HS-LS1-8

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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.

Regents Exam Questions

Released New York State Regents exam questions that assess HS-LS1-8 are listed here by exam and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.

Exam	Cluster	Question
June 2026 Biology Regents	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)	Question 15
	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)	Question 17
January 2026 Biology Regents	Two Kinds of Twins	Question 1
August 2025 Biology Regents	The Human Journey from One Cell to 30 Trillion	Question 37
	The Human Journey from One Cell to 30 Trillion	Question 39

Vocabulary

Terms from the Biology Glossary that come from this standard or from the released exam questions that assess it.

From this standard

• 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

From released exam questions

• 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

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Regents exam question on HS-LS1-8 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Use a model to identify a structure and/or a function involved in human reproduction or development. June 2026 · Q17 Jan 2026 · Q1

Level 2: Use a model to describe a structure and/or a function involved in human reproduction and development. June 2026 · Q15

Level 3: Use model(s) to describe or explain how human reproduction and/or development maintains the continuity of life. Aug 2025 · Q37 Aug 2025 · Q39

Level 4: Use models to illustrate how human reproduction and development maintains the continuity of life.

Level 5: Revise a model to illustrate a disruption/change and its impact on human reproduction and development.

Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-LS1-8.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-LS1-8 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Developing and Using Models
  • Use a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• 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.

Crosscutting Concepts

• 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.

Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard

Biology | HS. Inheritance and Variation of Traits