Life

  • Core Idea

    From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and ProcessesLS1

    1. Topic

      Structure and FunctionLS1.A

      1. HS-LS1-1.

        Target Level: Explain how different organs of the body carry out essential functions of life.EE.HS-LS1-1

      2. HS-LS1-1.

        Precursor Level: Indicate the function of major organs of the body.  EE.HS-LS1-1

      3. HS-LS1-1.

        Initial Level: Identify major organs of the body.  EE.HS-LS1-1

      4. HS-LS1-2.

        Target Level: Use a model to illustrate the organization and interaction of major organs into systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive, sensory) in the body to provide specific functions. EE.HS-LS1-2

      5. HS-LS1-2.

        Precursor Level: Identify which organs work for a specific function.  EE.HS-LS1-2

      6. HS-LS1-2.

        Initial Level: Recognize that different organs have different functions.  EE.HS-LS1-2

      7. HS-LS1-3.

        Target Level: Collect data from an investigation to show how different organisms react to changes (e.g., heart rate increases with exercise, pupils react to light).EE.HS-LS1-3

      8. HS-LS1-3.

        Precursor Level: Compare before and after data on changes that occur to an organism.  EE.HS-LS1-3

      9. HS-LS1-3.

        Initial Level: Identify changes in the data display (e.g. objects, pictures, graphs, charts, etc.).EE.HS-LS1-3

    2. Topic

      Growth and Development of OrganismsLS1.B

      1. HS-LS1-4.

        Target Level: Use a model to illustrate how growth occurs when cells multiply.  EE.HS-LS1-4

      2. HS-LS1-4.

        Precursor Level: Use a model to relate the number of cells to the size of a body. EE.HS-LS1-4

      3. HS-LS1-4.

        Initial Level: Recognize that organisms are composed of cells.  EE.HS-LS1-4

  • Core Idea

    Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and DynamicsLS2

    1. Topic

      Interdependent Relationships in EcosystemsLS2.A

      1. HS-LS2-1.

        Target Level: Use a graphical representation to explain changes over time in the population size of an animal species (e.g., currently on the endangered list).EE.HS-LS2-1

      2. HS-LS2-1.

        Precursor Level: Use a graphical representation to show changes in population size.  EE.HS-LS2-1

      3. HS-LS2-1.

        Initial Level: Recognize that there was a change in the population size.  EE.HS-LS2-1

      4. HS-LS2-2.

        Target Level: Use a graphical representation to explain the dependence of an animal population on other organisms for food and their environment for shelter.EE.HS-LS2-2

      5. HS-LS2-2.

        Precursor Level: Recognize the relationship between population size and available resources for food and shelter from a graphical representation. EE.HS-LS2-2

      6. HS-LS2-2.

        Initial Level: Identify food and shelter needs for familiar wildlife. EE.HS-LS2-2

  • Core Idea

    Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of TraitsLS3

    1. Topic

      Variation of TraitsLS3.B

      1. HS-LS3-2.

        Target Level: Defend why reproduction may or may not result in offspring with different traits. EE.HS-LS3-2

      2. HS-LS3-2.

        Precursor Level: Make a claim supported by evidence that parents and offspring may have different traits.  EE.HS-LS3-2

      3. HS-LS3-2.

        Initial Level: Compare traits of parents and offspring.EE.HS-LS3-2

  • Core Idea

    Biological Evolution: Unity and DiversityLS4

    1. Topic

      AdaptationLS4.C

      1. HS-LS4-2.

        Target Level: Explain how the traits of particular species allow them to survive in their specific environments. EE.HS-LS4-2

      2. HS-LS4-2.

        Precursor Level: Identify factors in an environment that require special traits to survive. EE.HS-LS4-2

      3. HS-LS4-2.

        Initial Level: Match particular species to their various environments.EE.HS-LS4-2

      4. HS-LS4-3.

        Target Level: Interpret data sets to identify an advantageous heritable trait.EE.HS-LS4-3

      5. HS-LS4-3.

        Precursor Level: Using data sets, identify organisms that would survive better in certain environment. EE.HS-LS4-3

      6. HS-LS4-3.

        Initial Level: Recognize that some organisms survive better in certain environments. EE.HS-LS4-3

      7. HS-LS4-6.

        Target Level: Evaluate a strategy to protect a species.EE.HS-LS4-6

      8. HS-LS4-6.

        Precursor Level: Using a mathematical model, determine which human actions help or harm a species. EE.HS-LS4-6

      9. HS-LS4-6.

        Initial Level: Identify a human activity that has an effect on a species.  EE.HS-LS4-6

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
DYNAMIC LEARNING MAPS® ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SCIENCE