Topic: Structure, Function, and Information Processing
Performance Expectation: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Disciplinary Core Idea:
Plants and animals have both internal and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. / Science and Engineering Practice:
Construct an argument with evidence, data, and/or a model. / Cross Cutting Concept:
A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions. / Literacy:
W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
HOT Questions
  1. How does the function depend on the structure?
  2. How does the structure support the function?
  3. Are there other structures that can serve the same function?
/ Math:
4.G.A.3 Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded across the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.
Learning Target: “I Can” I can explain with evidence how the parts of a plant help support growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. I can explain with evidence how the parts of an animal help support growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction.
Key Vocabulary:
Structure
Function
Reproduction
Internal
External / Petal
Stigma
Style
Ovary
Ovule
Pistil
Sepal
Stamen
Filament
Anther / Prerequisite Vocabulary:
Root
Stem
Leaf
Flower
Heart
Stomach
Lung
Gills
Brain
Skin
Formative Assessment Plan
Target / Target Type / Assessment Type / Formative Assessment Options
I can explain with evidence how the parts of a plant help support growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. / Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment / Label a plant diagram with each structure, and describe the function of each.
Write a constructed response to explain how the parts of a plant help it perform daily functions.
I can explain with evidence how the parts of an animal help support growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. / Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment / Label an animal diagram with each structure, and describe the function of each.
Write a constructed response to explain how the parts of a plant help it perform daily functions.
I can develop an argument to show the relationship between the structure and its function. / Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment / Write a constructed response to show the relationship between the structure and its function.
(For example, “Construct an argument to explain why the leaves of a plant on the rainforest floor are broader/larger than the leaves of other plants.” OR “Construct an argument to explain how catching prey depends on the animal’s teeth or claws.”)
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skill
Product / Selected Response
Constructed Response
Personal Communication
Performance Assessment
Activities:
Observe a plant over time
Nature Walk
Dissect flowers (i.e. alstroemeria); create a diagram with structure and function included
Write an opinion piece on which structure is most important
Host a debate of which structure is most important and why
Start with Basic Needs. Then, determine the structures/functions used to meet those needs.