NGSS Disciplinary Core ideas

LS4.D-H2 Disciplinary Core ideas resources

Find free, ready-to-teach resources aligned to LS4.D-H2. Designed with teachers and artists, in partnership with STEM researchers.

Standard statement

LS4.D-H2 | Disciplinary Core ideas

Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus, sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.

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Unit

Bioinspired Design: Looking to Biology for Better Solutions

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

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Students will identify a problem with an existing product and investigate biological functions to inspire a product redesign. Through independent research using AI bots and scholarly sources, students will gain a new perspective on STEM, biology, and the human interface between.

Alignment summary( Connected)

Lesson 1

One design problem students can consider is sustainability. Depending on how much you wish to stress this, you could have students focus largely or entirely on making redesigns that are more sustainable.

Included resources

5 lessons and 4 supporting media items.

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Unit

Colourful Solutions: Chemical Engineering Dyes to Brighten Lives

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

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Students will learn to think like chemical engineers as they delve into the dye technologies that allow us to express ourselves through colourful clothing. They will read and discuss complex texts, analyse concept maps and graphs, and develop an appreciation for indigenous (Māori) dye technology.

Alignment summary( Connected)

Lesson 3

In Part 3, students will integrate multiple lines of evidence to consider the implications for society, sustainability, and consumer benefits of choosing a particular technology to dye products.

Included resources

3 lessons and 3 supporting media items.

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Unit

Genetic Rescue to the Rescue: Preventing extinction through gene flow

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Genetic Rescue to the Rescue unit banner

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( Connected)

Lesson 1

Students watch videos to learn about the benefits provided by a healthy Florida Panther population and participate in a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the potential impacts of losing Florida Panthers.

Included resources

5 lessons and 5 supporting media items.

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Unit

Hybrid Zones: Evolution's Testing Grounds

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Hybrid Zones unit banner

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 3

Students evaluate how human activities impact biodiversity in various environments.

Included resources

3 lessons and 4 supporting media items.

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