Lesson 2 : Lab

Time Required: 150-160 minutes

Draw from scientific research to make a case for whether environmental or genetic factors have more of an impact on organism growth and communicate understanding that both environmental and genetic factors influence organism growth.

MS-LS1-5

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. [Clarification Statement: Examples of local environmental conditions could include availability of food, light, space, and water. Examples of genetic factors could include large breed cattle and species of grass affecting growth of organisms. Examples of evidence could include drought decreasing plant growth, fertilizer increasing plant growth, different varieties of plant seeds growing at different rates in different conditions, and fish growing larger in large ponds than they do in small ponds.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include genetic mechanisms, gene regulation, or biochemical processes.]