MS-LS1-4

SCUSD NGSS Curriculum Guide


 * MS-LS1-4: Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively. ** [Clarification Statement: Examples of behaviors that affect the probability of animal reproduction could include nest building to protect young from cold, herding of animals to protect young from predators, and vocalization of animals and colorful plumage to attract mates for breeding. Examples of animal behaviors that affect the probability of plant reproduction could include transferring pollen or seeds, and creating conditions for seed germination and growth. Examples of plant structures could include bright flowers attracting butterflies that transfer pollen, flower nectar and odors that attract insects that transfer pollen, and hard shells on nuts that squirrels bury.]

Science Background for the Teacher:
Comparing animal behaviors to plant structures, and their relation to reproduction. (i.e. size of a peacock tail to smell/color/size of a flower)

Key Vocabulary:

 * successful reproduction || characteristics || structures || evidence ||
 * probability || behaviors || scientific reason || function ||
 * probability || behaviors || scientific reason || function ||

Possible Assessments (formative and/or summative):
A written argument including claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER), to show how the animal behavior or plant structure increases the probability of successful reproduction.

Key Student Activity:
Research and choose one animal behavior or plant structure that makes it reproductively successful as a species.

Key Teacher Demo/Activity:
Show video clips of characteristic animal behaviors such as the peacock dance. Solicit student responses to the video and discuss why male peacocks behave in this way (to attract mates).

Common Student Misconceptions:
Evidence doesn't need to be numbers, it can be qualitative. Plants can not modify their structures or behaviors for a more successful reproduction.

Things to Avoid/Correct:
====Other Resources (text, video, simulations, activities, models, etc..) ====