Big idea: Variation, adaptation and evolution

Differences between organisms cause species to evolve by natural selection of better adapted individuals. The great diversity of organisms is the result of evolution.

"Variation, adaptation and evolution" is one of 15 big ideas of science in the Best Evidence Science Teaching collection. Understanding of the big idea is built up by a series of key concepts at age 11-16, which have been organised into teaching topics.

The research-informed resources for each key concept make up a progression toolkit that provides:

• appropriately-sequenced steps for learning progression

• diagnostic questions to reveal preconceptions and common misunderstandings

• response activities to challenge misunderstandings and encourage conceptual development