South Dakota Science MS-LS2-5

ScienceGrades 6–8Life Science

The Standard

Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem preservation practices and services. (SEP: 7; DCI: LS2.C, LS4.D, ETS1.B; CCC: Stability/Change) Alignment may include MS-ETS1-2

South Dakota Science Standards (2024) · Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students compare two plans for protecting the same ecosystem. They use data about wildlife, water quality, and cost to choose a plan and explain the tradeoffs.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student checks both plans against clear goals, such as keeping species and reducing muddy runoff. They support their choice with data and name something the other plan does better.
Common Misconceptions: Students may choose the cheapest plan without checking its effects on wildlife. They may assume a rock-lined bank protects habitat just because it stops erosion.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Native planting costs $500, retains eight species, and cuts sediment by 70%. Rock lining costs $300, retains three species, and cuts sediment by 80%. Choose a plan and explain your choice using two data points and one tradeoff.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Cover one soil tray with sod and another with gravel; pour equal amounts of water over each and compare sediment in the runoff.
Ask: Should our town plant a streambank or line it with rock? Defend your choice using runoff results, habitat needs, and costs.
Give pairs two plan cards with cost, species, and sediment data; have them score each plan, then compare rankings with another pair.
Examine a photo of a roadside drainage ditch and choose native planting or rock lining to protect wildlife while controlling erosion.

Free download