Course Content
A. Matter and Mass
-
A.01. Define matter, mass, and volume and explain their relationships.
-
A.02. Measure mass and volume using appropriate tools and units.
-
A.03. Calculate density using the formula density = mass/volume.
-
A.04. Solve problems involving density, mass, and volume.
-
A.05. Understand and explain the principle of conservation of matter using graphs and data.
-
A.06. Apply the principle of conservation of matter to predict outcomes in closed systems.
B. Mixtures and Solutions
-
B.01. Define and identify different types of mixtures (e.g., homogeneous, heterogeneous).
-
B.02. Distinguish between mixtures and pure substances.
-
B.03. Define solutions and identify their components (solute, solvent).
-
B.04. Compare and contrast the properties of solutions with different concentrations.
-
B.05. Compare concentrations of solutions using qualitative (dilute, concentrated) and quantitative terms.
-
B.06. Explain the process of diffusion across membranes and its importance in biological systems.
C. Atoms, Molecules, and Elements
-
C.01. Define atoms, elements, and molecules.
-
C.02. Identify common chemical elements and their symbols.
-
C.03. Explain how substances are represented by chemical formulas and models (ball-and-stick, space-filling).
-
C.04. Describe the atomic composition of simple molecules using chemical formulas.
-
C.05. Classify substances as elements or compounds using chemical formulas and models.
-
C.06. Determine the number of atoms of each element in a given chemical formula.
-
C.07. Explain the difference between elements, compounds and mixtures, and provide real-world examples of each.
D. Chemical Reactions
-
D.01. Define chemical reactions and identify reactants and products.
-
D.02. Recognize common signs of a chemical reaction (e.g., color change, gas formation).
-
D.03. Count atoms and molecules in chemical reactions to demonstrate conservation of mass.
-
D.04. Compare and contrast physical and chemical changes.
-
D.05. Describe energy changes (release or absorption) in chemical reactions.
-
D.06. Explain how catalysts affect the rate of a chemical reaction.
-
D.07. Explore the relationship between chemical structure and properties through examples like soap-making and food flavors.
-
D.08. Describe the properties of synthetic materials and their impact on society and the environment.
E. Forces and Motion
-
E.01. Define force and motion and identify different types of forces (e.g., gravity, friction).
-
E.02. Identify whether an object is accelerating based on changes in its velocity.
-
E.03. Explain how mass affects force and acceleration using Newton’s second law of motion.
-
E.04. Predict forces using Newton’s third law of motion (action-reaction).
-
E.05. Differentiate between balanced and unbalanced forces and their effects on an object’s motion.
-
E.06. Analyze real-world scenarios involving forces and motion, such as pushing a box or throwing a ball.
-
E.07. Calculate the net force acting on an object given multiple forces acting upon it.
F. Kinetic and Potential Energy
-
F.01. Define kinetic and potential energy and provide examples of each.
-
F.02. Identify changes in gravitational potential energy as an object’s height changes.
-
F.03. Use tables and graphs to identify patterns and relationships between kinetic energy and velocity/mass.
-
F.04. Explore energy transformations in real-world systems such as roller coasters and bike rides.
-
F.05. Calculate kinetic and potential energy in simple scenarios.
-
F.06. Explain the law of conservation of energy and how it applies to energy transformations.
G. Electricity and Magnetism
-
G.01. Describe electric forces and fields and their interactions.
-
G.02. Compare the magnitudes of magnetic forces between different magnets and materials.
-
G.03. Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism (electromagnetism).
-
G.04. Construct a simple electromagnet and describe its properties.
-
G.05. Explain the concept of electric charge and how it relates to electric force.
-
G.06. Explore real-world applications of electromagnetism, such as electric motors and generators.
H. Particle Motion and Energy
-
H.01. Describe the motion of particles in solids, liquids, and gases.
-
H.02. Explain how particle motion affects temperature.
-
H.03. Explain the relationship between particle motion and changes of state (solid, liquid, gas).
-
H.04. Explain how particle motion affects gas pressure.
-
H.05. Identify how particle motion affects both temperature and pressure in a closed system.
-
H.06. Relate particle motion to the concept of thermal energy.
I. Waves
-
I.01. Define waves and differentiate between transverse and longitudinal waves.
-
I.02. Identify the properties of waves (amplitude, wavelength, frequency).
-
I.03. Describe the transmission, reflection, and absorption of waves.
-
I.04. Explain the properties and uses of electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, visible light).
-
I.05. Describe the applications of infrared waves in everyday life and technology.
-
I.06. Explain the concept of wave interference and diffraction.
J. Science Practices and Tools
-
J.01. Describe the process of scientific enquiry, including observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.
-
J.02. Identify common laboratory tools and their uses.
-
J.03. Describe essential laboratory safety equipment and procedures.
-
J.04. Explain the importance of accurate data collection and analysis.
-
J.05. Design a simple experiment to test a hypothesis.
-
J.06. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data.
-
J.07. Communicate scientific findings effectively through written reports and presentations.
K. Designing Experiments
-
K.01. Formulate a testable experimental question.
-
K.02. Identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
-
K.03. Identify control and experimental groups in an experiment.
-
K.04. Identify questions that can be investigated using a given set of materials.
-
K.05. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about plant growth.
-
K.06. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about diffusion.
-
K.07. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about evaporation.
-
K.08. Identify potential sources of error in an experiment and suggest ways to minimize them.
-
K.09. Design a controlled experiment to investigate a scientific question.
L. Engineering Practices
-
L.01. Identify the different parts of the engineering-design process (e.g., problem definition, brainstorming, prototyping, testing).
-
L.02. Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions using specific criteria.
-
L.03. Use data from tests to compare different engineering-design solutions.
-
L.04. Describe the iterative nature of the engineering-design process.
-
L.05. Explore real-world examples of engineering design, such as going to the Moon.
-
L.06. Apply the engineering design process to solve a simple problem.
M. The Water Cycle
-
M.01. Define the different stages of the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration).
-
M.02. Label parts of water cycle diagrams.
-
M.03. Select parts of water cycle diagrams to explain a specific process.
-
M.04. Explain the role of the sun in driving the water cycle.
-
M.05. Describe the impact of human activities on the water cycle.
-
M.06. Explain the importance of the water cycle for life on Earth.
N. Rocks and the Rock Cycle
-
N.01. Describe the rock cycle and its processes.
-
N.02. Classify rocks as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based on their formation.
-
N.03. Explain how rock layers form and the information they provide about Earth’s history.
-
N.04. Label parts of rock cycle diagrams.
-
N.05. Select parts of rock cycle diagrams to explain a specific process.
-
N.06. Relate the rock cycle to plate tectonics and other Earth processes.
-
N.07. Investigate the properties and uses of different types of rocks.
O. Earth’s Layers
-
O.01. Identify and describe the different layers of the Earth (crust, mantle, core).
-
O.02. Label Earth layers on a diagram.
-
O.03. Compare the properties (e.g., composition, density, temperature) of each layer.
-
O.04. Explain how the layers interact with each other.
-
O.05. Describe the importance of each layer for Earth’s processes.
-
O.06. Explain the concept of plate tectonics and its relationship to Earth’s layers.
P. The Atmosphere
-
P.01. Describe the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere.
-
P.02. Explain the importance of the atmosphere for life on Earth.
-
P.03. Explore the properties of air masses (temperature, humidity).
-
P.04. Identify and compare different types of air masses.
-
P.05. Explain how air masses form and move.
-
P.06. Relate air mass movement to weather patterns.
-
P.07. Explain the role of the atmosphere in regulating Earth’s temperature.
Q. Weather and Climate
-
Q.06. Discuss the potential impacts of climate change on different regions.
-
Q.01. Distinguish between weather and climate.
-
Q.02. Use data to describe different climates.
-
Q.03. Identify and explain factors affecting climate, including latitude, altitude, and distance from the ocean.
-
Q.04. Explain how these factors influence temperature and precipitation patterns.
-
Q.05. Analyze climate data to identify trends and patterns.
R. Astronomy
-
R.01. Analyze models of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to explain phenomena like day/night, seasons, and eclipses.
-
R.02. Identify and describe the phases of the Moon.
-
R.03. Explain the causes of solar and lunar eclipses.
-
R.04. Explain what causes the seasons on Earth, including the tilt of Earth’s axis and its orbit around the sun.
-
R.05. Analyze data to compare the properties of different planets in our solar system.
-
R.06. Identify constellations and their significance in different cultures.
-
R.07. Explain the scale of the universe and our place within it.
S. Units and Measurement
-
S.01. Choose appropriate units for measuring distance, mass, and volume.
-
S.02. Abbreviate units of time, length, speed, and acceleration.
-
S.03. Abbreviate units of mass and volume.
-
S.04. Abbreviate units of force, energy, and electricity.
-
S.05. Convert between different units of measurement within the same system (e.g., meters to centimeters).
-
S.06. Perform calculations using measurements in appropriate units.
T. Classification and Scientific Names
-
T.01. Describe, classify, and compare the major kingdoms of living organisms (e.g., animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria).
-
T.02. Identify common and scientific names of organisms.
-
T.03. Explain the origins of scientific names.
-
T.04. Use scientific names to classify organisms into hierarchical groups (kingdom, phylum, class, etc.).
-
T.05. Explain the importance of using scientific names for clear communication.
-
T.06. Construct a simple dichotomous key to identify organisms based on observable characteristics.
U. Cells
-
U.01. Describe the basic structure and function of cells as the fundamental units of life.
-
U.02. Identify and describe the functions of plant cell parts (e.g., cell wall, chloroplast, vacuole).
-
U.03. Identify and describe the functions of animal cell parts (e.g., cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm).
-
U.04. Label plant cell diagrams.
-
U.05. Label animal cell diagrams.
-
U.06. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
-
U.07. Describe the process of cell division (mitosis) and its importance for growth and repair.
-
U.08. Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
-
U.09. Explain the role of specialized cells in multicellular organisms.
V. Anatomy and Physiology
-
V.01. Describe the levels of organization in the human body (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems).
-
V.02. Identify major human organs and their functions.
-
V.03. Describe the functions of the circulatory and respiratory systems.
-
V.04. Describe the functions of the digestive system.
-
V.05. Describe the functions of the excretory (waste removal) systems.
-
V.06. Describe the functions of the nervous system, including perception and motion.
-
V.07. Explain how different body systems interact to maintain homeostasis.
-
V.08. Explain how the nervous system produces phantom pain.
W. Photosynthesis
-
W.01. Explain the process of photosynthesis and its importance for life on Earth.
-
W.02. Explain how plants use and change energy during photosynthesis.
-
W.03. Identify the photosynthetic organism (plants, algae, some bacteria).
-
W.04. Describe the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
-
W.05. Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
-
W.06. Describe the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and their relationship to each other.
X. Biochemistry
-
X.01. Describe the chemistry of cellular respiration and its role in energy production.
-
X.02. Explain how enzymes facilitate biochemical reactions.
-
X.03. Describe the major types of organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) and their functions in living organisms.
-
X.04. Explain the roles of vitamins and minerals in biochemical processes.
-
X.05. Describe the importance of water for biological processes.
Y. Plant Reproduction
-
Y.01. Describe the angiosperm (flowering plant) and conifer (cone-bearing plant) life cycles.
-
Y.02. Describe the moss and fern life cycles.
-
Y.03. Compare and contrast sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.
-
Y.04. Explain the process of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants.
-
Y.05. Describe the adaptations of plants for seed dispersal.
-
Y.06. Compare and contrast the processes of pollination and fertilization.
-
Y.07. Identify the structures that develop into seeds and fruits.
Z. Fossils
-
Z.01. Explain how fossils are formed and what they can tell us about the past.
-
Z.02. Compare the relative ages of fossils in a rock sequence using the principle of superposition.
-
Z.03. Explain how fossils provide evidence for evolution.
-
Z.04. Describe the process of fossilization and the factors that affect it.
-
Z.05. Explain the difference between relative and absolute dating of fossils.
-
Z.06. Describe the types of fossils and the information provided by each type.
AA. Ecosystems
-
AA.01. Define populations, communities, and ecosystems and describe their interrelationships.
-
AA.02. Identify different types of ecosystems (e.g., forest, grassland, aquatic).
-
AA.03. Describe the characteristics of different ecosystems.
-
AA.04. Explain the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems.
-
AA.05. Explain the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.
-
AA.06. Explain the concept of a food web and how it represents the complex interactions within an ecosystem.
BB. Ecological Interactions
-
BB.01. Explain how matter moves through food chains and food webs.
-
BB.02. Interpret food webs and predict the effects of changes in populations.
-
BB.03. Use food chains to predict changes in populations based on predator-prey relationships.
-
BB.04. Classify symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism) and provide examples.
-
BB.05. Describe the process of primary succession on a volcanic island or other barren environment.
-
BB.06. Explain the concept of ecological niche and how it contributes to biodiversity.
CC. Conservation
-
CC.01. Explore the biodiversity of coral reefs and the human uses of these ecosystems.
-
CC.02. Evaluate the problems facing coral reefs and potential solutions for their conservation.
-
CC.03. Discuss the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem stability and human well-being.
-
CC.04. Describe the threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
-
CC.05. Discuss the role of sustainable practices in conserving natural resources.
-
CC.06. Develop and evaluate solutions to environmental problems at the local and global level.
DD. Natural Resources and Human Impacts
-
DD.01. Evaluate claims about natural resource use, focusing on fossil fuels as an example.
-
DD.02. Discuss the environmental impacts of using different natural resources.
-
DD.03. Explain the concept of sustainability and its importance for managing natural resources.
-
DD.04. Discuss the challenges of balancing human needs with environmental protection.
-
DD.05. Explore the role of technology in mitigating the environmental impacts of resource use.
-
DD.06. Discuss the importance of responsible consumption and waste reduction.
