Topic:
Structure, Function, and Information Processing
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function
to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Performance Expectation:
Disciplinary Core Idea:
Science and Engineering Practice: Cross Cutting Concept:
Literacy:
Plants and animals
have both internal and
external structures that
serve various functions
in growth, survival,
behavior, and
reproduction.
Construct an argument with
evidence, data, and/or a
model.
W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on
topics or texts, supporting a point
of view with reasons and
information.
A system can be described
in terms of its components
and their interactions.
HOT Questions
1. How does the function depend on the structure?
2. How does the structure support the function?
3. Are there other structures that can serve the same
function?
Math:
4.G.A.3 Recognize a line of
symmetry for a two-dimensional
figure as a line across the figure
such that the figure can be folded
across the line into matching parts.
Identify line-symmetric figures and
draw lines of symmetry.
Learning Target: “I Can”
I can explain with evidence how the parts of a plant help support growth, survival, behavior, and
reproduction. I can explain with evidence how the parts of an animal help support growth, survival, behavior, and
reproduction.
Key Vocabulary:
Petal
Structure
Stigma
Function
Style
Reproduction
Ovary
Internal
Ovule
External
Pistil
Sepal
Stamen
Filament
Anther
Prerequisite
Vocabulary:
Root
Stem
Leaf
Flower
Heart
Stomach
Lung
Gills
Brain
Skin
Formative Assessment Plan
Target
I can explain with
evidence how the
parts of a plant help
support growth,
survival, behavior,
and reproduction.
I can explain with
evidence how the
parts of an animal
help support growth,
survival, behavior,
and reproduction.
I can develop an
argument to show the
relationship between
the structure and its
function.
Target Type
Assessment Type
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Formative Assessment Options
Label a plant diagram with each structure, and describe the
function of each.
Write a constructed response to explain how the parts of a
plant help it perform daily functions.
Label an animal diagram with each structure, and describe
the function of each.
Write a constructed response to explain how the parts of a
plant help it perform daily functions.
Write a constructed response to show the relationship
between the structure and its function.
(For example, “Construct an argument to explain why the
leaves of a plant on the rainforest floor are broader/larger
than the leaves of other plants.” OR “Construct an
argument to explain how catching prey depends on the
animal’s teeth or claws.”)
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Selected Response
Reasoning
Constructed Response
Skill
Personal Communication
Product
Performance Assessment
Activities:
Observe a plant over time
Nature Walk
Dissect flowers (i.e. alstroemeria); create a diagram with structure and function included
Write an opinion piece on which structure is most important
Host a debate of which structure is most important and why
Start with Basic Needs. Then, determine the structures/functions used to meet those needs.