CAST Prep Grade 6- MS-LS1-5

CAST Prep Grade 6-
MS-LS1-5

By Patrick Cochrane

MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and

genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

Key Vocabulary

Genetics

the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms

Key Vocabulary

Environment

the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Key Vocabulary

Gene

a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a product, usually a protein

Genetics vs. Environment

One of the oldest arguments in the history of psychology is the Nature vs. Nurture argument. In science, we call this the Genetics vs. Environment argument. Are we a product of our genes or our environment?

You will use data that scientists have gathered about identical and non-identical twins to construct an explanation for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms, like us.

Twin studies are one of the best ways scientists can look at the effects of genetics and environment on human growth.

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Twin Studies

Open Ended

In one of the first large twin studies, completed in 1990, researchers observed identical twins raised apart and identical twins raised together. Use the information in Table as evidence for your answer.

Does this evidence support the argument for genetics or environment? Include data

from the chart to support your response.

Open Ended

In January 2016, Lorelai A. Mucci released an article about her long-term study of identical twins and non-identical twins, each pair of twins raised together. In 32% of the total amount of twins, cancer was diagnosed in both twins. The table shows the percent of identical twins that had the same cancer type and the non-identical twins that had the same cancer type.

Does this evidence support the argument for genetics or environment? Include data

from the chart to support your response.

Open Ended

Construct an explanation for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms, like humans. Use evidence from Table A and Table B and cause-and-effect reasoning to justify your explanation.

a. State your claim for the question: How are we a product of our genes and environment?

b. Use evidence from Table A and Table B to justify your claim.

c. Use scientific, cause and effect reasoning to justify your claim.