MS-LS2-5   Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

MS-LS2-5. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of ecosystem services could include water purification, nutrient recycling, and prevention of soil erosion. Examples of design solution constraints could include scientific, economic, and social considerations.]
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

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Engaging in argument from evidence in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to constructing a convincing argument that supports or refutes claims for either explanations or solutions about the natural and designed world(s).

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

  • Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling. (secondary)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

 

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

  Connections to Engineering, Technology, and                      Applications of Science

 

Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

  • The use of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use varies from region to region and over time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

         Connections to Nature of Science

 

Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World

  • Scientific knowledge can describe the consequences of actions but does not necessarily prescribe the decisions that society takes.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

MS.ESS3.C

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

HS.LS2.A ; HS.LS2.C ; HS.LS4.D ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RST.6-8.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS2-5)
RI.8.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS2-5)
Mathematics -
MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-5)
6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-LS2-5)

MS-LS2-5   Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

MS-LS2-5. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of ecosystem services could include water purification, nutrient recycling, and prevention of soil erosion. Examples of design solution constraints could include scientific, economic, and social considerations.]
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

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Engaging in argument from evidence in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to constructing a convincing argument that supports or refutes claims for either explanations or solutions about the natural and designed world(s).

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

  • Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling. (secondary)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

 

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

  Connections to Engineering, Technology, and                      Applications of Science

 

Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

  • The use of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use varies from region to region and over time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

         Connections to Nature of Science

 

Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World

  • Scientific knowledge can describe the consequences of actions but does not necessarily prescribe the decisions that society takes.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

MS.ESS3.C

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

HS.LS2.A ; HS.LS2.C ; HS.LS4.D ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RST.6-8.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS2-5)
RI.8.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS2-5)
Mathematics -
MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-5)
6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-LS2-5)

MS-LS2-5   Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

MS-LS2-5. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of ecosystem services could include water purification, nutrient recycling, and prevention of soil erosion. Examples of design solution constraints could include scientific, economic, and social considerations.]
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

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Engaging in argument from evidence in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to constructing a convincing argument that supports or refutes claims for either explanations or solutions about the natural and designed world(s).

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

  • Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling. (secondary)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

 

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

  Connections to Engineering, Technology, and                      Applications of Science

 

Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

  • The use of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use varies from region to region and over time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

         Connections to Nature of Science

 

Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World

  • Scientific knowledge can describe the consequences of actions but does not necessarily prescribe the decisions that society takes.

Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band:

MS.ESS3.C

Articulation of DCIs across grade-bands:

HS.LS2.A ; HS.LS2.C ; HS.LS4.D ; HS.ESS3.A ; HS.ESS3.C ; HS.ESS3.D

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy -
RST.6-8.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS2-5)
RI.8.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS2-5)
Mathematics -
MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-5)
6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-LS2-5)

* The performance expectations marked with an asterisk integrate traditional science content with engineering through a Practice or Disciplinary Core Idea.

The section entitled “Disciplinary Core Ideas” is reproduced verbatim from A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Cross-Cutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Integrated and reprinted with permission from the National Academy of Sciences.

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Related Evidence Statements
MS-LS2-5-1 Evidence Statements
Related Quality Units
Middle School: Disruptions in Ecosystems
Middle School: OpenSciEd Unit 7.5: How Does Changing an Ecosystem Affect What Lives There?
Middle School: Stile: The Importance of Biodiversity
Related Example Bundles
Middle School Phenomenon Model Course 3: Bundle 3
Middle School Topic Model Course 2: Bundle 2

How to Read the Standards

The standards integrate three dimensions within each standard and have intentional connections across standards. More...