Disciplinary Core Ideas: 12

Earth and Space Sciences:

Life Sciences:

MS-ESS2.C1: Water continually cycles among land, ocean, and atmosphere via transpiration, evaporation, condensation and crystallization, and precipitation, as well as downhill flows on land.

MS-ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes

MS-ESS3.B: Natural Hazards

MS-ESS3.C1: Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and causing the extinction of other species. But changes to Earth’s environments can have different impacts (negative and positive) for different living things.

MS-ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

MS-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity

MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

MS-LS4.D1: Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling.

MS-LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Middle School:

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 9

Earth and Space Sciences:

HS-ESS3 : Earth and Human Activity

HS-ESS3.B: Natural Hazards

HS-ESS3.C2: Scientists and engineers can make major contributions by developing technologies that produce less pollution and waste and that preclude ecosystem degradation.

HS-ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

HS-LS4.D1: Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.

HS-LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

High School:

Life Sciences: