| INSECTS AND PLANTS MODULE MATRIX |
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SYNOPSIS |
CA SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDS
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1. |
MEALWORMS |
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Each student receives two larval
mealworms in a vial to care for
and observe. Over 10 weeks
students observe the larvae grow,
molt, pupate, and turn into beetles
(adults), which mate, lay eggs, and
die. They read two articles about
insects in the environment. |
LS2a Organisms reproduce offspring
that resemble their parents and
one another.
LS2c Many characteristics of an
organism are inherited from the
parents. Some are influenced by
the environment.
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I&E4d Write/draw descriptions of a
sequence.
I&E4f Use magnifiers to observe and draw
small objects.
I&E4g Follow oral instructions for a
scientific investigation.
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2. |
BRASSICA SEEDS |
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Each student plants tiny rapid-cycling
brassica seeds in a planter
cup. The brassica plants grow
under continuous light and
develop for a month. Students
observe and record the complete
life cycle from seed to seed. They
read about flower and seeds. |
LS2d Individuals of one kind vary
within a population.
LS2e Light, gravity, touch, or
environmental stress can affect
the germination, growth, and
development of plants.
LS2f Flowers and fruits are associated
with reproduction in plants.
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I&E4d Write/draw descriptions of a
sequence.
I&E4e Construct bar graphs to record data.
I&E4f Use magnifiers to observe and draw
small objects.
I&E4g Follow oral instructions for a
scientific investigation.
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3. |
MILKWEED BUGS |
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Groups of students receive vials of
milkweed bug eggs. Each group
prepares a habitat for the bugs,
providing air, space, food, and
water. They observe structure,
pattern, and behavior as the
insects advance through simple
metamorphosis. They read two
articles about insect variation,
shape, and color. |
LS2a Organisms reproduce offspring
that resemble their parents and
one another.
LS2d Individuals of one kind vary
within a population.
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I&E4b Measure length, weight,
temperature, and liquid volume in
metric units.
I&E4d Write/draw descriptions of a
sequence.
I&E4f Use magnifiers to observe and draw
small objects.
I&E4g Follow oral instructions for a
scientific investigation.
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4. |
SILKWORMS |
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Students observe the life history
of one of the most commercially
successful insects. They start with
eggs and observe the growth and
changes to larvae, pupae, and adults
who produce eggs. Students study
the structure of a moth larva, and
read two articles about insects |
LS2a Organisms reproduce offspring
that resemble their parents and one
another.
LS2d Individuals of one kind vary within
a population.
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I&E4a Make predictions based on patterns.
I&E4d Write/draw descriptions of a
sequence.
I&E4f Use magnifiers to observe and draw
small objects.
I&E4g Follow oral instructions for a
scientific investigation.
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5. |
BUTTERFLIES |
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The class observes the painted lady
larvae grow, pupate, and emerge
as adults. Students experience the
stages of complete metamorphosis
and compare the behaviors of moths
and butterflies. They read about life
cycles of other animals and compare
to insects. |
LS2a Organisms reproduce offspring
that resemble their parents and one
another.
LS2b The sequential stages of life cycles
are different for different animals.
LS2c Many characteristics of an organism
are inherited from the parents. Some
are influenced by the environment.
LS2d Individuals of one kind vary within
a population.
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I&E4a Make predictions based on observed
patterns.
I&E4d Write/draw descriptions of a
sequence.
I&E4f Use magnifiers to observe and draw
small objects.
I&E4g Follow oral instructions for a
scientific investigation.
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