NGSS Performance Expectation

HS-LS4-2 Performance Expectation resources

Find free, ready-to-teach resources aligned to HS-LS4-2. Designed with teachers and artists, in partnership with STEM researchers.

Standard statement

HS-LS4-2 | Performance Expectation

Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

Standards-Aligned Resources

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Showing 2 of 2 units

Unit

Balancing Act: Tradeoffs in frogs, humans, and other animals

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Students will follow in the soggy footsteps of scientists wading through ponds at night to record frogs as they learn about biological tradeoffs that connect humans to horses to frogs. Along the way, they'll decide which male a female frog should choose as a mate, based on analysis of call performance.

Alignment summary( Target)

Lesson 2

Lesson 2’s focus on how frog vocal performance affects fitness and survival relates to understanding how trade-offs in traits can influence evolutionary outcomes, such as reproductive success and survival, thereby aligning with the standard on evolutionary processes.

Included resources

2 lessons and 4 supporting media items.

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Lesson 1

Life is full of tradeoffs

Supporting videos

You Can't Have It All: Biologists Explain Tradeoffs in Life

Lesson 2

Who will be the next top frog?

Supporting videos

Tradeoffs in the Love Language of Frogs

Additional Resources

Supporting videos

“Balancing Act” Unit Trailer: Free lessons about tradeoffs in life

Additional Resources

Supporting videos

Teacher Report | "Balancing Act: Tradeoffs in frogs, humans, and other animals"

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Unit

Hybrid Zones: Evolution's Testing Grounds

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Students will learn that hybrids are not flukes—they’re commonly found in the wild and our grocery stores! By playing and reflecting on Foraging Frenzy (a research-inspired memory game) students will appreciate how climate change affects species ranges and the direction of evolution.

Alignment summary( Target)

Lesson 3

Students construct explanations about how these factors drive evolution, using evidence from their chickadee simulations.

Included resources

3 lessons and 4 supporting media items.

Show resource details4 items