Grade 8 Sample Lessons

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Lesson Title and Description

Plant Adaptations
Students learn through first hand observation of specially selected plants in the native habitat garden how native plants have adapted to different climates, topographical and geological conditions and how adaptations and the biodiversity of plants and animals relate to each other.

​Alignment with California State Standards

Next Generation Science Performance Expectations:
 
MS-LS2-1  Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.

MS-LS2-4  Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

MS-LS2-5  Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
 
Science & Engineering Practices:

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
• Engaging in Argument from Evidence

 
Disciplinary Core Ideas:

• LS2.A  Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• LS2.B  Cycle of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
• LS2.C  Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

Crosscutting Concepts:

• Patterns
• Cause and Effect
• Stability and Change
• Scientific Knowledge Assumes an Order and Consistence in Natural Systems

 

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