Adaptations for Survival Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 8.13C

Everything you need for an engaging ecosystems unit is included in this resource! Students will explore how variations of traits and characteristics within populations lead to structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations. They’ll investigate how these adaptations influence the likelihood of survival and reproductive success of species over generations. With editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, this multiday lesson is comprehensive, flexible, and requires minimal prep.

Through differentiated, student-led learning, your middle schoolers stay engaged while you focus on student success.

Essential Questions

• How can variations of traits within a population lead to structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations?

• How do adaptations influence the likelihood of survival of a species over generations?

Aligned with 2021 TEKS Standard 8.13C

Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Differentiated materials for learners who need additional support

• Multimodal activities to keep students engaged

• Maximum flexibility—printable and digital resources included

• Editable PowerPoints for easy classroom customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a reading passage, and interactive notebook pages

This resource follows the 5E Instructional Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), giving you a structured, research-based approach to science instruction.

What’s Included

Engagement

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, classroom activities, and common misconceptions

Exploration – Student-Led Station Lab
Nine differentiated stations help students explore how favorable genetic variations lead to natural selection and survival of species:

Input Stations

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension checks

• Research It! – Website-based activities with guided prompts

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection questions

Output Stations

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts

• Write It! – Open-ended short-answer prompts

• Illustrate It! – Student sketches or diagrams showing adaptations

• Assess It! – Task cards + vocabulary-in-context activity

Bonus Station – Challenge It!
Fun extension activities like crosswords, games, and mini-projects for early finishers

Explanation

• Editable PowerPoints (standard & interactive versions)

• Interactive notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaboration

• Student-choice projects on how variations of traits lead to adaptations for survival

Evaluation

• STAAR 2.0–style assessments (standard & modified versions)

• Review worksheet for homework, practice, or class discussion

Flexible for Any Classroom

This lesson is perfect for both in-person and virtual learning. Station labs, interactive notebooks, and presentations are fully compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.