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.”
identify the different structures that animals have that allow them to interact with their environment such as seeing, hearing, moving, and grasping objects;
identify the external structures of different animals and compare how those structures help different animals live, move, and meet basic needs for survival;
explore and explain how external structures and functions of animals such as the neck of a giraffe or webbed feet on a duck enable them to survive in their environment; and
analyze the structures and functions of different species to identify how organisms survive in the same environment; and
S.7.13.A
identify and model the main functions of the systems of the human organism, including the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems;
describe how variations of traits within a population lead to structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that influence the likelihood of survival and reproductive success of a species over generations.
analyze the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness in animals; and
AQUA.13.B
describe how adaptations allow an organism to exist within an aquatic environment; and
AQUA.13.C
compare adaptations of freshwater and marine organisms.
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.
The different organs (parts) of each body system work together to accomplish the functions of that system.
Relationship between structure and function
A structure is an organized arrangement of particles, parts, or elements in a substance, body, or entity. A function is the purpose or reason for something to exist in a system. The function of a structure depends on the shapes of and relationships among its essential parts.
Each organ or tissue has a unique structure that enables it to perform its function; for example, the skeletal system comprises cartilage, ligaments, and rigid bones that support and protect the body.