Science Learning Standard
The Living Environment

Standard 4:

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Key Ideas & Performance Indicators:

Key Idea 1: Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things.

• Elementary --
  • describe the characteristics of and variations between living and nonliving things
  • describe the life processes common to all living things
• Intermediate --
  • compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms
  • explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions
• Commencement --
  • explain how diversity of populations within ecosystems relates to the stability of ecosystems
  • describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles)
  • explain how a one-celled organism is able to function despite lacking the levels of organization present in more complex organisms

Key Idea 2: Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.

• Elementary --
  • recognize that traits of living things are both inherited and acquired or learned
  • recognize that for humans and other living things there is genetic continuity between generations
• Intermediate --
  • describe sexual and asexual mechanisms for passing genetic materials from generation to generation
  • describe simple mechanisms related to the inheritance of some physical traits in offspring
• Commencement --
  • explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents
  • explain how the technology of genetic engineering allows humans to alter the genetic makeup of organisms

Key Idea 3: Individual organisms and species change over time.

• Elementary --
  • describe how the structures of plants and animals complement the environment of the plant or animal
  • observe that differences within a species may give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing
• Intermediate --
  • describe sources of variation in organisms and their structures and relate the variations to survival
  • describe factors responsible for competition within species and the significance of that competition
• Commencement --
  • explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution

Key Idea 4: The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction and development.

• Elementary --
  • describe the major stages in the life cycles of selected plants and animals
  • describe evidence of growth, repair, and maintenance, such as nails, hair, and bone, and the healing of cuts and bruises
• Intermediate --
  • observe and describe the variations in reproductive patterns of organisms, including asexual and sexual reproduction
  • explain the role of sperm and egg cells in sexual reproduction
  • observe and describe developmental patterns in selected plants and animals (e.g., insects, frogs, humans, seed-bearing plants)
  • observe and describe cell division at the microscopic level and its macroscopic effects
• Commencement --
  • explain how organisms, including humans, reproduce their own kind

Key Idea 5: Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium that sustains life.

• Elementary --
  • describe basic life functions of common living specimens (guppy, mealworm, gerbil)
  • describe some survival behaviors of common living specimens
  • describe the factors that help promote good health and growth in humans
• Intermediate --
  • compare the way a variety of living specimens carry out basic life functions and maintain dynamic equilibrium
  • describe the importance of major nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in maintaining health and promoting growth and explain the need for a constant input of energy for living organisms
• Commencement --
  • explain the basic biochemical processes in living organisms and their importance in maintaining dynamic equilibrium
  • explain disease as a failure of homeostasis
  • relate processes at the system level to the cellular level in order to explain dynamic equilibrium in multicelled organisms systems, tissues, cells, organelles)

Key Idea 6: Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.

• Elementary --
  • describe how plants and animals, including humans, depend upon each other and the nonliving environment
  • describe the relationship of the sun as an energy source for living and nonliving cycles
• Intermediate --
  • describe the flow of energy and matter through food chains and food webs
  • provide evidence that green plants make food and explain the significance of this process to other organisms
• Commencement --
  • explain factors that limit growth of individuals and populations
  • explain the importance of preserving diversity of species and habitats
  • explain how the living and nonliving environments change over time and respond to disturbances

Key Idea 7: Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment.

• Elementary --
  • identify ways in which humans have changed their environment and the effects of those changes
• Intermediate --
  • describe how living things, including humans, depend upon the living and nonliving environment for their survival
  • describe the effects of environmental changes on humans and other populations
• Commencement --
  • describe the range of interrelationships of humans with the living and nonliving environment
  • explain the impact of technological development and growth in the human population on the living and nonliving environment
  • explain how individual choices and societal actions can contribute to improving the environment