MS-LS2-4

Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on recognizing patterns in data and making warranted inferences about shifts in populations due to changes in the ecosystem.

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.

Level 4Level 3Level 2Level 1

Construct an argument, supported by empirical evidence, that supports the claim that human activities cause changes to physical and biological components of an ecosystem, which affect populations.

Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Identify the empirical evidence that supports the argument that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Identify an argument that describes how a change in a physical or biological component of an ecosystem will have an effect on a population.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS2-4.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

Assessment

What assessment of MS-LS2-4 might look like on a NY state exam.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-LS2-4 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Crosscutting Concepts

Connections to Other Standards

MS-LS2-4 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen, Conrad Richman

P-8 | MS. Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems