MS-LS4-1

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Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on finding patterns of changes in the level of complexity of anatomical structures in organisms and the chronological order of fossil appearance in the rock layers.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the names of individual species or geological eras in the fossil record.

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 four levels.

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Level 1: Identify a data pattern in the fossil record that describes a change in a life form throughout the history of life on Earth.

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Level 2: Identify a data pattern in the fossil record that illustrates the existence, or diversity, or extinction, or change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

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Level 3: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

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Level 4: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record from multiple locations that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth, under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-1.

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Assessment

What assessment of MS-LS4-1 might look like on a NY state exam.

Exam	Cluster	Question
Spring 2024	Evolutionary Relationships	Question 27

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-LS4-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
  • The collection of fossils and their placement in chronological order (e.g., through the location of the sedimentary layers in which they are found or through radioactive dating) is known as the fossil record. It documents the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of many life forms throughout the history of life on Earth.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
  • Graphs, charts, and images can be used to identify patterns in data.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Natural Selection and Adaptations