https://learn.concord.org/resources/639/competition
( https://authoring.concord.org/activities/1054/single_page/18b4d21d-39c2-499e-8926-74d1dda260df )
In this activity, you will use a model to study the effect of a consumer (rabbits) on two species of producers (grasses and weeds).
This activity runs entirely in a Web browser. Preferred browsers are: Google Chrome (versions 30 and above) Safari (versions 7 and above), Firefox (version 30 and above), Internet Explorer (version 10 or higher), and Microsoft Edge.
Performance Expectations
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics. Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics. Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Organisms, and populations of organisms, are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with nonliving factors.
MS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Growth of organisms and population increases are limited by access to resources.
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
Modeling in 6–8 builds on K–5 and progresses to developing, using and revising models to describe, test, and predict more abstract phenomena and design systems. Develop and use a model to describe phenomena.
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Mathematical and computational thinking at the 6–8 level builds on K–5 and progresses to identifying patterns in large data sets and using mathematical concepts to support explanations and arguments. Use mathematical representations to describe and/or support scientific conclusions and design solutions.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Analyzing data in 6–8 builds on K–5 and progresses to extending quantitative analysis to investigations, distinguishing between correlation and causation, and basic statistical techniques of data and error analysis. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena.
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to include constructing explanations and designing solutions supported by multiple sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories. Construct an explanation that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables that describe phenomena.
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural systems.
Stability and Change
Small changes in one part of a system might cause large changes in another part.
Systems and System Models
Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions.
When investigating or describing a system, the boundaries and initial conditions of the system need to be defined.