--- title: 6.4.4 description: 6.4.4 Construct an argument supported by evidence that the stability of populations is affected by changes to an ecosystem. Emphasize how changes to living and nonliving components in an ecosystem affect populations in that ecosystem. image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- - [Results](https://www.knowatom.com/press) - [Teaching Strategies](https://www.knowatom.com/highly-effective-teaching-strategies) - [Thinking Routines](https://www.knowatom.com/thinking-routines-resources-for-teachers) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena) - [Cultures of Thinking in Action](https://www.knowatom.com/cultures-of-thinking-in-action-resources) - [NGSS Resources for Teachers](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-science-resources-for-teachers) - [Homeschool Science Curriculum](https://sciencekits.knowatom.com/) - [Resource Archive](https://www.knowatom.com/science-next-generation-standards-resources) - [SocraCircle+](https://socratic.knowatom.com) [![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/) - [Science Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum) - [State Standards](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-standards-alignment) - [Professional Development](https://www.knowatom.com/professional-development) - [In-School Pricing](https://www.knowatom.com/pricing) - [Learn More](https://www.knowatom.com/learn-more) - [Science Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum) - [State Standards](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-standards-alignment) - [Professional Development](https://www.knowatom.com/professional-development) - [In-School Pricing](https://www.knowatom.com/pricing) - [Learn More](https://www.knowatom.com/learn-more) - [Data](https://www.knowatom.com/press) - [Teaching Strategies](https://www.knowatom.com/highly-effective-teaching-strategies) - [Thinking Routines](https://www.knowatom.com/thinking-routines-resources-for-teachers) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena) - [Cultures of Thinking in Action](https://www.knowatom.com/cultures-of-thinking-in-action-resources) - [NGSS Resources for Teachers](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-science-resources-for-teachers) - [Homeschool Science Curriculum](https://sciencekits.knowatom.com/) - [Resource Archive](https://www.knowatom.com/science-next-generation-standards-resources) - [SocraCircle+](https://socratic.knowatom.com) - [Teacher Login](https://www.knowatom.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=42e90de4-6bfa-4493-b321-a4b23248f3a9&signature=AAH58kE-i1dl2G6_F2SFa3le4uKjIGe7Ow&portal_id=347944&pageId=26868744431&placement_guid=f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b&click=52f62c4b-46b6-4e2c-aeb7-900db93fc012&redirect_url=APefjpEFhZvipNo8Cg1Y895goO9ecwlUFsA31kbrsE5datuv-wKMcF_wqweVNCvSpo6f5hdJpSr5cEHSnRibbPdEHx6XzMcAWw1ymhqrDJPVK9pivDW6NoVIech1TW93s1UB0iwW2MxWmPR-aql7ACmSLhxwdQ0-Ws9FLFn6iROekPvZeTvwYp6xEtWAqo3s1QjRHSiG1jLGKy8MFBkcsoQoszzGMrTojS2AlDAoQeBR1yb1sAszfrnH5gv8WT8IsZoedsM0wpYuFgtyavMs4yh7fOxmYhZpzw&hsutk=3a4b04801fcba027987b1eb3381dd6e9&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.knowatom.com%2F5e-lesson-plan&ts=1751452608553&__hstc=47010040.3a4b04801fcba027987b1eb3381dd6e9.1732261202293.1751437832177.1751451390304.177&__hssc=47010040.223.1751451390304&__hsfp=3395670294&contentType=landing-page) # 6.4.4 Construct an argument supported by evidence that the stability of populations is affected by changes to an ecosystem. Emphasize how changes to living and nonliving components in an ecosystem affect populations in that ecosystem. [![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 6.4.4 Lesson Plans Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-07-19-54-4087-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/photosynthesis-and-oil-spills) ## [Photosynthesis and Oil Spills In this unit, students are introduced to the dynamic nature of ecosystems and how disturbances affect them. In this lesson, students observe the effects of an oil spill on the ability of plants to photosynthesize, which can harm an entire ecosystem. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/photosynthesis-and-oil-spills) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/photosynthesis-and-oil-spills) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-07-36-44-6688-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/engineering-shoreline-barriers) ## [Engineering Shoreline Barriers In this unit, students learn about science phenomena related to ecosystems, studying how all living things interact with and depend on other living things and the environment for survival. In this lesson, students explore how humans can create solutions to protect ecosystems by designing an engineering solution for coastal erosion.This page provides an overview of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/engineering-shoreline-barriers) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/engineering-shoreline-barriers) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Grade/Screenshot%20(54).png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/intertidal-zone-temperature-change) ## [Intertidal Zone Temperature Change In this unit, students explore the interconnectedness of the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem phenomena. In this lesson, they design an experiment to test how heat is transferred in different materials found on the rocky shore. This page provides a brief overview of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/intertidal-zone-temperature-change) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/intertidal-zone-temperature-change) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-08-2023-09-44-55-1622-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/drought-and-tree-growth) ## [Drought and Tree Growth In this unit, students explore forest ecosystem phenomena, investigating the science phenomena of interactions between living things and the environment. In this lesson students discover the phenomena of tree rings and analyze how resource availability affects the ability of different organisms and populations to grow. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/drought-and-tree-growth) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/drought-and-tree-growth) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it. ![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo") Quick Links - [Results](https://www.knowatom.com/press) - [Teaching Strategies](https://www.knowatom.com/highly-effective-teaching-strategies) - [Thinking Routines](https://www.knowatom.com/thinking-routines-resources-for-teachers) - [Science Curriculum](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum) - [State Standards](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-standards-alignment) - [Professional Development](https://www.knowatom.com/professional-development) - [In-School Pricing](https://www.knowatom.com/pricing) - [Learn More](https://www.knowatom.com/learn-more) Resources - [Blog](https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena) - [Cultures of Thinking in Action](https://www.knowatom.com/cultures-of-thinking-in-action-resources) - [NGSS Resources for Teachers](https://www.knowatom.com/ngss-science-resources-for-teachers) - [Homeschool Science Curriculum](https://sciencekits.knowatom.com/?_gl=1*2to2e7*_gcl_au*OTQyODA5OTM3LjE3ODE2MDM3OTM.*_ga*MTI5NDIwNTc5OS4xNzgxNjAzNzk1*_ga_K88FWZTVQ2*czE3ODE2MDM3OTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODE2MDcxMTMkajgkbDAkaDA.) - [Resource Archive](https://www.knowatom.com/science-next-generation-standards-resources) - [SocraCircle+](https://socratic.knowatom.com/?_gl=1*qh91sx*_gcl_au*OTQyODA5OTM3LjE3ODE2MDM3OTM.*_ga*MTI5NDIwNTc5OS4xNzgxNjAzNzk1*_ga_K88FWZTVQ2*czE3ODE2MDM3OTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODE2MDcxNTAkajQ0JGwwJGgw) Sign Up for Our Blog ### Sign Up for Our Blog Connect with Us - - - - © 2026 KnowAtom LLC  •  10 Brady Drive Unit 3   •  Ipswich MA •   01938 USA [DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https://www.knowatom.com/do-not-sell-my-personal-information) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.knowatom.com/privacy-policy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.knowatom.com/terms-of-use) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Salem", "addressRegion" : "MA", "postalCode" : "01970", "streetAddress" : "27 Congress Suite 410" }, "alternateName" : "KA", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "+42.5182274", "longitude" : "-70.8877569" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Next Generation Science STEM Curriculum", "email" : "fvigeant@knowatom.com", "image" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KA-GSD.png", "logo" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Knowatom-2017/Image/logo-1.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.knowatom.com/6.4.4", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "6.4.4 Construct an argument supported by evidence that the stability of populations is affected by changes to an ecosystem. Emphasize how changes to living and nonliving components in an ecosystem affect populations in that ecosystem." }, "name" : "KnowAtom", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/KnowAtom", "https://twitter.com/KnowAtom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0rbN0RfqaU1xaISrdVpTA", "https://plus.google.com/110709105138117096940" ], "telephone" : "(617) 475-3475", "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com" } ```