Course Content
A. Science Practices and Tools
-
A.01. Identify common laboratory tools and their uses.
-
A.02. Understand and apply basic laboratory safety procedures.
-
A.03. Describe the steps involved in the scientific method.
-
A.04. Design a simple experiment to test a hypothesis.
-
A.05. Interpret and communicate experimental results effectively.
-
A.06. Properly utilize and maintain scientific equipment.
-
A.07. Explain the importance of accurate data recording in scientific investigations.
B. Designing Experiments
-
B.01. Define the independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
-
B.02. Identify the control group and experimental groups in an experiment.
-
B.03. Formulate a testable scientific question.
-
B.04. Design an experiment to investigate a specific scientific question.
-
B.05. Analyze experimental data to draw conclusions.
-
B.06. Evaluate the validity and reliability of experimental results.
-
B.07. Understand and apply experimental design principles to complex scenarios (e.g., multi-factorial experiments).
C. Density
-
C.01. Define density and understand its relationship to mass and volume.
-
C.02. Calculate density, given mass and volume.
-
C.03. Calculate mass or volume, given density and one of the other variables.
-
C.04. Explain the concept of density and its application in various contexts.
-
C.05. Solve real-world problems involving density calculations.
D. Engineering Practices
-
D.01. Outline the steps in the engineering design process.
-
D.02. Evaluate the effectiveness of different engineering solutions.
-
D.03. Use data to compare and contrast engineering designs.
-
D.04. Apply the engineering design process to solve a real-world problem.
-
D.05. Consider constraints and tradeoffs in engineering design solutions.
-
D.06. Explain the importance of iterative testing and refinement in the engineering design process.
E. Atoms and Molecules
-
E.01. Define atoms and elements and explain their basic structure.
-
E.02. Interpret and construct chemical formulas.
-
E.03. Represent molecules using ball-and-stick models.
-
E.04. Distinguish between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
-
E.05. Describe how atoms bond to form molecules.
-
E.06. Relate chemical formulas to the properties of substances.
-
E.07. Apply knowledge of atomic structure to explain chemical bonding.
F. Chemical Reactions
-
F.01. Identify reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
-
F.02. Balance chemical equations.
-
F.03. Describe the changes in energy during chemical reactions.
-
F.04. Distinguish between physical and chemical changes.
-
F.05. Explain the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions.
-
F.06. Predict products of simple chemical reactions.
-
F.07. Analyze chemical reactions in real-world contexts (e.g., combustion, respiration).
G. Force and Motion
-
G.01. Define velocity, distance, and time.
-
G.02. Calculate velocity, distance, or time using appropriate formulas.
-
G.03. Explain Newton’s laws of motion.
-
G.04. Interpret graphs showing motion.
-
G.05. Analyze forces acting on objects.
-
G.06. Predict the motion of objects given forces acting upon them.
-
G.07. Describe the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration.
-
G.08. Apply Newton’s third law to predict the forces involved in collisions.
-
G.09. Analyze car safety features in terms of collision forces.
H. Kinetic and Potential Energy
-
H.01. Define kinetic and potential energy.
-
H.02. Identify examples of kinetic and potential energy.
-
H.03. Explain the relationship between kinetic and potential energy.
-
H.04. Describe energy transformations.
-
H.05. Apply the law of conservation of energy.
-
H.06. Analyze energy changes in a real-world system (e.g., roller coaster).
-
H.07. Calculate changes in gravitational potential energy.
I. Electricity and Magnetism
-
I.01. Describe electric forces and fields.
-
I.02. Compare the strength of magnetic forces.
-
I.03. Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
-
I.04. Describe how electric and magnetic fields interact.
-
I.05. Design a simple electric circuit.
-
I.06. Apply the concept of magnetic fields to real-world technologies.
J. Thermal Energy
-
J.01. Define heat and temperature.
-
J.02. Explain how heat flows between objects.
-
J.03. Describe methods of heat transfer.
-
J.04. Predict the direction of heat flow.
-
J.05. Compare thermal energy transfers in different systems.
-
J.06. Apply concepts of heat transfer to real-world scenarios.
K. Particle Motion and Energy
-
K.01. Describe the relationship between particle motion and temperature.
-
K.02. Explain how particle motion affects changes of state.
-
K.03. Describe the relationship between particle motion and gas pressure.
-
K.04. Explain how temperature and pressure affect particle motion.
-
K.05. Apply the kinetic theory of matter to explain various phenomena.
-
K.06. Analyze the effects of changes in temperature and pressure on the behavior of gases.
L. Waves
-
L.01. Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves.
-
L.02. Define amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.
-
L.03. Describe the relationship between wave properties and energy.
-
L.04. Explain wave transmission, reflection, and absorption.
-
L.05. Describe properties and applications of electromagnetic waves.
-
L.06. Explain the effects of ultraviolet waves on living organisms.
-
L.07. Analyze the behavior of waves in different media.
M. Solutions
-
M.01. Define solution, solute, and solvent.
-
M.02. Compare concentrations of solutions.
-
M.03. Describe the process of diffusion across membranes.
-
M.04. Explain factors affecting the rate of diffusion.
-
M.05. Apply knowledge of solutions to real-world situations.
-
M.06. Calculate solution concentrations.
N. Classification and Scientific Names
-
N.01. Identify common and scientific names of organisms.
-
N.02. Explain the purpose of scientific names.
-
N.03. Use scientific names to classify organisms.
-
N.04. Interpret phylogenetic trees and cladograms.
-
N.05. Explain the principles of binomial nomenclature.
O. Biochemistry
-
O.01. Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
-
O.02. Explain the process of cellular respiration.
-
O.03. Relate the structure of biomolecules to their functions.
-
O.04. Describe the roles of enzymes in biological processes.
-
O.05. Explain the importance of biomolecules in living organisms.
P. Cells
-
P.01. Describe the basic structure and function of cells.
-
P.02. Identify the parts of plant and animal cells and their functions.
-
P.03. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
-
P.04. Explain the process of cell division.
-
P.05. Describe the role of cell organelles.
-
P.06. Analyze the structure and function of specialized cells.
Q. Anatomy and Physiology
-
Q.01. Describe the organization of the human body.
-
Q.02. Explain the functions of major organ systems.
-
Q.03. Analyze how different body systems interact.
-
Q.04. Explain the phenomenon of phantom pain.
-
Q.05. Understand the connection between structure and function in biological systems.
R. Genes to Traits
-
R.01. Distinguish between inherited and acquired traits.
-
R.02. Define genotype and phenotype.
-
R.03. Define dominant and recessive alleles.
-
R.04. Complete and interpret Punnett squares.
-
R.05. Calculate probabilities of offspring genotypes and phenotypes.
-
R.06. Explain the relationship between genes, proteins, and traits.
-
R.07. Describe the effects of gene mutations.
-
R.08. Explain the role of the environment in gene expression.
-
R.09. Explain how genetic variation arises in sexual reproduction.
S. Adaptations and Natural Selection
-
S.01. Define adaptation and natural selection.
-
S.02. Explain how adaptations increase survival and reproduction.
-
S.03. Describe the evidence supporting natural selection.
-
S.04. Explain the role of genetic variation in natural selection.
-
S.05. Analyze how animal behaviors affect reproductive success.
-
S.06. Calculate allele frequencies and predict changes in population traits over time.
-
S.07. Describe the process of speciation.
T. Fossils
-
T.01. Explain how fossils form.
-
T.02. Compare fossils to modern organisms.
-
T.03. Interpret the fossil record.
-
T.04. Explain relative and absolute dating techniques.
-
T.05. Analyze fossil evidence to reconstruct past environments.
U. Plant Reproduction
-
U.01. Describe the life cycles of angiosperms and conifers.
-
U.02. Describe the life cycles of mosses and ferns.
-
U.03. Explain the role of pollination and fertilization in plant reproduction.
-
U.04. Compare and contrast different plant reproductive strategies.
V. Photosynthesis
-
V.01. Describe the process of photosynthesis.
-
V.02. Explain the role of photosynthesis in ecosystems.
-
V.03. Identify photosynthetic organisms.
-
V.04. Explain the importance of light, water, and carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.
-
V.05. Describe the different stages of photosynthesis.
W. Ecosystems
-
W.01. Define population, community, and ecosystem.
-
W.02. Identify different types of ecosystems.
-
W.03. Describe the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems.
-
W.04. Analyze the structure and function of ecosystems.
-
W.05. Explain the concept of ecological niches.
X. Ecological Interactions
-
X.01. Describe how matter moves in food chains and food webs.
-
X.02. Interpret food webs.
-
X.03. Explain the concept of trophic levels.
-
X.04. Predict changes in populations based on food chains.
-
X.05. Classify symbiotic relationships.
-
X.06. Describe primary succession and the processes involved.
-
X.07. Explain the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems.
Y. Conservation
-
Y.01. Identify threats to biodiversity.
-
Y.02. Explain the importance of conservation efforts.
-
Y.03. Analyze the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
-
Y.04. Evaluate solutions to environmental problems.
-
Y.05. Develop strategies for conserving biodiversity.
Z. Natural Resources and Human Impacts
-
Z.01. Identify different types of natural resources.
-
Z.02. Evaluate claims about natural resource use.
-
Z.03. Explain the impact of human activities on natural resources.
-
Z.04. Describe sustainable practices for managing natural resources.
-
Z.05. Analyze the trade-offs associated with natural resource use.
AA. Rocks
-
AA.01. Identify common rocks and minerals.
-
AA.02. Describe the rock cycle.
-
AA.03. Explain how different types of rocks are formed.
-
AA.04. Analyze rock samples to determine their composition and origin.
-
AA.05. Interpret geological maps.
BB. Earth’s Features
-
BB.01. Identify the layers of the Earth.
-
BB.02. Describe tectonic plate boundaries.
-
BB.03. Explain how tectonic plates move.
-
BB.04. Analyze geological maps to identify plate boundaries.
-
BB.05. Describe the formation of various landforms.
CC. Topographic Maps
-
CC.01. Interpret topographic maps.
-
CC.02. Identify features on topographic maps.
-
CC.03. Determine elevation using topographic maps.
-
CC.04. Analyze topographic maps to understand landforms.
DD. Earth’s Cycles
-
DD.01. Describe the water cycle.
-
DD.02. Explain the importance of the water cycle.
-
DD.03. Describe the carbon cycle.
-
DD.04. Explain the role of carbon in ecosystems.
-
DD.05. Analyze the interactions between different Earth cycles.
EE. The Atmosphere
-
EE.01. Describe the composition of the atmosphere.
-
EE.02. Explain the formation of air masses.
-
EE.03. Compare and contrast different types of air masses.
-
EE.04. Describe the greenhouse effect.
-
EE.05. Explain the role of the atmosphere in regulating Earth’s temperature.
FF. Weather and Climate
-
FF.01. Distinguish between weather and climate.
-
FF.02. Describe factors that affect climate.
-
FF.03. Explain how climate affects ecosystems.
-
FF.04. Analyze climate data.
-
FF.05. Explain the impact of surface ocean currents on climate.
GG. Natural Hazards
-
GG.01. Identify different types of natural hazards.
-
GG.02. Explain the causes of natural hazards.
-
GG.03. Analyze natural hazard maps.
-
GG.04. Describe the impact of natural hazards.
-
GG.05. Develop strategies for mitigating natural hazards.
HH. Astronomy
-
HH.01. Describe the Earth-Sun-Moon system.
-
HH.02. Identify the phases of the moon.
-
HH.03. Explain solar and lunar eclipses.
-
HH.04. Explain the cause of Earth’s seasons.
-
HH.05. Compare properties of planets in our solar system.
-
HH.06. Identify constellations.
-
HH.07. Describe the structure of the universe.
II. Units and Measurement
-
II.01. Identify and use customary and metric units.
-
II.02. Convert between units.
-
II.03. Estimate measurements.
-
II.04. Use significant figures appropriately.
-
II.05. Apply units and measurement to solve problems.
-
II.06. Understand and utilize dimensional analysis.
