Content Standard B: Ecology "Big Ideas"

'Big Idea'	Grades K-2	Grades 3-4	Grades 5-8	Grades 9-12
1. Organisms interact with one another in a variety of ways.		B1, B2	B4	B3
2. Organisms are linked to one another and to their environment.	B1, B2, B5	B1, B4	B2, B4, B5	B3
3. There are many different types of environments with a variety of organisms and physical conditions.	B1, B4, B5	B3, B4	B2
4. Ecosystems are reasonably stable but can change over time.	B3	B4	B2, B3	B3, B4
5. Human activities can affect ecosystems.		B4	B2, B3	B3, B4
6. Conditions in ecosystems limit the types and numbers of organisms that can be found there.	B1, B3	B3, B4	B2	B3
7. All organisms need a source of energy to live and grow.	B2, C2	B1	B1	B2
8. The major source of energy in ecosystems is the sun.	B2	B1	B1	B2
9. Flow of energy happens at various levels, from molecules to ecosystems.			B1, B5	B2
10. Energy changes from one form to another in living things.			B1, B5	B2
11. Cycling of matter happens at various levels, from molecules to ecosystems.			B5	B1
12. Matter breaks down and is reassembled in new structures as part of a continuous cycle.		B2	B5	B1
13. Environments are ecological systems.	B3		B3	B1, B4
Local Assessment Benchmarks	B1		B2 & B4	B1 & B4 & B3