Massachusetts Learning Standards

Life Science Grades 3-5

1. Physical characteristics of plants and animals.

6. Inherited characteristics may change over time as adaptations to changes in the environment enable organisms to survive

7. Changes in the environment have caused some plants and animals to die or move to new locations (migration)

Earth and Space Science Grades 3-5

14. Earth orbits the sun in a year’s time and rotates on its axis in approximately 24 hours.  The rotation of the earth, day/night, and the apparent movement of the sun, moon and stars are connected.

Life Science Grades 6-8

1. Organisms are classified into kingdoms

13. Organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem that enable the ecosystem to survive.

Earth and Space Science Grades 9-10

1.7 Oceanic currents relate to global circulation within the marine environment and climate.

National Academic Standards

Geography

NSS-G.K-12.1: The World in Spatial Terms

• As a result of their activities in K-12, all students should understand maps and other geographic representations, tools and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.

NSS-G.k-12.3: Physical Systems

• As a result of their activities in K-12, all students should understand the spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth's surface.

NSS-G.K-12.4: Human Systems

• As a result of their activities in K-12, all students should understand the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface.

NSS-G.K-12.5: Environment and Society

• As a result of their activities in K-12, all students should understand the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

Science

NS.5-8.3: Life Science

• As a result of their activities in 5-8, all students should develop understanding of populations and ecosystems.