Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

This lesson is building toward:

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATION (PE)

MS-LS4-6

Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using mathematical models, probability statements, and proportional reasoning to support explanations of trends in changes to populations over time.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include Hardy Weinberg calculations.]

MS-PS4-3

Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on a basic understanding that waves can be used for communication purposes. Examples could include using fiber optic cable to transmit light pulses, radio wave pulses in wifi devices, and conversion of stored binary patterns to make sound or text on a computer screen.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include binary counting. Assessment does not include the specific mechanism of any given device.]

NGSS Lead States. 2013. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES (SEP)

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, models, or unexpected results, to clarify and/or seek additional information.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena (beginning… students engage in discussions of what is needed for evidence to be adequate).

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Apply scientific reasoning to show why the data or evidence is adequate for the explanation or conclusion.

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication and methods used, and describe how they are supported or not supported by evidence.

DISCIPLINARY CORE IDEAS (DCI)

LS4.C: Adaptation

Adaptation by natural selection acting over generations is one important process by which species change over time in response to changes in environmental conditions. Traits that support successful survival and reproduction in the new environment become more common; those that do not become less common. Thus, the distribution of traits in a population changes.

PS4.C: Information Technologies and Instrumentation

Digitized signals (sent as wave pulses) are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information (the lesson builds towards the element).

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS (CCC)

Patterns

Patterns can be used to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.
Phenomena may have more than one cause, and some cause and effect relationships in systems can only be described using probability.

“Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts” are reproduced verbatim from A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/13165. National Research Council; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Science Education; Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards. National Academies Press, Washington, DC. This material may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes and used by other parties with this attribution. If the original material is altered in any way, the attribution must state that the material is adapted from the original. All other rights reserved.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS ELA SCIENCE & TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.8
Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.

CCSS ELA READING: INFORMATIONAL TEXT

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.8
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

CCSS ELA WRITING

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.B
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

California English Language Development (ELD) Standards

CA ELD

Part 1.8.6 Part 1.8.6 Reading closely literary and informational texts and viewing multimedia to determine how meaning is conveyed explicitly and implicitly through language

EMERGING

EXPANDING

BRIDGING

P1.8.6 a) Explain ideas, phenomena, processes, and text relationships (e.g., compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution) based on close reading of a variety of grade-appropriate texts and viewing of multimedia with substantial support.
b) Express inferences and conclusions drawn based on close reading of grade-appropriate texts and viewing of multimedia using some frequently used verbs (e.g., shows that, based on).
c) Use knowledge of morphology (e.g., affixes, roots, and base words), context, reference materials, and visual cues to determine the meanings of unknown and multiple-meaning words on familiar topics.

P1.8.6 a) Explain ideas, phenomena, processes, and text relationships (e.g., compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution) based on close reading of a variety of grade-appropriate texts and viewing of multimedia with moderate support.
b) Express inferences and conclusions drawn based on close reading grade-appropriate texts and viewing of multimedia using a variety of verbs (e.g., suggests that, leads to).
c) Use knowledge of morphology (e.g., affixes, roots, and base words), context, reference materials, and visual cues to determine the meanings of unknown and multiple-meaning words on familiar and new topics.

In addition to the standard above, you may find that you touch on the following standards in this lesson as well:

1.8.1: Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions on a range of social and academic topics
1.8.4: Offering and justifying opinions, negotiating with and persuading others in communicative exchanges
1.8.5: Listening actively to spoken English in a range of social and academic contexts
1.8.12: Selecting and applying varied and precise vocabulary and other language resources to effectively convey ideas
2.8.6: Connecting ideas
2.8.7: Condensing ideas