Plants in the Environment Unit

Students are investigating plants. They set up three identical pots and put a seed in each pot. After two weeks, this is what they observe:

What investigable question are the students most likely trying to answer in their investigation?

• Which type of seed will grow the tallest?

• How does the growth of a producer depend on its environment?

• How does the growth of a producer depend on the amount of sunlight it receives?

• Which type of seed will grow the fastest?

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Mohave rattlesnakes get energy from

• golden-mantled ground squirrels

• Swainson's hawk

• prickly pear cactus

• Saguaro cactus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Kangaroo rats and ________ both get energy from Saguaro cactus.

• prickly pear cactus

• mesquite

• ants

• Gila woodpecker

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Desert mantises and gila monsters both get energy from ______.

• prickly pear cactus

• Saguaro cactus

• ants

• Creosote

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which of the following explains a portion of the water cycle?

• Liquid water that is heated by the sun evaporates into the air.

• Gaseous water evaporates and becomes precipitation.

• Liquid water that is heated by the sun condenses and moves into the air.

• Water moves through the ground in the form of clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following traits of plants are acquired?

• pink and white flower petals

• fungus growing on roots

• torn and broken flower petals

• wilted and shriveled leaves

Use the pictures of the two plants to answer the question. Select the TWO correct answers.

Plants in different environments have different structures that function to help them survive. Shown are two plants that live in very different environments. Plant 1 grows in shallow water such as in a pond, it has leaves that float on the surface of the water. Plant 2 grows in dry areas such as a desert. Which two statements correctly describe structures and their functions for the two plants shown?

• Plant 1 has short roots that help anchor the plant in mud. 

• Plant 1 has a long, flexible stem that helps the plant collect water and get sunlight.

• Plant 2 has needle-like spines that help the plant get sunlight and anchor it in sand.

• Plant 2 has a thick, waxy stem that helps that plant get sunlight and store water. 

• Plant 1 has large, flat leaves that provide shade and protection from consumers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A group of students are discussing where they want to live when they are older and are debating between New York City and San Diego, CA. One student, Sarah, says they should look at the temperature in each city for the next ten days. Another student, Diego, says they should look at a longer time frame.

 

Which student was researching the climate of the two cities and how do you know they were researching climate and not weather?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6