HS-LS2-5

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Develop a model to illustrate the role of various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Clarification statement: Examples of models could include simulations, diagrams, and mathematical models of the carbon cycle (photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion).

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the specific chemical steps of photosynthesis and respiration.

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Regents exam question on HS-LS2-5 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Use a model to identify one process involved in the cycling of carbon between two of Earths spheres.

Level 2: Use a model to describe the role of one process involved in the cycling of carbon between two of Earths spheres.

Level 3: Complete or use a model to provide evidence that supports the cycling of carbon between at least two spheres (biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and/or geosphere.)

Level 4: Develop a model to illustrate the role of various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Level 5: Develop and revise a model to predict the impact of changing a particular characteristic of a system on the various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-LS2-5.

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

Regents Exam Questions

Released New York State Regents exam questions that assess HS-LS2-5 are listed here by exam and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.

• Old Forest Q1

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-LS2-5 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
  • Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or components of a system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  • (NYSED) Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important components of the carbon cycle, in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere through chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes.
• PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
  • The main way that solar energy is captured and stored on Earth is through the complex chemical process known as photosynthesis

Crosscutting Concepts

• Systems and System Model
  • 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. Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems