Enduring Understandings

• Earth is comprised of terrestrial biomes and aquatic communities that have similar, yet unique characteristics. 

• Scientists examine cause and effect to see relationships between organisms, places, things, ideas, and events.

• A biome is a natural interactive structure that influences and is influenced by living things, just like language and society.

 

Essential Question(s) 

• How are earth’s biomes differentiated by ecologists?

• What abiotic and biotic factors characterize the world’s biomes?

• How do life forms differ in each biome based on their structure?

• How do biomes influence living things?

• How do organisms interact with other organisms in the physical environment to obtain matter and energy?

 

 

NGSS Alignment

 

• MS-LS2-1. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.

• MS-LS2-2.  Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.

• MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

 

CCSS Alignment

 

• RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. 

• RST.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

• 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 togrades 6–8 texts and topics.

• 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). 

• RST.6-8.8  Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. 

• RI.8.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. 

• WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. 

• WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. 

• WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 

• SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

• SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. 

• SL.8.5 Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.