The Living Environment

The key ideas are broad, unifying, general statements that represent knowledge within a domain.  They represent a thematic or conceptual body of knowledge of what students should know. The essential vocabulary is designed in order to acquire the concepts of the Major Understanding.  Only vocabulary that is in the Elementary or Intermediate Level Science Core Curricula is testable on the ILST. Students should have a mastery of the required vocabulary and be at the acquaintance or familiarity level with the suggested vocabulary.  Visuals should be used to assist in model representations and reinforcement of the terms. The suggested activities are designed to enhance the understanding of the concepts and prepare students for the assessment.  Other activities that support the development of the Major Understanding and Performance Objectives in addition to preparing students for the assessment may also be used.