Unit SummaryAll living organisms grow, develop, and reproduce in different ways. In this unit, we will learn the differences between organisms' life cycles and their ability to reproduce and pass on their genetic information to their offspring. We will also learn about genes and different variations of inherited traits. This information is located on chromosomes of our DNA. And finally, we will end this unit by discussing how we, as humans, can selectively breed organisms by choosing traits we believe are desirable.
Subject Area: Science Grade Level: 8th Big Ideas
Student Learning ObjectivesAfter this unit, students who demonstrate understanding can:
MS-LS1-4. Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively. MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. MS-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism. MS-LS3-2. Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation. MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms. |
California Content StandardsLS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
LS4.B: Natural Selection
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