MS-LS4-4

SCUSD NGSS Curriculum Guide ====**MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. ** [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using simple probability statements and proportional reasoning to construct explanations.] ====

Science Background for the Teacher:
[overview of relevant science background for teacher]

-Galapagos Islands background - The galapagos islands have different vegetation, so different islands have finches with different beak types which match their environment and food that is available.

Key Vocabulary:

 * Variation || Traits || Gene || Probability ||
 * Population || Galapagos Islands || Finches ||  ||

Possible Assessments (formative and/or summative):
[Description of assessment task]

Write a conclusion (CER - Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) for the Natural Selection Lab. Explain which beak type you think would be most likely to survive and why.

Key Student Activities:
[Description of student activity. Include necessary materials, if known.]

-Variation Lab: Set up different stations with organisms that show variation (i.e. a population of sea stars, sand dollars, plants, pictures of finches, etc.) and have students measure variation in these organisms - length, width, height, color etc.

-Natural Selection "Lab" - Each student has a different 'beak type' like forceps, tongs, fingers, chopsticks, etc. There are different foods laid out and students try to pick up the food using their "beak." The one that survives will reproduce. The ones that do not get food, die and do not reproduce. Variations: put the food on different environments and see which prey survives to reproduce.

Key Teacher Demos/Activities:
[Description of teacher demo or activity. Include necessary materials, if known.]

-Galapagos Finches - Show pictures/movies of the different galapagos islands and which finch lives on which island.

Common Student Misconceptions:
[Descriptions of common student mistakes or misconceptions related to this topic.]

-The idea that the finches' beaks would change during the lifetime of the organism. For example, that if hard seeds are more predominant on the island, the beak of the finch will change to match the environment.

Things to Avoid/Correct:
[Descriptions of imprecise language or other mistakes related to this topic that might have to be corrected at a higher grade band.]

====Other Resources (text, video, simulations, activities, models, etc..): ====

[Descriptions or links to other resources that would support student understanding of this topic or mastery of these performance expectations.]

http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/

Book: Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, "Is it Fitter?"