Living+Environment+Key+Ideas

INTERMEDIATE SCIENCE LIVING ENVIRONMENT KEY IDEAS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. Living things are both similar to and different from each other
 * compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms
 * explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions


 * 2. Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways**
 * describe sexual and asexual mechanisms for passing genetic materials for generation to generation
 * describe simple mechanisms related to the inheritance of some physical traits in offspring


 * 3. Individual organisms and species evolve **
 * describe sources of variation in organisms and their structures and relate the variations to survival
 * describe factors responsible for competition within species and the signigficance of that competition

4. The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction & development. 5. Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium 6. Plants and animals depend on each other **7. Human decisions and activities have had an impact on the physical and living environment.**
 * observe and describe the variations in reproductive patterns of organisms, including asexual and sexual reproducation
 * explain the role of sperm and egg cells in sexual reproduction
 * observe and describe developmental patterns in selected plants and animals
 * observe and describe cell division at the microscopic level and its macroscopic effects
 *  compare the way a variety of living specimens carry out basic life functions and maintain dynamic equilibrium
 * desccribe 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
 * describe the flow of energy and matter through food chains and food webs
 * provide evidnce that green plants make food and explain the significance of this process to other organisms
 * 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