HS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS2-4.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using a mathematical model of stored energy in biomass to describe the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another and that matter and energy are conserved as matter cycles and energy flows through ecosystems. Emphasis is on atoms and molecules such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen being conserved as they move through an ecosystem.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to proportional reasoning to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy.]

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

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Mathematical and computational thinking in 9-12 builds on K-8 experiences and progresses to using algebraic thinking and analysis, a range of linear and nonlinear functions including trigonometric functions, exponentials and logarithms, and computational tools for statistical analysis to analyze, represent, and model data. Simple computational simulations are created and used based on mathematical models of basic assumptions.

Use mathematical representations of phenomena or design solutions to support claims.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Plants or algae form the lowest level of the food web. At each link upward in a food web, only a small fraction of the matter consumed at the lower level is transferred upward, to produce growth and release energy in cellular respiration at the higher level. Given this inefficiency, there are generally fewer organisms at higher levels of a food web. Some matter reacts to release energy for life functions, some matter is stored in newly made structures, and much is discarded. The chemical elements that make up the molecules of organisms pass through food webs and into and out of the atmosphere and soil, and they are combined and recombined in different ways. At each link in an ecosystem, matter and energy are conserved.

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

Energy cannot be created or destroyed—it only moves between one place and another place, between objects and/or fields, or between systems.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.PS3.B ; HS.PS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.PS3.D ; MS.LS1.C ; MS.LS2.B

Common Core State Standards Connections:

Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (HS-LS2-4)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.1	Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.2	Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.3	Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities. (HS-LS2-4)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS2-4.

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

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Use mathematical representations of phenomena or design solutions to support claims.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Plants or algae form the lowest level of the food web. At each link upward in a food web, only a small fraction of the matter consumed at the lower level is transferred upward, to produce growth and release energy in cellular respiration at the higher level. Given this inefficiency, there are generally fewer organisms at higher levels of a food web. Some matter reacts to release energy for life functions, some matter is stored in newly made structures, and much is discarded. The chemical elements that make up the molecules of organisms pass through food webs and into and out of the atmosphere and soil, and they are combined and recombined in different ways. At each link in an ecosystem, matter and energy are conserved.

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

Energy cannot be created or destroyed—it only moves between one place and another place, between objects and/or fields, or between systems.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.PS3.B ; HS.PS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.PS3.D ; MS.LS1.C ; MS.LS2.B

Common Core State Standards Connections:

Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (HS-LS2-4)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.1	Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.2	Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.3	Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities. (HS-LS2-4)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS2-4.

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

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Use mathematical representations of phenomena or design solutions to support claims.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Plants or algae form the lowest level of the food web. At each link upward in a food web, only a small fraction of the matter consumed at the lower level is transferred upward, to produce growth and release energy in cellular respiration at the higher level. Given this inefficiency, there are generally fewer organisms at higher levels of a food web. Some matter reacts to release energy for life functions, some matter is stored in newly made structures, and much is discarded. The chemical elements that make up the molecules of organisms pass through food webs and into and out of the atmosphere and soil, and they are combined and recombined in different ways. At each link in an ecosystem, matter and energy are conserved.

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

Energy cannot be created or destroyed—it only moves between one place and another place, between objects and/or fields, or between systems.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.PS3.B ; HS.PS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.PS3.D ; MS.LS1.C ; MS.LS2.B

Common Core State Standards Connections:

Mathematics -
MP.2	Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (HS-LS2-4)
MP.4	Model with mathematics. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.1	Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.2	Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling. (HS-LS2-4)
HSN.Q.A.3	Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities. (HS-LS2-4)

HS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

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

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter

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