Mississippi Science ZOO.1.6
The Standard
- ZOO.1
- Students will develop a model of evolutionary change over time.
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to develop an artificial habitat to meet the requirements of a population that has been impacted by human activity. *
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Evolution
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students plan a replacement pond for pond-breeding frogs after construction removes their breeding site. They identify needs such as clean water, food, cover, and safe entry, then build and test a model.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain how each part of the pond supports the frogs. They can use results from a water test to change their model and explain why steep plastic sides would be a problem.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think any container that holds water makes a suitable pond. They may forget that frogs need a way in and out, nearby food and cover, and water free of polluted runoff.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to sketch a replacement for a frog pond lost to a parking lot. Have them label three frog needs and name one test they would run on their design.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
In pairs, build a clay pond in a tray, pour in 100 mL of water, and revise any leaking or steep edges.
Ask: Would a deep plastic tub replace a lost frog pond? Write two reasons for your answer.
Give teams cards labeled native plants, pesticide runoff, shallow banks, and steep walls; have them sort each as helpful or harmful to frogs.
On a map of a proposed parking lot, mark runoff routes and choose a spot for a replacement pond away from them.
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Printable ZOO.1.6 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- BIO.5.8
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to create a solution that addresses changing ecological conditions (e.g., climate change, invasive species, loss o...
- ENV.4.5
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to define a problem, design, construct, evaluate, and improve a device or method to reduce or prevent human impact...
- ZOO.10.7
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to develop a possible solution to an environmental issue that currently exists in an ecosystem. *
- FB.6.7
Enrichment: Design solutions to reduce the impact of human activity on the ecosystem.
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