Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
A boy learning to rope on a ranch, with a scarred dog lying nearby.

Science / All lessons / Plants and Traits

Acquired Traits

Learned or gained during a life.

Lesson 40 of 40

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Before we start

Today’s story

Acquired Traits

Nobody is born able to ride a bike. You learn it. That is an acquired trait.

Acquired traits are gained during life. Learned skills, scars and a crooked tree shaped by wind are examples. They are not passed to young through birth.

A dog with a scar will not have puppies with scars. A rider's child must learn to ride. Follow the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Two Lists

    20 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Paper
    • Pencil
    • Family photos
    • Talk with an adult

    Do this

    1. Fold a paper in half.
    2. Label one side inherited and the other acquired.
    3. List traits about yourself.
    4. Ask an adult about theirs.
    5. Discuss any hard ones.
    6. Mark which ones you were born with.
    7. Share with a friend.
    Write or draw: A two-column list for you and one adult.

    Watch for: Some traits are tricky. Hair color is inherited. A haircut is acquired.

    Safety: Be kind. Do not make fun of anyone's traits.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Acquired comes from life.

    Inherited comes from parents.

    Rule 2Learned skills stay with you.

    They do not pass to young at birth.

    Rule 3Ask if it was there at birth.

    If not, it may be acquired.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    acquired
    Gained during life.
    skill
    Something you learn to do.
    scar
    A mark left after a wound heals.
    habit
    Something you do often.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • How do you know a skill is acquired?
    • What skill have you learned that your parents did not have at birth?
    Did you know

    A dog can learn to sit, but its puppies must learn it too.

    Someone who does this

    A teacher helps people gain new skills.

    BeforeInherited TraitsDoneBack to Grade 4