HS-LS4-6 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS4-6.	Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on testing solutions for a proposed problem related to threatened or endangered species, or to genetic variation of organisms for multiple species.]

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.

Create or revise a simulation of a phenomenon, designed device, process, or system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

Changes in the physical environment, whether naturally occurring or human induced, have thus contributed to the expansion of some species, the emergence of new distinct species as populations diverge under different conditions, and the decline–and sometimes the extinction–of some species.

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (Note: This Disciplinary Core Idea is also addressed by HS-LS2-7.)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Empirical evidence is required to differentiate between cause and correlation and make claims about specific causes and effects.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.ESS2.D ; HS.ESS2.E ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.LS2.C ; HS.ESS3.C

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
WHST.9-12.5	Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (HS-LS4-6)
WHST.9-12.7	Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (HS-LS4-6)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS4-6.	Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on testing solutions for a proposed problem related to threatened or endangered species, or to genetic variation of organisms for multiple species.]

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

Create or revise a simulation of a phenomenon, designed device, process, or system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

Changes in the physical environment, whether naturally occurring or human induced, have thus contributed to the expansion of some species, the emergence of new distinct species as populations diverge under different conditions, and the decline–and sometimes the extinction–of some species.

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (Note: This Disciplinary Core Idea is also addressed by HS-LS2-7.)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Empirical evidence is required to differentiate between cause and correlation and make claims about specific causes and effects.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.ESS2.D ; HS.ESS2.E ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.LS2.C ; HS.ESS3.C

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
WHST.9-12.5	Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (HS-LS4-6)
WHST.9-12.7	Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (HS-LS4-6)

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS4-6.	Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on testing solutions for a proposed problem related to threatened or endangered species, or to genetic variation of organisms for multiple species.]

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

Create or revise a simulation of a phenomenon, designed device, process, or system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

Changes in the physical environment, whether naturally occurring or human induced, have thus contributed to the expansion of some species, the emergence of new distinct species as populations diverge under different conditions, and the decline–and sometimes the extinction–of some species.

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (Note: This Disciplinary Core Idea is also addressed by HS-LS2-7.)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Empirical evidence is required to differentiate between cause and correlation and make claims about specific causes and effects.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

HS.ESS2.D ; HS.ESS2.E ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

MS.LS2.C ; HS.ESS3.C

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
WHST.9-12.5	Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (HS-LS4-6)
WHST.9-12.7	Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (HS-LS4-6)

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Science and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.C: Adaptation

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

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