Students who demonstrate understanding can:
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. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on conceptual understanding that changes in genetic material may result in making different proteins.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific changes at the molecular level, mechanisms for protein synthesis, or specific types of mutations.]
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. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using models such as Punnett squares, diagrams, and simulations to describe the cause and effect relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to offspring and resulting genetic variation.]
The performance expectations above were developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
Modeling in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences 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.
(MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer
their genetic information to their offspring. (secondary to MSLS3-2)
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each
chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many
distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production
of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the
individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can result in changes
to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of the
organism and thereby change traits. (MS-LS3-1)
Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise
from genetic differences that result from the subset of
chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited. (MS-LS3-2)
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes half
of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring. Individuals
have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles of each
gene, one acquired from each parent. These versions may be
identical or may differ from each other. (MS-LS3-2)
In addition to variations that arise from sexual reproduction,
genetic information can be altered because of mutations.
Though rare, mutations may result in changes to the structure
and function of proteins. Some changes are beneficial, others
harmful, and some neutral to the organism. (MS-LS3-1)
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect relationships may be used to
predict phenomena in natural systems. (MS-LS3-
2)
Structure and Function
Complex and microscopic structures and systems
can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe
how their function depends on the shapes,
composition, and relationships among its parts,
therefore complex natural and designed
structures/systems can be analyzed to determine
how they function. (MS-LS3-1)
Connections to other DCIs in this grade-band: MS.LS1.A (MS-LS3-1); MS.LS4.A (MS-LS3-1) Articulation across grade-bands: 3.LS3.A (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2); 3.LS3.B (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2); HS.LS1.A (MS-LS3-1); HS.LS1.B (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2); HS.LS3.A (MS-LS3- 1),(MS-LS3-2); HS.LS3-B (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
Common Core State Standards Connections:
ELA/Literacy –
RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
RST.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant
to grades 6-8 texts and topics. (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
RST.6-8.7 Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram,
model, graph, or table). (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
SL.8.5 Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (MS-LS3-1),(MS-LS3-2)
Mathematics –
MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS3-2)
6.SP.B.5 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context. (MS-LS3-2)