Life Cycles, Traits, and Variations introduces Grade 3 students to examines the life cycles of various plants and animals, including the defining characteristics that are shared or varied by individuals in the same population. Students investigate how life cycles of various organisms differ and what they have in common: the pattern of birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Students learn how the environment can affect traits. Students also learn that some traits can help an individual to survive and reproduce. Other traits can reduce an individual’s chances to survive and reproduce.