NGSS Disciplinary Core ideas
Find free, ready-to-teach resources aligned to LS4.C-H1. Designed with teachers and artists, in partnership with STEM researchers.
LS4.C-H1 | Disciplinary Core ideas
Evolution is a consequence of the interaction of four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for an environment’s limited supply of the resources that individuals need in order to survive and reproduce, and (4) the ensuing proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in that environment.
Created with purpose: see how resources connect to this standard.
Showing 3 of 3 units
Genetic Rescue to the Rescue: Preventing extinction through gene flow
Students will deepen their understanding of basic genetics concepts as they dive into real data sets from ongoing research. They will hone critical thinking and communication skills and come away with clear examples of how science can lead to positive impacts on wildlife populations.
Alignment summary( Target)
Lesson 2
Students participate in a simulated breeding activity, deepening their understanding of the genotype -> phenotype connection.
Included resources
5 lessons and 5 supporting media items.
Lesson 2
Lesson 4
Supporting videos
Balancing Act: Tradeoffs in frogs, humans, and other animals
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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( Connected)
Lesson 2
In Lesson 2’s final activity, students present their findings on trade-offs and performance thresholds, helping them understand how these factors drive evolution. The lesson highlights how these biological trade-offs impact survival, reproduction, and competition, influencing evolutionary outcomes.
Included resources
2 lessons and 4 supporting media items.
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Lesson 1
Supporting videos
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Additional Resources
Supporting videos
Additional Resources
Supporting videos
Hybrid Zones: Evolution's Testing Grounds
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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( Connected)
Lesson 1
Students simulate these factors by adopting different chickadee foraging strategies to understand their role in evolution.
Included resources
3 lessons and 4 supporting media items.
Lesson 2
Supporting videos
Lesson 3
Supporting videos
