Content Standard D: Continuity & Change "Big Ideas"

Revised 8/6/03
'Big Idea'
Grades K-2
Grades 3-4
Grades 5-8

Grades 9-12

1.Traits are passed on from one generation to the next.

D4

D4

C2, D1, D4

2.Some characteristics are inherited while some result from interactions with the environment.

D4

D4

D3, D4

3.The mechanism for inheritance originates in cells.

D4?

C2, D1, D4

4.Similarities and differences exist both within and among species.

D4

D4

D2, D3, D5

5.Reproduction is a characteristic of all species.

D4

D2, D5

6.Organisms have a cycle of birth, development, reproduction, and death, which varies by species.

D3

D5, D2

7.Evolution accounts for the vast diversity of life on Earth.

D5, D6

8.Reproductive success and survival of individuals and species depends on advantageous characterisitics in particular environments.

D3

D3

D2, D3

9.Differences in species accumulate over successive generations.

D3

D3

D1, D4, D6, D7

10.Millions of different organisms living on Earth today are related by descent from common ancestors.

D1

D6, D7

11.Fossils leave a record of the history of the earth, changing life forms, and the existance of past life.

D1

D1, D2

D1, D2

D6, D7

12.The age and types of fossil remains are central to the argument supporting change over time.

D1

D1

D1, D2

D6, D7

Local Assessment Benchmarks
D4
none developmentally appropriate
D1
D7
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