L: Life Science

L.1: Individual organisms with certain traits are more likely than others to survive and have offspring in a specific environment

L.1.a: Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based explanation for why a given organism with specific traits will or will not survive to have offspring in a given environment

Evolution: Mutation and Selection

L.1.b: Analyze and interpret data about specific adaptations to provide evidence and develop claims about differential survival and reproductive success

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
Natural Selection
Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

L.1.d: Use computer simulations to model differential survival and reproductive success associated with specific traits in a given environment

Natural Selection
Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

L.2: The human body is composed of atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems that have specific functions and interactions

L.2.b: Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation regarding the functions and interactions of the human body

Digestive System

L.2.c: Gather, analyze, and interpret data and models on the functions and interactions of the human body

Digestive System

L.3: Cells are the smallest unit of life that can function independently and perform all the necessary functions of life

L.3.c: Compare and contrast the basic structures and functions of plant cells, animal cells, and single-celled organisms

Cell Structure

L.4: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important processes by which energy is acquired and utilized by organisms

L.4.a: Gather, analyze, and interpret data regarding the basic functions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Cell Energy Cycle
Photosynthesis Lab
Pond Ecosystem

L.4.b: Use direct and indirect evidence to describe the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration within plants - and between plants and animals

Cell Energy Cycle

L.4.c: Use computer simulations to model the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration within plants - and between plants and animals

Cell Energy Cycle

L.5: Multiple lines of evidence show the evolution of organisms over geologic time

L.5.a: Interpret and analyze data from the fossil record to support a claim that organisms and environments have evolved over time

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

E: Earth Systems Science

E.1: Major geologic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mid-ocean ridges, and mountain formation are associated with plate boundaries and attributed to plate motions

E.1.a: Gather, analyze, and communicate data that explains Earth's plates, plate motions, and the results of plate motions

Plate Tectonics

E.1.b: Identify, interpret, and explain models of plates motions on Earth

Plate Tectonics

E.1.c: Use maps to locate likely geologic "hot spots", using evidence of earthquakes and volcanic activity

Plate Tectonics

E.1.d: Use web-based or other technology tools to show connections and patterns in data about tectonic plate boundaries and earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation

Plate Tectonics