Teach your KS2 class about Charles Darwin, his life and his theories with this ready-to-teach lesson. Children will be introduced to the famous naturalist and discover how his study of finches collected from the Galapagos Islands led to him proposing his theory of evolution by natural selection.
After the main teaching input and class discussion, children will show and discuss their knowledge and understanding of this concept. In the alternative activity, they will take part in a 'bird beak' investigation, where they explore how different beak types may be advantageous or disadvantageous according to the food available.
This Charles Darwin KS2 lesson includes:
a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
a slideshow for the teaching input
a range of printable resources for independent learning activities
Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:
You may also like our Evolution and Inheritance Science scheme of work for Year 6, which features a lesson on Charles Darwin.
March 15, 2022
PlanBee Team
Charles Darwin KS2
Find out all about Charles Darwin, his life and his theory of evolution, along with some fascinating facts, to help you understand the scientific contributions of this famous naturalist!
Explore our Evolution and Inheritance Lessons for KS2!
Who is Charles Darwin?
Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who was born in The Mount House, Shrewsbury on the 12th February 1809. A naturalist is someone who studies things in nature such as animals and plants and how they live. He is best known for his theory of evolution.
Charles Darwin 1809-1882
What was Charles Darwin known for?
Charles Darwin studied the natural world over many years, taking part in expeditions to regions such asBrazil, Argentina, Chile, and remote islands such as the Galápagos. He spent five years travelling and gathering information. On his voyage on the HMS Beagle between 1831 and 1836, Charles Darwin collected samples of plants, animals, rocks and fossils which he took home to England to study. These observations helped scientists to learn more about the way the Earth's surface is formed and how it has changed over time.
What did Charles Darwin discover?
Upon his return from his travels, Charles Darwin began to question the origin and adaption of species and how they have changed over time. In 1859, Charles Darwin published his book ‘On the Origin of Species’ which outlined his theory of evolution. Darwin challenged the idea that God made all animals and plants on Earth. Instead, he suggested that species change over time, adapting to their environment. His theory included the idea of ‘natural selection’ or in other words ‘survival of the fittest’. This is where a variation of a species may change to suit its surroundings, adapting to make sure of its survival - however, another variation of a species may not be able to adapt as well and so the variation dies out.
Picture depicting Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
How did Charles Darwin die?
For years, Charles Darwin lived with a chronic condition. It was said that he suffered for many years with symptoms such as eczema, headaches, sickness and boils. Some suggested this mystery disease could have been because of parasites picked up on his travels around the world. Others now believe Darwin may have had Crohn's disease.
On the 19th April 1882, Darwin suffered heart failure at his home, Down House in Kent. Darwin was reportedly a family man, and on his deathbed said to his wife, Emma:
“I am not the least afraid of death. Remember what a good wife you have been to me. Tell all my children to remember how good they have been to me.”
He was buried in Westminster Abbey in London, UK.
View and download our free Charles Darwin Poster
Fun Facts about Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin co-developed his theory of evolution with Alfred Wallace.
Charles Darwin dropped out of medical school because he couldn’t stand the sight of blood.
In 1839 Charles Darwin married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood. Although this is something that seems strange nowadays, back then it was widely accepted.
Darwin waited 20 years to publish his theory of evolution due to worries that people were not ready for his radical ideas.
He not only studied animals from around the world… he also ate them!
In 2000, Charles Darwin appeared on the back of a £10 note. It was discontinued in 2018.
Charles Darwin was a scientist, as well as being a Christian.
He was born on the 12th February 1809, the same day as Abraham Lincoln.
Charles Darwin wrote a pros and cons list on whether to marry or not.
He loved hiking!
Darwin played two games of backgammon with his wife every evening.
I think this was really helpful thank you, PlanBee
adam - December 7, 2022
hi this was very intresting
Catherine - October 28, 2022
Thank you for your comment John. The blog has been updated to correct the mistake.
John K Hughes - October 28, 2022
Hi there – (this is not a criticism) just to point out that Charles Darwin was born in the family home known as The Mount in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on 12 Feb 1809 – not Kent as stated above. He was initially educated in Shrewsbury, and it was also from here that he left for his five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle. Charles married his cousin Emma Wedgwood and they lived at Down House in Kent. Hope this helps.
Some interesting and useful facts on this page for young learners!
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Due to a change of RE curriculum I needed a new free unit. This fitted perfectly with our Y1/2 and 3 curriculum.. What I would have liked to see was each lesson having its own LO as the LO that is given is the same for each lesson, ie The Big Question. I feel that the individual LO would have given the aim of the lesson.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, it's great to hear that this unit was useful to you! I will pass on your comments about the LO to our resource creators - we value your feedback :-)
Thank you for this great resource. The activities were varied and suited different styles of learners and abilities. I used it today in Year 5 and it was a success. Thanks again!
You're welcome, Lusine! We're so pleased to hear that this resource was useful for you :-)
This activity for Remembrance is brilliant. It has everything you need for making your own poppies and the young people can’t wait to show off their poppies they have made! 🤩
That is lovely to hear! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review :-)
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