GRADE 6 SCIENCE
Unit 3: Ecosystem Dynamics
(5 weeks)
Performance Expectations
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.
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MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
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MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
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Standards
MS-LS2-4
​MS-ETS1-1
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Essential Questions
How do ecosystems change and function over time?
How do humans affect the biodiversity of an ecosystem?
What are possible solutions to problems created by the natural world and the material world?
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How do changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations?
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What are some solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems services?
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STEMscopes
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