Structures of Life
Big Ideas
Complex
Systems
Analyze a system
in terms of
subsystems
functions as well
as inputs and
outputs.
Planning
Investigations
Plan different
kinds of
investigations,
including field
studies,
systematic
observations,
models, and
controlled
experiments.
Different
Technologies
Define
technologies and
the technological
design process to
understand the
use of technology
in different
cultures and
career fields.
Living Structures
& Behaviors
Plants and
animals have
different
structures that
meet their needs
and respond to
the environment.
Heredity
and Adaptation
Ecosystems
change.
Organisms that
can adapt to
these changes will
survive and
reproduce in
higher numbers.
Food Webs
Changes in
ecosystems affect
the populations
that can be
supported in a
food web
Why Big Ideas: Research shows students learn science by building on a limited number of unifying ideas.
In Structures of Life the Big Ideas include:
How are all living organisms related?
How do living organisms interact with and fit into their environment?
What does it mean to be and stay alive?
FOSS
Origin of Seeds
Seed Search
Sprouting Seeds
Seed Soak
Growing Further
Germination
Hydroponics
Standard
SYSA Systems &
Subsystems
LS3B inherited
characteristics
INQB investigate
LS1A Life Cycles of
Plants
INQB investigate
2-3LS2A ecosystems
provide needs of living
organisms
SYSA Systems and
Subsystems
2-3 LS1A Life Cycles of
Plants
APPA Technological
Design
K-1 LS1F Roots
Focus/ PE
Focus: Living Systems
What role does the
seed play in the fruit
system?
Seeds carry traits from
parents to offspring
Focus: Inquiry
How do we know seeds
are alive?
Living seeds will
germinate and grow
Focus: Inquiry
How much water do
seeds absorb while
germinating?
Students measure the
amount
Focus: Living Systems
What parts make a
whole living plant?
Root, stem, leaf
Focus: Application
How do we grow plants
without soil
Hydroponic systems
Big Idea
How does each living
structure help meet the
needs of a plant or
animal?
How do scientists find
answers to questions
they have?
How do scientists find
answers to questions
they have?
How does each living
structure help meet the
needs of a plant or
animal?
How many different ways
are there to solve each
problem?
FOSS
Life Cycle of the Bean
Standard
INQ Investigations
2-3 LS1A Life Cycles of
Plants
Meet the Crayfish
SYSA Systems &
Subsystems
4-5 LS1B Structures
have Functions
Crayfish Habitat
2-3 LS2A Habitat
2-3 LS2B Habitats
change
Crayfish at Home
INQB Investigate
4-5 LS1C Response to
Environment
INQB Investigate
Crayfish Territory
Land Snails
Land Snails at Home
4-5 LS1B Behaviors have
Functions
APPA Technological
Design
2-3 LS2A Habitat
Crayfish & Snails
INQB Investigate
4-5 LS1B Structures
have Functions
Snail Pull
INQB Investigate
2-3 PS1B Force
2-3 PS1C Size of Force
2-3 PS1D Comparing
Force
Choose your own
Investigation
INQB Investigate
Focus/ PE
Focus: Life Cycles
What happens during a
plants life cycle?
Germination, growth,
reproduction
Focus: Living
Structures
How do crayfish parts
keep it alive?
Parts are linked to
living functions
Focus: Ecosystems
How can we model a
crayfish habitat?
Water, food, shelter
Focus: Living Behaviors
How do behaviors help
animals survive?
Water, food, shelter
Focus: Inquiry
How do scientists learn
about crayfish?
Observing & recording
about crayfish in the
field and lab?
Focus: Ecosystems
What does a snail need
to stay alive?
Food, water, shelter
Focus: Living
Structures
How can different
living structures
provide the same
need?
Parts are linked to
living functions
INQB Investigate
How do we measure
the strength of a snail?
experiment
INQB Investigate
Students plan
investigations
Big Idea
Do all plants and animals
have a life cycle?
How does each living
structure help meet the
needs of a plant or
animal?
What happens to plants
and animals when their
environment changes?
How does each living
behavior help meet the
needs of a plant or
animal?
Parts are linked to
living functions
Where do snails get the
things they need to stay
alive?
How does each living
structure help meet the
needs of a plant or
animal?
How do scientists find
answers to questions
they have?
How do scientists find
answers to questions
they have?