NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.

NGSS Performance Expectations. 5-PS3-1. Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 3 – Planning and Carrying Out Investigations. 3-5. Make observations and/or measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution.

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.

<strong>NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 2 – Developing and Using Models. 3-5.</strong> Develop and/or use models to describe and/or predict phenomena.

<strong>NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 8 – Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information. 3-5.</strong> Communicate scientific, and/or technical information orally and/or in written formats, including various forms of media as well as tables, diagrams, and charts.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 6 – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions. 3-5. Use evidence (e.g., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation or design a solution to a problem.