherited traits are characteristics passed down from parents to offspring, such as eye color, number of limbs, or flower color. Learned behaviors are characteristics acquired through interactions with the environment, like the ability to ride a bicycle, and are not hereditary. The document discusses teaching students the difference between inherited traits and learned behaviors through activities that involve exploring family traits, inherited versus acquired traits, and examples of each. The objectives are for students to differentiate between inherited and learned traits, make inferences about their relationship, and compare inherited traits between cultures.

1. What is the difference
between inherited traits
and learned behavior?
Tammy Herrin
Cathy Hudson
Claudia Sanchez

2. NSES
Life Science
• The characteristics of organisms:
• 4CLS2.2 Plants and animals closely resemble their parents.
• 4CLS2.3 Many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents of
the organism, but other characteristics result from an individual’s interactions
with the environment. Inherited characteristics include the color of flowers
and the number of limbs of an animal. Other features, such as the ability to
ride a bicycle, are learned through interactions with the environment and
cannot be passed on to the next generation.

3. TEKS
Science:
(10) Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life processes and have structures that
help them survive within their environments. The student is expected to:
(b) explore that some characteristics of organisms are inherited such as the number of limbs on an animal or flower
color and recognize that some behaviors are learned in response to living in a certain environment such as animals using tools to
get food; and
(2) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and outdoor
investigations. The student is expected to:
(a) Plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking and answering questions, making inferences, and
selecting and using equipment or technology needed, to solve a specific problem in the natural world;
Technology:
(1) Creativity and innovation. The student uses creative thinking and innovative processes to construct knowledge and develop
digital products. The student is expected to:
(c) use virtual environments to explore systems and issues.
Math:
(1) Mathematical process standards. The student uses mathematical processes to acquire and demonstrate mathematical
understanding. The student is expected to:
(c) select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques,
including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems

4. OBJECTIVES
1.The students will be able to differentiate between inherited
traits and learned traits.
2.Students will be able to make inferences about the relation
between inherited traits and learned behaviors.
3.Students will compare and contrast inherited traits and
learned behaviors in their country to other countries.
4.Students will determine what objects to use when
measuring their pointer finger and their height.

5. MATERIALS
• pictures of examples
• online video
• inherited traits survey
• data table worksheet
• pencils
• construction paper
• glue
• scissors
• mirrors
• trait/behavior cards
• tape
• ruler
• yardstick
• science journal worksheets

6. Inherited Traits

7. Acquired Traits

8. ENGAGE
1. “Do you and your parents have the same hair/eye
color?”(Knowledge)
2. “Describe the differences between you and your siblings.”
(Comprehension)
3. “ Name some of the things you have in common with your
friends” (Knowledge)
4. “Why do you think you look like your parents?” (Analysis)

10. EXPLORE
1. Explore traits that are hereditary and those that are
learned. (Synthesis)
2. “Why do you think you have the same hair/eye color as
your parents but you don’t have the same taste in music?
(Analysis)
3. “Why do you think you think you have the same taste in
music as your friends but you don’t have the same hair/eye
color?” (Analysis)

12. EXPLAIN
1. "Do your siblings have the same hair/eye color as your
parents?" (Knowledge)
2. "Do your siblings like the same music as your parents?"
(Knowledge)
3. "Why do you think that you and your siblings all look like your
parents but you don't all like the same type of music/food?"
(Analysis)
4. “What are some examples of inherited traits?”
(Comprehension)
5. “What are some examples of learned traits?”(Comprehension)

13. Before
After

14. ELABORATE
1. “How would you explain why you have blue eyes if both your
parents have brown?” (Applications)
2. “Where do you think your parents got their hair color from?”
(Synthesis)

15. Hypothesis:
Analysis
& Conclusion:
Procedure
& Results:

16. EVALUATE
1. “What evidence do you have to support why you have blue
eyes/tall/short/curly hair/straight hair?” (Applications)
2. “How would you explain the difference in an inherited trait
and a learned trait?” (Applications)