Life Science

MS-LS1-6

Photosynthesis: matter and energy

Performance expectation

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.

Clarification

Emphasis is on tracing movement of matter and flow of energy.

Assessment boundary

Assessment does not include the biochemical mechanisms of photosynthesis.

SEP

Practice

  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

DCI

Core idea

  • LS1.C
  • PS3.D

CCC

Reasoning lens

  • Energy and Matter

Evidence map

Rooms connected to MS-LS1-6.

“Primary” means the chapter includes an observable performance and assessable artifact for this expectation; “supporting” builds context.

Connections recorded in the official model

ELA/literacy: RST.6–8.1, RST.6–8.2, WHST.6–8.2, WHST.6–8.9

Mathematics: 6.EE.9

California Environmental Principles and Concepts: II, IV

Verified 2026-07-29. Open the official California source.