General Science

Students inquire about states, properties, and transformations of matter

Students explain forces, motions, and their interactions.

Students investigate energy and how it is transferred and transformed within and between systems.

Students analyze the interconnected systems that include the planet Earth, our Solar System, our Galaxy, and the Universe.

Students explain planet Earth as a complex and dynamic system of rock, water, air, and living things

Students assess the interrelated cycles and forces that shape Earth’s surface, including human interaction with Earth.

Students examine organisms’ structures and functions for life processes, including growth and reproduction.

Students inquire how organisms and populations of organisms obtain resources from their environment.

Students explore how biological evolution explains unity and diversity of species.

Describe the nature of the atom, elements, compounds, and mixtures

Observe and identify physical and chemical properties of substances

Compare physical and chemical changes of substances

Differentiate speed, velocity, and acceleration

Use Newton’s laws of motion to describe the movement of objects

Differentiate various forms of energy

Identify and cite examples of energy transformations that are encountered daily

Distinguish among and give examples of mechanical, sound, and electromagnetic waves

Identify ways in which we use electromagnetic and sound waves in communication, medicine, and scientific investigation

Describe ways by which scientists have used technology to gather information about celestial bodies and the history of the Universe

Recognize that the Solar System consists of planets and their natural satellites, comets, meteoroids, and asteroids orbiting the Sun

Relate the movement of Earth and the Moon within the Solar System to occurrences on Earth

Relate volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to Earth’s structure and plate tectonics

Explain what can be learned about Earth’s history from fossils and other rock records

Describe how energy from the Sun impacts the water cycle

Identify relationships between biotic and abiotic Earth systems

Assess the impact of human activities on local natural resources and worldwide Earth systems

Recognize that the interactions of our body systems are critical to human health and survival

Recognize how cells transform matter using energy

Recognize that living things require reproduction for the survival of the species

Recognize the interdependency among organisms and their environment

Recognize similarities and differences between org

Recognize the structure and function of DNA

Summarize how genetic traits pass from parents to offspring

Summarize how living and nonliving environmental factors, including humans, impact evolution and biodiversity