HS-LS1-8 | Human Reproduction and Development
Use models to illustrate how human reproduction and development maintains continuity of life.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on structures and function of human reproductive systems, interactions with other human body systems, embryonic development, and influences of environmental factors on development.
Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the details of hormonal regulation or stages of embryonic development.
Note: this is a NYSED-specific performance expectation that is different from the Next Generation Science Standards.
Assessment
What assessment of HS-LS1-8 might look like on a NY state exam.
Performance Level Descriptions
PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.
Vocabulary
Terms from the Biology Glossary that come from this standard or from the released exam questions that assess it.
- body system
- continuity of life
- embryo
- embryonic development
- environmental factor
- fertilization
- fetus
- gamete
- human reproduction
- matter
- ovary
- placenta
- reproductive system
- structure and function
- system model
- testis
- uterus
- amniotic sac – Jan 2026
- bind (to a receptor) – June 2026
- blood – June 2026
- cell – June 2026, Aug 2025
- cell membrane – June 2026
- corpus luteum – June 2026
- DNA – Jan 2026, Aug 2025
- egg (egg cell) – June 2026, Jan 2026
- endoplasmic reticulum – June 2026
- enzyme – June 2026
- fertilized egg – Jan 2026
- follicle – June 2026
- fraternal twins – Jan 2026
- gene – Jan 2026
- genetic information – June 2026, Aug 2025
- genetic material – Aug 2025
- gland – June 2026
- hormone – June 2026
- identical twins – Jan 2026
- menstrual cycle – June 2026
- mitosis – Aug 2025
- morula – Aug 2025
- muscle – Jan 2026
- organ – June 2026
- organelle – June 2026
- ovulation – June 2026
- reproductive cycle – June 2026
- sexual reproduction – June 2026
- signal molecule – June 2026
- sperm – June 2026, Jan 2026, Aug 2025
- survival – Aug 2025
- trait – Aug 2025
- uterine lining – June 2026
- zygote – June 2026
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-LS1-8.
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NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation HS-LS1-8 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Developing and Using Models
- Use a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system.
- LS1.A: Structure and Function
- (NYSED) The structures and functions of the human female reproductive system produce gametes in ovaries, allowing for internal fertilization, support the internal development of the embryo and fetus in the uterus, and provide essential materials through the placenta, and nutrition through milk for the newborn. The structures and functions of the human male reproductive system produces gametes in testes and make possible the delivery of these gametes for fertilization.
- Systems and System Models
- Models (e.g., physical, mathematical, computer models) can be used to simulate systems and interactions - including energy, matter, and information flows – within and between systems at different scales.