Standard #: SC.8.L.18.4


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Cite evidence that living systems follow the Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Life Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Big Idea: Matter and Energy Transformations -

A. Living things all share basic needs for life.

B. Living organisms acquire the energy they need for life processes through various metabolic pathways (photosynthesis and cellular respiration).

C. Matter and energy are recycled through cycles such as the carbon cycle.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
2002100: M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002110: M/J Comprehensive Science 3, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000010: M/J Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000020: M/J Life Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7820017: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000025: M/J STEM Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001100: M/J Coastal Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2022 and beyond (current))
2001105: M/J Coastal Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2022 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.8.L.18.Pa.2 Recognize that food provides energy.
SC.8.L.18.In.4 Identify the flow of energy from the Sun as it is transferred along a food chain.
SC.8.L.18.Su.4 Recognize that plants get energy from the Sun and that energy is transferred to the animals that eat the plants.


Related Resources

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Modeling the Law of Conservation of Mass in the Environment

This lesson provides a PowerPoint on the four main cycles of matter and how they follow the Law of Conservation of Mass. The instruction is followed by time for the student to build their own models and explain how they demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Energy Conservation in an Ecosystem

This activity is a lab exercise where students look at the passing of water in cups and compare it to the available energy in an ecosystem. During this activity, students will be actively engaged in modeling energy transfer. Students will collect data, graph it and respond to reflection questions to connect the data to what happens in an ecosystem. Once complete, students will apply their observations to food chains and the Law of Conservation of Mass and Energy. This activity is a great way to lead into a discussion of local ecosystems and native species.

Lots of Fish in the Sea?

So many fish in the sea? How does our changing climate bear on marine life and the carbon balance on our planet? Students will examine applications of the Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy and determine how all the pieces fit together. Students will learn about attempted solutions to the problem of increased carbon dioxide and evaluate effectiveness.

Law of Conservation of Mass and Living Systems

The students will explore using open and closed systems can be used to explain the Law of Conservation of Mass. The students will also observe a chemical reaction to determine if mass is conserved. The student will also perform research to understand that living systems follow the Law of Conservation of Mass.

What if ….you never saw another shell?

This lesson connects the Carbon Cycle with the elevation of global temperatures causing dissolution of carbon-containing substances and rise in acidity. Students conduct a simulation experiment and model carbon loss due to temperature changes lowering pH.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Conservation of Mass and Energy in Living Systems

Learn how matter and energy are continuously transferred within and between organisms and their physical environment and cite evidence that living systems follow the Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy with this interactive tutorial.

Problem-Solving Task

Name Description
Learning in Florida's Environment (LIFE)- The Fallen Log

This outdoor lab activity deals with the nutrient cycle, specifically decomposition. Students will observe two fallen logs in different states of decomposition, and record and explain the roles of the different decomposers that they find.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Conservation of Mass and Energy in Living Systems:

Learn how matter and energy are continuously transferred within and between organisms and their physical environment and cite evidence that living systems follow the Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy with this interactive tutorial.



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