MS-LS4-1 2014
Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change
of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on finding patterns of changes in the level of complexity of anatomical structures in
organisms and the chronological order of fossil appearance in the rock layers.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not
include the names of individual species or geological eras in the fossil record.]
MS-LS4-1:
Essential Questions
Enduring Understandings
What is our proof about animals
that lived in the past?
Students will understand that fossil
records are found in specific stratigraphic
layers that allows for dating the fossil.
Along with determining that the
environment at that time may have
caused the species to become extinct of
change/adapt.
Why do these species no longer
exist on planet earth?
What scale can we use to
determine the age and
complexity of life on earth?
Labs, Investigation, and Student Experiences
Student investigation: Have students break up into groups and describe/ list
animals present in the different era’s on earth. Why those animals were
present
Alternate assessment would be to have students follow the fossil record of the
stickleback in a Nevada lake.
Modifications (ELLs, Special Education, Gifted and Talented)
Content Statements
Common Core Standards
Connections
Fossils are a glimpse into our
past and show the change that
has occured in life of the planet.
ELA/Literacy: RST.6-8.1 RST.6-8.7
RST.6-8.9 WHST.6-8.2 WHST.6-8.8
WHST.6-8.9 SL.8.1 SL.8.4
Mathematics: MP.4 6.RP.A.1 6.SP.B.5
6.EE.B.6 7.RP.A.2
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Differentiated instruction
Cooperative learning groups
Stations
Peer tutoring
Follow all IEP modifications/504 plan
Resources:
Text:
21st Century Life and
Careers Standards
9.3HL.1-.6
9.3ST.1-.6
CPI #
9.1.8.A.1
9.1.8.A.2
9.1.8.A.3
9.1.8.A.4
9.1.8.B.1 9.3.8.B.2
9.1.8.B.2 9.3.8.B.6
9.1.8.C.1 9.3.8.B.16
9.1.8.C.2
9.1.8.C.3
9.1.8.E.1
McGraw-Hill Science (Grade 6)
Jun 2002
by Daniel and Hackett
Glencoe Science, Level Green, Student Edition
Nov 19, 2001
by McGraw-Hill
MS-LS4-1 2014
Desired Results
Students will understand the changes that earth has went through and the
affects it has had on life.
The first mass extinction occurred between the Paleozoic Era and Mesozoic
Era. What organism became extinct as a result of this mass extinction?
1. dinosaurs
2. flying reptiles
3. trilobites
4. jawless fish
During the Cambrian Period, all animals lived in the water.
1. True
2. False
Which of the following is not true for the second mass extinction?
1. half of all animal and plant life died
2. dinosaurs became extinct
3. the primordial ooze occurred
4. the sun was blocked and much plant life died, resulting in many
animals dying
Glencoe Science: Lvl Blue
Jan 2, 2005
by Alton Biggs