5-LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

5-LS2-1.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that matter that is not food (air, water, decomposed materials in soil) is changed by plants into matter that is food. Examples of systems could include organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include molecular explanations.]

The performance expectations above were developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2 models and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events and design solutions.

Develop a model to describe phenomena. (5-LS2-1)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Science explanations describe the mechanisms for natural events. (5-LS2-1)

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem. (5-LS2-1)

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Matter cycles between the air and soil and among plants, animals, and microbes as these organisms live and die. Organisms obtain gases, and water, from the environment, and release waste matter (gas, liquid, or solid) back into the environment. (5-LS2-1)

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions. (5-LS2-1)

Connections to other DCIs in fifth grade:

5.ESS2.A (5-LS2-1); 5.PS1.A (5-LS2-1)

Articulation of DCIs across grade-levels:

2.PS1.A (5-LS2-1); 2.LS4.D (5-LS2-1); 4.ESS2.E (5-LS2-1); MS.PS3.D (5-LS2-1); MS.LS1.C (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.A (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.B (5-LS2-1)

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RI.5.7	Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. (5-LS2-1)
SL.5.5	Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes. (5-LS2-1)
Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (5-LS2-1)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (5-LS2-1)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

5-LS2-1.

[Clarifcation Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that matter that is not food (air, water, decomposed materials in soil) is changed by plants into matter that is food. Examples of systems could include organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include molecular explanations.]

The performance expectations above were developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2 models and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events and design solutions.

Develop a model to describe phenomena. (5-LS2-1)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Science explanations describe the mechanisms for natural events. (5-LS2-1)

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem. (5-LS2-1)

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Matter cycles between the air and soil and among plants, animals, and microbes as these organisms live and die. Organisms obtain gases, and water, from the environment, and release waste matter (gas, liquid, or solid) back into the environment. (5-LS2-1)

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions. (5-LS2-1)

Connections to other DCIs in fifth grade:

5.ESS2.A (5-LS2-1); 5.PS1.A (5-LS2-1)

Articulation of DCIs across grade-levels:

2.PS1.A (5-LS2-1); 2.LS4.D (5-LS2-1); 4.ESS2.E (5-LS2-1); MS.PS3.D (5-LS2-1); MS.LS1.C (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.A (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.B (5-LS2-1)

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RI.5.7	Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. (5-LS2-1)
SL.5.5	Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes. (5-LS2-1)
Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (5-LS2-1)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (5-LS2-1)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

5-LS2-1.

The performance expectations above were developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2 models and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events and design solutions.

Develop a model to describe phenomena. (5-LS2-1)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Science explanations describe the mechanisms for natural events. (5-LS2-1)

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem. (5-LS2-1)

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Matter cycles between the air and soil and among plants, animals, and microbes as these organisms live and die. Organisms obtain gases, and water, from the environment, and release waste matter (gas, liquid, or solid) back into the environment. (5-LS2-1)

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions. (5-LS2-1)

Connections to other DCIs in fifth grade:

5.ESS2.A (5-LS2-1); 5.PS1.A (5-LS2-1)

Articulation of DCIs across grade-levels:

2.PS1.A (5-LS2-1); 2.LS4.D (5-LS2-1); 4.ESS2.E (5-LS2-1); MS.PS3.D (5-LS2-1); MS.LS1.C (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.A (5-LS2-1); MS.LS2.B (5-LS2-1)

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RI.5.7	Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. (5-LS2-1)
SL.5.5	Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes. (5-LS2-1)
Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (5-LS2-1)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (5-LS2-1)

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Connections to the Nature of Science

Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

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