Phenomenon
Plants and animals have specific structures that help them survive in different environments.
Science and Engineering Practices
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
The crew makes observations about the traits of plants and animals in different environments, analyzes data from the terrarium videos, and interprets the impact of changes in the ecosystem on the octopus population.
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
The crew makes observations about the traits of plants and animals in different environments, analyzes data from the terrarium videos, and interprets the impact of changes in the ecosystem on the octopus population.
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect
The crew identifies the cause-and-effect relationship between environmental factors and trait changes in plants and animals, as well as the impact of the algae bloom on the octopus population.
Energy and Matter
The crew discusses the relationship between the energy available in the environment and how it affects the size and behavior of organisms.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS4.B: Natural Selection
The crew observes how changes in environmental conditions lead to natural selection, resulting in changes in traits in plants and animals.
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
The crew addresses the impact of human activities, such as dumping food waste into the ocean, causing an algae bloom and affecting the ecosystem.
ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
The crew identifies the problem in the octopus population decline and develops potential solutions to restore the aquatic ecosystem.