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Enduring Understandings

 

  • Many traits of an organism are inherited from its biological parents.

  • Genes and chromosomes determine the expressions of inherited traits.

  • The epigenome is a set of chemical switches and markers that influence gene expression.

  • Diet, environmental stressors, physical activity, and exposure to toxins can activate these chemical switches that regulate gene expression without changing the underline genetic code. 

NGSS Alignment

 

  • MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

  • 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.

  • MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.

 

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.

  • RI.6.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

  • WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments focused on discipline content.

  • 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.6-8.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question.

  • SL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest. 

 

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