MS-LS1-4 | Survival and Reproduction in Species

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Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants, respectively.

Clarification statement: Examples of behaviors that affect the probability of animal reproduction could include nest building to protect young from cold, herding of animals to protect young from predators, and vocalization of animals and colorful plumage to attract mates for breeding. Examples of animal behaviors that affect the probability of plant reproduction could include transferring pollen or seeds, and creating conditions for seed germination and growth. Examples of plant structures could include bright flowers attracting butterflies that transfer pollen, flower nectar and odors that attract insects that transfer pollen, and hard shells on nuts that squirrels bury.

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

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how a specific animal behavior and a specialized plant structure directly interact to affect the probability of successful reproduction of the animal and plant.

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of the animals and plants, respectively.

Support a given argument by providing evidence of how animal behaviors and specialized plant structures increase the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants, respectively.

Using the evidence provided, identify an animal behavior or a specialized plant structure that helps the organism increase the probability of successful reproduction.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS1-4.

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Assessment

What assessment of MS-LS1-4 might look like on a NY state exam.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-LS1-4 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Use an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support or refute an explanation or a model for a phenomenon or a solution to a problem.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
  • Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. (secondary to MS-LS3-2)
  Animals engage in characteristic behaviors that increase the odds of reproduction.
  • Plants reproduce in a variety of ways, sometimes depending on animal behavior and specialized features for reproduction.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Cause and Effect
  • Phenomena may have more than one cause, and some cause and effect relationships in systems can only be described using probability.

Connections to Other Standards

MS-LS1-4 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms