Evaluate a resource-use change
Evaluate a resource-use change using supplied evidence and a solved model.
About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice
Supplied materials
- All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
- Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
- Reference card A: changes available water. Reference card B: changes living space or cover.
- Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Less stream water after diversion.
- Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Trees removed from nesting area.
- Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Runoff adds supplied nutrients to pond.
- Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: No before-after records exist.
- Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Water supply decreases in model.
- Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Cover available to birds decreases.
Learn the idea
Resource decisions can affect living systems through several paths. Name the supplied mechanism and avoid assuming a single action fixes every effect. Models support conditional claims.
Water effect means changes available water. Habitat effect means changes living space or cover. Nutrient effect means changes nutrient movement or amount. Evidence gap means missing measurement needed for a claim.
For water effect, look for the clue “changes available water.” For habitat effect, look for “changes living space or cover.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.
- Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
- Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
- Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
- Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
See the method in action
Worked reference-card problem: a card states “changes available water”; a second states “changes living space or cover.” The first fits water effect and the second fits habitat effect. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.
Check your reasoning
Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.
Helpful tips
- Use the feature “changes available water” to justify water effect; do not sort by the name alone.
- Distinguish habitat effect (changes living space or cover) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
See the answer and explanation
water effect
The answer is water effect. In the notes, it means “changes available water.” Resource decisions can affect living systems through several paths. Name the supplied mechanism and avoid assuming a single action fixes every effect. Models support conditional claims.
Take it further
Create one new case showing water effect and one showing habitat effect. Expected: the first explicitly shows “changes available water”; the second explicitly shows “changes living space or cover.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.
More practice: try new cases
Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.
Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.
Check the subject sources
These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.