Grade 08 Science - EC: S8.B.2.1.1
Grade 08 Science - EC: S8.B.2.1.1
Continuum of Activities
The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.
This continuum of activities offers:
- Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
- Questions/activities that grow in complexity
- Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance
Grade Levels
8th Grade
Course, Subject
Science
Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content
Activities
- Define inherited trait.
- What is the difference between inherited and acquired behaviors?
- Give an example of one inherited structure and one inherited behavior that helps animals to survive.
- Give an example of one inherited structure and one inherited behavior that influences an animal’s ability to reproduce.
- Specify an animal. Explain how its inherited structures and behaviors influence its ability to survive.
- Specify an animal. Explain how its inherited structures and behaviors influence its ability to reproduce.
Answer Key/Rubric
- An inherited trait is a characteristic that is passed from a parent to an offspring.
- Inherited traits are coded in an organism’s genes, while acquired traits are ones that are learned from experience in the environment.
- Acceptable responses must include one inherited structure and one inherited behavior.
Sample responses:
Inherited structures:
- Size
- Length of legs, neck, etc.
- Shape of teeth
- Shape of beak
- Placement of eyes
- Color/texture of fur
Inherited behaviors:
- Speed
- Ability to care for young
- Ability to hunt for food
- Ability to defend against predators
- Acceptable responses must include one inherited structure and one inherited behavior.
Sample responses:
Inherited structures:
- Body parts to carry out reproduction
- Body parts to carry baby in the womb
- Mammary glands (mammals)
Inherited behaviors:
- Mating calls
- Ability to engage in acts of reproduction
- Ability to care for young
- Ability to care for eggs (such as birds)
- Acceptable responses must identify an animal and discuss its behaviors and structures that impact its survival.
Sample response: A giraffe has several inherited physical features which impacts the survival of its species. Giraffes have a long neck, which allow them to see predators at far distances. Their long necks also allow giraffes to feed from high up tree branches, and their long strong tongues also contribute to their feeding practices. Their tall height makes it more difficult for predators to take them down. Their long, strong legs help them run from prey and walk long distances. Giraffes have two eyelids which offer protection and keep their eyes clean in the dry Savannah. A giraffe’s inherited behaviors involve its ability to search for food, run, care for its young, and kick at prey as a defense mechanism.
- Acceptable responses must identify an animal and discuss its behaviors and structures that impact its ability to reproduce.
Sample response: Gorillas have the ability to mate, usually by the male enticing the female with behaviors such as touching or grunting noises. Gorilla fertilization occurs internally, and the approximate 8.5 month period of gestation occurs within the mother’s womb. Gorillas give birth to live young, and the mother’s instinctive behaviors of protecting and nursing her young babies help their survival.
