MS-LS2-4 - Performance Expectation

Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Middle School · Next Generation Science Standards · NGSS Lead States 2013

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Vocabulary
argumentempirical evidencechangesphysical componentsbiological componentsecosystempopulations
Skills
  • construct (arguments supported by empirical evidence) #dok3
  • analyze (changes to physical or biological components in an ecosystem) #dok2
  • evaluate (effects of ecosystem changes on populations) #dok3
  • support (claims with evidence) #dok2
Learning Targets
  • I can identify physical and biological components of an ecosystem. #dok1
  • I can recall the definition of populations within ecosystems. #dok1
  • I can describe how components of an ecosystem interact. #dok2
  • I can explain how changes in components might affect populations. #dok2
  • I can analyze scenarios of ecosystem change and their impact on populations. #dok2
  • I can construct an argument using empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. #dok3
  • I can evaluate evidence to support or refute claims about ecosystem changes and population effects. #dok3
Big Ideas
  • Changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem can have significant effects on the populations within that ecosystem.
  • Empirical evidence is necessary to construct and support scientific arguments about the dynamics of ecosystems and populations.
Essential Questions
  • How can changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect the populations living there?
  • What types of evidence can be used to support claims about ecosystem changes and their effects?
  • Why is it important to use empirical evidence when constructing arguments about ecosystems?
  • How might different populations respond to the same change in an ecosystem?
  • What are some real-world examples of population changes resulting from ecosystem alterations?