NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 2- Developing and Using Models. 3-5. Use a model to test cause and effect relationships or interactions concerning the functioning of a natural or designed system.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 6 – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions. 3-5. Construct an explanation of observed relationships (e.g., the distribution of plants in the back yard).

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts. 2 – Cause and Effect. 3-5. Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified, tested, and used to explain change.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 5 – Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking. 3-5. Organize simple data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships.

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.B – Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems. Matter cycles between the air and soil and among plants, animals, and microbes as these organisms live and die. Organisms obtain gases, and water, from the environment, and release waste matter (gas, liquid, or solid) back into the environment.

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 Science and Engineering Practices. 7 – Engaging in Argument from Evidence. 3-5. Construct and/or support an argument with evidence, data, and/or a model.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. 8 – Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information. 3-5. 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 Crosscutting Concepts. 2 – Cause and Effect. 3-5. Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified, tested, and used to explain change.

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts. 4 – Systems and System Models. 3-5. Understand that a system is a group of related parts that make up a whole and can carry out functions its individual parts cannot.