Wyoming Science MS-ETS2-2
The Standard
Develop a model defining and prioritizing the impacts of human activity on a particular aspect of the environment, identifying positive and negative consequences of the activity, both short and long-term, and investigate and explain how the ethics and integrity of scientists and engineers and respect for individual property rights might constrain future development.
2023 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards · ETS2 Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students draw a cause-and-effect model showing how one human activity changes one part of the environment. They label short- and long-term benefits and harms, then rank the effects by size and duration. They explain how honest reporting and property rights can limit a project.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can show how a meadow solar array reduces pollution but disrupts habitat during construction and afterward. They rank the effects using evidence about the area affected and how long each effect lasts. They explain why engineers must report harmful wildlife findings and get the landowner's consent.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often call lower electric bills an environmental benefit, though that is an economic benefit. They may overlook lasting habitat loss or rank effects by preference instead of evidence. Some think a clean-energy goal excuses hiding survey results or using private land without permission.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Draw a cause-and-effect model for a meadow solar array, then rank two environmental benefits and two harms, labeling each short or long term. Explain why engineers must report wildlife findings and get landowner permission.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use meadow and panel cutouts to build an arrow model with cards for construction dust, habitat loss, reduced fuel burning, and cleaner air.
Ask: 'Where should panels go if a bird survey finds nests and a meadow owner refuses access?' Require two reasons.
Play an impact-ranking round: pairs order four solar-project impact cards by area affected and duration, then defend their top choice.
Compare photos of your school roof and a nearby meadow; list who must approve panels and what habitat each site could affect.
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Printable MS-ETS2-2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MS-ETS2-2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- HS-LS2-7
Evaluate and assess impacts on the environment and biodiversity in order to refine or design a solution for detrimental impacts or enhancement for positive impa...
- HS-LS4-6
Create and/or use a simulation to evaluate the impacts of human activity on biodiversity.
- MS-ESS3-3
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring, evaluating, and managing a human impact on the environment.
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