Patterns of Life

Patterns of Life is part of the Smithsonian Science Stories Literacy Series. Patterns of Life features short stories that pair with the module, What Explains Similarities and Differences Between Organisms? Both are aligned to grade 3 standards and have a focus on science and engineering. In Patterns of Life, students will read about how organisms grow and develop, traits they get from their family, and how the environment in which they live affects growth and development. 


Patterns of Life includes the following features: 

• Stories that focus on patterns of traits in diverse organisms

• Stories that highlight science and engineering careers

• Incorporation of images of plants and animals from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Smithsonian Gardens and research from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

• On-grade and below-grade formats