Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Addressed in Investigation 1

1. MS-LS1-4

Standard:
Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants.

How It’s Addressed:
Students examine how early development (embryo to fetus) prepares the human body for survival and reproduction. By modeling the growth stages (7 weeks in Investigation 1), students can reason about the importance of the internal environment (e.g., uterus) and early development on long-term viability.

2. MS-LS1-5

Standard:
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

How It’s Addressed:
Students model growth in length and mass of the human embryo, using data and physical measurements. Discussions incorporate both genetic programming (genotype) and external influences (such as maternal health), illustrating how multiple factors affect prenatal development.

3. MS-LS3-1

Standard:
Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information, whereas sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

How It’s Addressed:
Investigation 1 introduces genetic inheritance and prepares students to understand variation in the next investigation. Students compare sexual reproduction and genetic input from two parents as the basis for the developing embryo’s genotype and observed traits.

4. MS-LS1-1

Standard:
Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.

How It’s Addressed:
Investigation 1 begins with the zygote—a single cell—and tracks its division and specialization into tissues and organs. Students connect microscopic understanding to the growth of complex multicellular structures.

5. MS-LS1-3

Standard:
Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

How It’s Addressed:
While modeling the early embryo, students explore how the developing fetus begins forming specialized structures and systems. Students identify how early organs emerge and prepare for eventual interaction within body systems.

This investigation gives students foundational insight into human development, preparing them to understand later topics in reproduction, heredity, and system interactions—all grounded in NGSS-aligned practices of modeling, measuring, analyzing, and reasoning.