--- title: 6-8.LS4.B.1 description: 6-8.LS4.B.1 Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- [![Teacher Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b) [Teacher Login](https://app.knowatom.com/signin) [![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo")](https://www.knowatom.com/) # 6-8.LS4.B.1 Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. [![Download a Sample Unit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6) Science & Engineering Practices - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) - [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) Disciplinary Core Ideas - [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate) - [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer) Crosscutting Concepts - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) - [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) ## Browse 6-8.LS4.B.1 Lesson Plans Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-07-06-50-4151-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/reproduction) ## [Reproduction In this unit, students continue their exploration of the cell with a focus on the phenomenon of DNA. Students use models to compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction and to investigate how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/reproduction) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/reproduction) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-07-13-15-5068-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/natural-selection) ## [Natural Selection In this unit, students figure out the interconnectedness of genetics, heredity, and evolution. For this lesson, students create an experiment to observe the phenomenon of natural selection determining which organisms are most likely to survive and pass on their traits. This page showcases parts of key components of the lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/natural-selection) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/natural-selection) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-09-2023-07-13-17-8405-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/heredity-and-traits) ## [Heredity and Traits In this unit, students apply what they know about genes and heredity to evolution, focusing on how both genetic information and the environment influence the phenomena of how a population develops over time. In this lesson, students explore the phenomena of how adaptations help some organisms survive. Students also investigate artificial selection. This page showcases key parts of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/heredity-and-traits) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/heredity-and-traits) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-08-2023-08-54-58-0486-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) ## [Inheritance and Variation of Traits In this lesson, students figure out similarities among the phenomena of cells, specifically the phenomena of inheritance and variation of traits. This page shows key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-08-2023-08-54-59-8029-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/reproduction-and-fungi-structures) ## [Reproduction and Fungi Structures In this unit, students explore how life has changed and become more diverse over time. In this lesson, students dissect fungi to figure out how they reproduce. This page highlights components of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/reproduction-and-fungi-structures) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/reproduction-and-fungi-structures) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 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