Gizmos for Virginia - Science: Life Science (Standards of Learning adopted 2018)

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

LS.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

LS.1.a: asking questions and defining problems

LS.1.a.2: offer simple solutions to design problems

LS.1.b: planning and carrying out investigations

LS.1.b.1: independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

LS.1.b.3: take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies including the use of microscopes

LS.1.c: interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

LS.1.c.1: identify, interpret, and evaluate patterns in data

LS.1.c.2: construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

LS.1.c.5: use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

LS.1.d: constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

LS.1.d.1: construct explanations that include qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables

LS.1.d.2: construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students’ own investigations)

LS.1.e: developing and using models

LS.1.e.1: construct and use models and simulations to illustrate, predict, and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena, life processes, or mechanisms

LS.1.f: obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

LS.1.f.3: construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

LS.2: The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory. Key ideas include

LS.2.b: cell structure and organelles support life processes;

LS.2.c: similarities and differences between plant and animal cells determine how they support life processes;

LS.2.d: cell division is the mechanism for growth and reproduction; and

LS.2.e: cellular transport (osmosis and diffusion) is important for life processes.

LS.3: The student will investigate and understand that there are levels of structural organization in living things. Key ideas include

LS.3.b: unicellular and multicellular organisms have comparative structures; and

LS.3.c: similar characteristics determine the classification of organisms.

LS.4: The student will investigate and understand that there are chemical processes of energy transfer which are important for life. Key ideas include

LS.4.a: photosynthesis is the foundation of virtually all food webs; and

LS.4.b: photosynthesis and cellular respiration support life processes.

LS.5: The student will investigate and understand that biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem. Key ideas include

LS.5.a: matter moves through ecosystems via the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles;

LS.5.b: energy flow is represented by food webs and energy pyramids; and

LS.5.c: relationships exist among producers, consumers, and decomposers.

LS.6: The student will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. Key ideas include

LS.6.a: relationships exist between predators and prey and these relationships are modeled in food webs;

LS.6.b: the availability and use of resources may lead to competition and cooperation;

LS.6.c: symbiotic relationships support the survival of different species; and

LS.7: The student will investigate and understand that adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. Key ideas include

LS.7.b: physical and behavioral characteristics enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem.

LS.8: The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time. Key ideas include

LS.8.a: organisms respond to daily, seasonal, and long-term changes;

LS.8.b: changes in the environment may increase or decrease population size; and

LS.8.c: large-scale changes such as eutrophication, climate changes, and catastrophic disturbances affect ecosystems.

LS.9: The student will investigate and understand that relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key ideas include

LS.9.a: changes in habitat can disturb populations;

LS.9.c: variations in biotic and abiotic factors can change ecosystems.

LS.10: The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key ideas include

LS.10.a: DNA has a role in making proteins that determine organism traits;

LS.10.b: the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and

LS.10.c: Punnett squares are mathematical models used to predict the probability of traits in offspring.

LS.11: The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms can change over time. Key ideas include

LS.11.a: mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction change populations;

LS.11.b: the fossil record, genetic information, and anatomical comparisons provide evidence for evolution; and

LS.11.c: environmental factors and genetic variation, influence survivability and diversity of organisms.

Correlation last revised: 4/13/2026

Virginia - Science: Life Science

Standards of Learning | Adopted: 2018