Missouri Science Standards

   Grades K-4

A. Structure/Function/Characteristics

By the end of grade 4, all students should know that:

1. Organisms can be classified into kingdoms based on similarities and differences.

NatureWorks Episodes

13. Species Diversity

2. The basic unit of life is the cell. Different cells are specialized to perform various tasks. Cells of similar shape and function are
organized into groups.

3. In living systems, from cells to biosphere, components interact within a hierarchy of organization.

NatureWorks Episodes

5. Habitat
6. Marine Communities
7. Fresh Water Communities
8. Terrestrial Communities
9. The Wildlife Web I 
10. The Wildlife  Web II
11. Decomposers and Scavengers
12. Population Dynamics

   Grades 5-8

B. Life Processes

By the end of grade 8, all students should know that:

1. Energy is needed for living cells to carry out all the processes of life.

NatureWorks Episodes

9. The Wildlife Web I 
10. The Wildlife  Web II

2. In the process of photosynthesis, green plants convert water and carbon dioxide into energy-rich simple sugars and oxygen.

NatureWorks Episodes

9. The Wildlife Web I 

   Grades 5-8

C. Diversity
By the end of grade 8, all students should know that:

1. A species is an important biological
grouping of organisms whose members have similar structures, normally interbred, and produce fertile offspring.

NatureWorks Episodes

13. Species Diversity
15. Invasive Species
16. Life at Risk

2. Each structure in an organism is uniquely adapted to a particular function for enhancing the ability of the organism to survive.

NatureWorks Episodes

1. Adaptation
2. Coloration
3. Natural Communication
4. Migration

   Grades 5-8

E. Adaptation/Evolution
By the end of grade 8, all students should know that:

1. Natural selection is the process that ensures individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and have offspring of the same species.

NatureWorks Episodes

1. Adaptation
2. Coloration
3. Natural Communication
4. Migration

2. Changes in populations are often, but not always, driven by gradual or catastrophic changes in environmental conditions.

NatureWorks Episodes

12. Population Dynamics
13. Species Diversity
15. Invasive Species
16. Life at Risk

3. A successful population can adapt to
environmental changes through genetic variations.

NatureWorks Episodes

12. Population Dynamics
13. Species Diversity
15. Invasive Species
16. Life at Risk

4. The study of fossil records and living organisms provides evidence of the appearance, diversification, and extinction of many life forms.

NatureWorks Episodes

12. Population Dynamics
13. Species Diversity
15. Invasive Species
16. Life at Risk