ASK MsFlores
Biology Storylines
What are we going to cover this year?
- Africa Storyline
- Why do some animals live in groups?
- How do animals obtain the energy they need?
- How do plants & animals depend on each other?
- How do populations change over time?
- How do ecosystems maintain homeostasis?
- How do populations maintain homeostasis?
- How do organisms maintain homeostasis?
- How do cells maintain homeostasis?
- How do traits occur in organisms?
- What makes one trait different from another trait?
- How are proteins used by organisms?
- How do genotype and phenotype impact natural selection?
- How are cancer cells different from normal cells?
- How and when do normal and cancer cells divide?
- How does each cell get its own copy of DNA?
- How does a gene help regulate the cell cycle?
- How can mutations be passed to future generations?
- Does geography affect common ancestry?
- How does DNA serve as evidence for common ancestry?
- How do human actions affect species?
- How do human actions impact native species?
- What is the importance of genetic diversity?
- How do populations change over time?
- How do humans maintain genetic diversity in managed populations?
- What are types of evidence to show common ancestry?
- How does artificial selection change phenotypes over time?
- Why is genetic variation needed for evolution?
NGSS & Storylining in Biology
- Why the change?
Currently, 20 states, including NM have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The primary motivation for the creation of the NGSS was to allow our students to become self-directed learners so they can be successful in any situation once they leave the classroom. The 3 dimensions of NGSS include 1. Science & Engineering Practices (SEPS), 2. Cross Cutting Concepts (CCCs) and 3. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). Integration of the SEPs & CCCs provides a framework for students to analyze phenomena & understand how science concepts (DCIs) are interrelated. The practice of & development of these skills prepares students to figure out problems & critically think to make sense of our world.
- What is storylining?
Storylining always leads with authentic, real-world phenomena, and revisits the overarching concepts in different contexts throughout the school year. Students engage in the SEPs & CCCs while analyzing authentic data to figure out the science concepts that explain the phenomena. Students have opportunities to transfer their conceptual understanding to new situations that are presented to them.
- The success of the Illinois Storylines
The storylines created for teachers, by teachers, are being used in high school science classrooms in at least 40 states and several countries with great success. The lead writers were extensively trained by some of the national leaders in science education in order to create model curricula that aligned with the National Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Need more information? Visit HHMI/NGSS Storylines
