Life Science

LS.5.2 Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.

• LS.5.2.1 Engage in argument from evidence to compare the characteristics of several common ecosystems (including estuaries and salt marshes, oceans, lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, forests, and grasslands) in terms of their ability to support a variety of populations.

• LS.5.2.2 Use models to classify organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers, or decomposers.

• LS.5.2.3 Use models to infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationships of plants and animals to their ecosystem.

______________________________________________________________

5.L.1  Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) perform functions necessary for life.

5.L.1.1  Explain why some organisms are capable of surviving as a single cell while others require many cells that are specialized to survive.

Students know that unicellular organisms consist of a single cell and perform all life processes within a single cell. Students know that multicellular organisms are organisms that consist of more than one cell and have differentiated cells that perform specialized functions in the organism. Students know that many organisms –including humans – are multicellular. Students know that in complex multicellular organisms, only the surface cells that are in contact with the external environment are able to exchange substances with it. Cells within the organism are too far away from the environment for direct exchange. This is the reason multicellular organisms have developed transport systems.

5.L.1.2 Compare the major systems of the human body (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular) in terms of their functions necessary for life. 

Students know that there are many systems in the human body. Some of these systems are:

·   Circulatory System (heart, blood, vessels)

·   Respiratory System (nose, trachea, lungs)

·   Skeletal System (bones)

·   Muscular System (muscles)

·   Digestive System (mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines)

·   Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, nerves)

Students know that each system performs a special life process function and that the systems work together to maintain health and fitness. 

 A minimum of 3 quizzes and 3 tests per 6 weeks; additionally classwork and homework assignments.