The NGSS in West Virginia

Structure and Function

• S.B.1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  • Introduction to the genetic code (B-I.1)
  • Protein synthesis: transcription (B-J.)
  • Protein synthesis: translation (B-J.)
  • Read a codon wheel (B-J.1)
  • Read a codon table (B-J.2)
  • Use a codon wheel to transcribe and translate DNA sequences (B-J.3)
  • Use a codon table to transcribe and translate DNA sequences (B-J.4)

• S.B.2 Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

  • Organization in the human body: the heart and the circulatory system (B-F.1)

• S.B.3 Identify and describe the characteristics of living organisms based on taxonomic classification systems.

  • Classify and describe organisms using domains (B-N.1)
  • Classify and describe eukaryotic organisms (B-N.)

• S.B.4 Develop and use a model to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

  • Homeostasis and feedback loops (B-F.2)

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

• S.B.5 Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.

  • The chemistry of photosynthesis (B-G.1)

• S.B.6 Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.

  • The chemistry of cellular respiration (B-G.2)

• S.B.7 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic respiration in different environments.

  • Aerobic cellular respiration, anaerobic cellular respiration, and fermentation (B-G.)

• S.B.8 Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy between trophic levels in an ecosystem: transfer of calories, energy loss (entropy), 10% Rule, bioaccumulation.

  • Interpret a Serengeti food web (B-O.1)
  • Interpret an Antarctic food web (B-O.2)
  • Trophic levels and energy pyramids (B-O.)

• S.B.9 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

  • The carbon cycle: biosphere processes and interactions (B-O.3)
  • The carbon cycle: geosphere processes and interactions (B-O.)

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

• S.B.10 Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.

  • Patterns of population growth (B-O.4)
  • Factors affecting carrying capacity (B-O.)
  • Factors affecting Yellowstone bison population dynamics (B-O.)

• S.B.11 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

  • Kelp forests: factors affecting biodiversity (B-P.1)

• S.B.12 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem possibly leading to speciation.

  • Ecological succession (B-O.)

• S.B.13 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.

• S.B.14 Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.

Inheritance and Variation of Traits

• S.B.15 Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.

  • Introduction to cell division (B-H.1)
  • The cell cycle (B-H.2)
  • Describe phases of mitosis and the cell cycle (B-H.3)
  • Identify phases of mitosis and the cell cycle in plant cells (B-H.4)

• S.B.16 Develop and use a model to demonstrate the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristics traits passed from parents to offspring.

  • Structure and function: nucleic acids (B-C.4)
  • Introduction to the genetic code (B-I.1)
  • Protein synthesis: transcription (B-J.)
  • Protein synthesis: translation (B-J.)

• S.B.17 Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: new genetic combinations through meiosis, viable errors occurring during replication, mutations caused by environmental factors.

  • Gene mutations (B-J.)
  • Sexual reproduction and genetic variation: part I (B-K.1)
  • Sexual reproduction and genetic variation: part II (B-K.)

• S.B.18 Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.

  • Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype (B-L.1)
  • Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive (B-L.2)
  • Punnett squares: Mendelian inheritance (B-L.3)
  • Punnett squares: incomplete dominance and codominance (B-L.4)
  • Punnett squares: multiple alleles (B-L.5)

Natural Selection and Evolution

• S.B.19 Engage in argumentation utilizing evidence to support common ancestry and biological evolution: phylogenetic trees, cladograms.

  • Evaluate fossil evidence of evolution (B-M.1)
  • Evaluate anatomical and molecular evidence of evolution (B-M.2)

• S.B.20 Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: potential for a species to increase in number, heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, competition for limited resources, the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

  • Source analysis: Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection (B-M.)

• S.B.21 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

  • Construct explanations of natural selection (B-M.3)

• S.B.22 Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions drive natural selection.

Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

• S.B.23 Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.

• S.B.24 Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

• S.B.25 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on a prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

• S.B.26 Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.