Phenomena Hub Navigation
Here are some examples to explore the same life science phenomenon across grade levels with different driving questions. The possibilities are endless, but we must ensure that the learning is increasing in complexity. Writing an aligned driving question helps us do that.
Dandelion Blowing in the Wind
K–5: What do plants need to grow?
6–8: How do different parts of a plant contribute to its survival and growth?
9–12: How do cellular processes and environmental factors influence plant growth and development?
Monkey Getting Food From a Tree
K–5: How do monkeys use their hands, feet, and tails to live in trees?
6–8: How do monkeys use their senses and brain to detect threats and communicate with their group?
9–12: How do monkeys’ digestive and excretory systems interact to extract nutrients from their varied diet and eliminate waste?
Worms in Soil
K–5: How do worms help plants grow?
6–8: How do worms impact soil health and affect ecosystems?
9–12: How do worms contribute to the cycling of nutrients and energy in an ecosystem?
Bee Collecting Pollen From a Sunflower
K–5: How do bees help plants grow?
6–8: How do bees interact with their environment to survive?
9–12: How do changes in bee populations impact ecosystems?
Baby Ducks Following Their Parents
K–5: How are baby ducks like their parents?
6–8: How do genetics influence the traits of baby ducks?
9–12: How do genetic variations among duck populations affect their adaptability?
Corn Plants
K–5: Why do some corn plants look different from others?
6–8: How do different environmental factors impact the traits of corn plants?
9–12: How do genetic modifications change the traits of corn kernels, and what are the implications for agriculture and health?
Polar Bears in the Arctic
K–5: How do animals change to survive in different places?
6–8: How does natural selection lead to adaptations in populations?
9–12: How do environmental pressures drive evolutionary changes in species?
Multicolored Butterflies
K–5: Why are butterflies colorful, and how does this help them?
6–8: How do the colors and patterns of butterflies relate to their survival strategies?
9–12: How do evolutionary adaptations in butterfly coloration reflect natural selection?