Inherited Traits and Learned Behaviors — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Riding a bike are a learned behavior that children practice many times.
Corrected: Riding a bike is a learned behavior that children practice many times.
In Grade 3 writing, a singular gerund subject takes the singular verb 'is', not 'are', when identifying a learned behavior.
2. Fix the sentence:
My dog learn to shake hands after my sister teach it every day.
Corrected: My dog learned to shake hands after my sister taught it every day.
Grade 3 writing about learned behaviors in the past should use 'learned' and the irregular past form 'taught' to match the time.
3. Fix the sentence:
Reading is a skill that most kids learns at school from their teacher.
Corrected: Reading is a skill that most kids learn at school from their teacher.
Plural subjects like 'kids' take the base verb 'learn' in Grade 3 grammar, even when talking about learned behaviors.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A skill that an animal or person gets through practice is called a learned behavior.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 defines a learned behavior as one gained through experience, practice, or teaching rather than from parents.
2. A young bird can learn parts of its song by copying the adults in its flock.
Many bird songs are partly learned in Grade 3 science, because young birds copy the tunes they hear from older birds nearby.
3. People learn how to ride a bike by practicing balance many times.
Riding a bike is a classic Grade 3 example of a learned behavior because it requires practice, falling, and trying again.
4. A dog can learn to sit, stay, or roll over when its owner trains it with treats.
Training is how Grade 3 students explain the way owners help dogs acquire learned behaviors through repeated practice.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Reading a book is a learned behavior that children gain at school and at home.
True False
Reading must be taught, so it is a learned behavior in Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 rather than an inherited trait.
2. A puppy is born already knowing how to fetch a ball and drop it at your feet.
True False
Fetching on command is learned through practice, making it a Grade 3 learned behavior, not an inherited trait.
3. Tying shoelaces is a learned behavior that most children practice many times.
True False
Tying shoes takes practice and teaching, which is why Grade 3 science lists it as a learned behavior.