SC15.7.9

Science (2015) Grade(s): 7

SC15.7.9

Engage in argument to defend the effectiveness of a design solution that maintains biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g., using scientific, economic, and social considerations regarding purifying water, recycling nutrients, preventing soil erosion).

Unpacked Content

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Evidence about performance of the given design solution. Biodiversity describes the variety of species found in the earth's ecosystems.
  • The completeness of the biodiversity of an ecosystem is often used as a measure of health.
  • Changes in biodiversity can influence humans' resources and ecosystem services.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify and describe a given design solution for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Identify and describe the additional evidence (in the form of data, information, or other appropriate forms) that is relevant to the problem, design solution, and evaluation of the solution.
  • Collaboratively define and describe criteria and constraints for the evaluation of the design solution.
  • Use scientific evidence to evaluate and critique a design solution.
  • Present oral or written arguments to support or refute the given design solution.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints.

Vocabulary

  • Evidence
  • Engineering design process
  • Design solution
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecosystem
  • Ecosystem service
  • Scientific argument
  • Criteria
  • Constraint
  • Economic considerations
  • Social considerations
  • Recycling nutrients
  • Soil Erosion
  • Water Purification
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