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Science.4.12.A

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The student is expected to

investigate and explain how most producers can make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through the cycling of matter;

A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”

  • Overview
  • Alignments
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SCIENCE.4.12.A — Vertical Alignment

Vertical alignment shows student expectations in the same subject area at different grade levels that are related to or build upon one another.

S.4.12.A

investigate and explain how most producers can make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through the cycling of matter;

BIO.11.A
explain how matter is conserved and energy is transferred during photosynthesis and cellular respiration using models, including the chemical equations for these processes; and

Recurring themes and concepts — Connections to the content

Recurring themes and concepts provide a connective structure for scientific ideas across disciplines. The connection(s) below show some ways that teachers can help students understand how the content they are learning fits into the broader understanding of science. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made but highlight some that are appropriate for this grade level.
Model the interdependence and parts of a system

A system is a whole made of parts that work together. It has components and boundaries. It can interact with or be part of other systems.
 

In photosynthesis, producers rely on the environment (system) to provide water, carbon dioxide, and energy from the Sun to produce food.
 

Flow of energy and cycling of matter through systems

Matter and energy are conserved, changing forms but maintaining quantities. Energy flows within a system or between systems through transfers and transformations. Matter is cycled within systems through physical and chemical processes.
 

As photosynthesis occurs, energy flows and matter is cycled. Energy from the Sun, carbon dioxide, and water (matter) are used by producers to make their food.
 

Cross-curricular Connections

The cross-curricular connections are designed to help educators make content connections between the science TEKS and math, English language arts and reading, social studies, and technology applications. The standards below illustrate alignment between grade level content areas which may help educators develop cross-curricular lessons. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made.
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English Language Arts and Reading

ELAR.4.6.F make inferences and use evidence to support understanding

ELAR.4.13.A generate questions on a topic for formal and informal inquiry

ELAR.4.13.B develop and follow a research plan with adult assistance

ELAR.4.13.E demonstrate understanding of information gathered

ELAR.4.13.H use an appropriate mode of delivery, whether written, oral, or multimodal, to present results

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