Unit 3: 3. Biodiversity and Adaptations

HS-LS2-2. Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

STUDENTS WILL:

EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES:

- Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
- Developing and Using Models


HAVE DISCOURSE ON THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY CORE IDEAS:

LS4.C: Adaptation
Changes in the physical environment, whether naturally occurring or human induced, have thus contributed to the expansion of some species, the emergence of new distinct species as populations diverge under different conditions, and the decline–and sometimes the extinction–of some species. (HS-LS4-6)

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Biodiversity is increased by the formation of new species (speciation) and decreased by the loss of species (extinction). (secondary to HS-LS2-7)

OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING CROSS CUTTING CONCEPTS:

- PATTERNS
- CAUSE AND EFFECT

GS 3a, b, c, d:  MODELING - Students can construct and use models to represent and analyze phenomena and systems.

GS 4a, b, c, d, e:  DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION - Students can analyze and interpret scientific data and solve problems using a range of tools, technology, and mathematical techniques.