GRADE 8 SCIENCE
Unit 2: Selection and Adaptation - 15 Days
Performance Expectations
Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.
Assessment (Required)
Fox and Rabbits NECAP released item
Standards
MS-LS4-4
MS-LS4-5
MS-LS4-6
Detailed Unit Plans
MS-LS4-4 Unit Plan
MS-LS4-5 Unit Plan
MS-LS4-6 Unit Plan
Essential Questions
How do organisms change over time in response to changes in the environment?
How do genetic variations of traits in a population increase or decrease some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment?
How can mathematical representations be used to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time?
How have technologies changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms?