Course Content
A. Materials
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A.01. Identify common objects based on their observable properties
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A.02. Compare and contrast the properties of different objects
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A.03. Compare and contrast the properties of different materials
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A.04. Explain how the properties of a material make it suitable for a particular purpose
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A.05. Investigate and classify materials based on their physical properties (e.g., conductivity, solubility)
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A.06. Design an experiment to test a specific property of a material
B. Matter and Mass
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B.01. Define matter and mass and differentiate between them
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B.02. Understand the concept of conservation of matter using graphical representations
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B.03. Interpret graphs illustrating the conservation of matter in different scenarios
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B.04. Explain how matter is neither created nor destroyed in a closed system
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B.05. Design an experiment to demonstrate the conservation of mass during a physical change
C. Mixtures
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C.03. Distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures
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C.04. Describe methods for separating mixtures (e.g., filtration, evaporation)
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C.05. Separate mixtures using appropriate techniques and explain the principles behind each method
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C.01. Define what a mixture is
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C.02. Identify examples of mixtures in everyday life
D. Temperature
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D.01. Read a thermometer accurately
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D.02. Compare temperatures on different thermometers
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D.03. Collect temperature data using a thermometer
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D.04. Graph temperature data to identify trends
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D.05. Analyze temperature graphs to make predictions and draw conclusions
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D.06. Explain the relationship between temperature and molecular motion
E. Units and Measurement
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E.01. Recognize and select appropriate units for measuring distance
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E.02. Recognize and select appropriate units for measuring mass
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E.03. Recognize and select appropriate units for measuring volume
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E.04. Convert between different units of measurement within the same system (e.g., cm to m, g to kg, mL to L)
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E.05. Estimate measurements using appropriate units and tools
F. Science Practices and Tools
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F.01. Recognize and identify common laboratory tools
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F.02. Understand the function and purpose of each identified laboratory tool
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F.03. Use laboratory tools correctly and safely
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F.04. Explain the importance of accurate measurements in scientific investigations
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F.05. Design and conduct a simple experiment using appropriate tools to collect data
G. Force and Motion
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G.01. Identify and describe different directions of forces
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G.02. Explain how balanced forces affect motion
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G.03. Explain how unbalanced forces affect motion
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G.04. Predict the motion of an object based on the forces acting upon it
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G.05. Investigate how different forces (e.g., friction, gravity) affect the motion of objects
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G.06. Analyze and explain real-world examples of forces and motion
H. Magnets
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H.01. Identify magnets that attract or repel each other
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H.02. Label the poles of magnets that attract or repel each other
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H.03. Compare the strengths of different magnetic forces
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H.04. Explain the concept of a magnetic field
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H.05. Investigate the factors that affect the strength of a magnetic force
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H.06. Design an experiment to test the effect of distance on magnetic attraction
I. Physical and Chemical Change
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I.01. Define and identify physical changes
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I.02. Define and identify chemical changes
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I.03. Distinguish between physical and chemical changes based on observations
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I.04. Compare physical and chemical changes, noting key differences
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I.05. Describe the indicators of a chemical change (e.g., color change, gas production)
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I.06. Provide examples of physical and chemical changes in everyday life
J. States of Matter
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J.01. Identify the three common states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases
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J.02. Sort materials into solids, liquids, and gases based on their properties
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J.03. Describe changes of state (solid to liquid, liquid to gas, etc.) using diagrams
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J.04. Explain the processes of heating, cooling, and their effects on changes of state
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J.05. Relate changes of state to changes in particle arrangement and energy
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J.06. Investigate the properties of each state of matter through observation and experimentation
K. Electricity
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K.01. Define static electricity and charged objects
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K.02. Describe how static electricity is generated
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K.03. Explain the basic principles of electric circuits
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K.04. Identify the components of a simple electric circuit (e.g., battery, wires, bulb)
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K.05. Construct a simple electric circuit and explain how it works
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K.06. Investigate factors that affect the flow of electricity in a circuit (e.g., resistance)
L. Energy Transformation
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L.01. Define energy transformation
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L.02. Identify different forms of energy (e.g., light, heat, mechanical)
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L.03. Describe examples of energy transformation in everyday life
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L.04. Explain how energy can be converted from one form to another
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L.05. Investigate and analyze energy transformations in various systems (e.g., a light bulb, a car engine)
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L.06. Discuss the importance of energy conservation
M. Light
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M.01. Describe how we see objects
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M.02. Explain how light travels
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M.03. Describe how light interacts with matter (reflection, refraction, absorption)
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M.04. Investigate the properties of light through experimentation
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M.05. Explain how lenses and prisms affect the path of light
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M.06. Explore the applications of light and optics in technology and nature
N. Water Cycle
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N.01. Label the parts of a water cycle diagram
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N.02. Select and identify the different parts of the water cycle diagram
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N.03. Describe the processes involved in the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation)
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N.04. Explain the role of each process in the water cycle
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N.05. Illustrate and explain the continuous movement of water through the water cycle
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N.06. Analyze the impact of human activities on the water cycle
O. Rocks and Minerals
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O.01. Identify minerals based on their properties
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O.02. Identify rocks based on their properties
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O.03. Distinguish between rocks and minerals
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O.04. Classify rocks based on their formation (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)
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O.05. Investigate the properties of different types of rocks and minerals through observation and testing
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O.06. Explain the rock cycle and its processes
P. Astronomy
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P.01. Observe and describe how shadows are formed
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P.02. Explain the concept of Earth’s rotation
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P.03. Explain the concept of Earth’s orbit
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P.04. Explain how Earth’s rotation causes day and night
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P.05. Compare the brightness of the Sun and other stars
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P.06. Identify common constellations and their changing positions in the night sky
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P.07. Identify the phases of the Moon
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P.08. Identify the planets in the solar system
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P.09. Recognize and identify constellations
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P.10. Analyze and explain the relationship between Earth’s movements and observable phenomena
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P.11. Research and present information about a chosen planet or constellation
Q. Classification
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Q.01. Identify the characteristics of mammals
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Q.02. Identify the characteristics of birds
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Q.03. Identify the characteristics of fish
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Q.04. Identify the characteristics of reptiles
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Q.05. Identify the characteristics of amphibians
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Q.06. Identify vertebrates and invertebrates
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Q.07. Classify animals based on evidence
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Q.08. Use evidence to classify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians
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Q.09. Explain the criteria used for classifying animals into different groups
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Q.10. Create a dichotomous key to classify a set of animals based on their characteristics
R. Body Systems
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R.01. Identify major human organs and describe their functions
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R.02. Describe the body systems involved in circulation and respiration
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R.03. Describe the body systems involved in digestion
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R.04. Describe the body systems involved in removing waste
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R.05. Describe the body systems involved in perception and motion
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R.06. Explain how different body systems work together to maintain homeostasis
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R.07. Investigate the impact of lifestyle choices on the health of different body systems
S. Animals
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S.01. Read animal life cycle diagrams
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S.02. Construct animal life cycle diagrams
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S.03. Compare the life cycles of different animals
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S.04. Explain the stages of development in different animal life cycles
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S.05. Analyze the adaptations that animals have for their specific life cycles
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S.06. Research and present information about the life cycle of a chosen animal
T. Plants
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T.01. Identify the different parts of a plant and describe their functions
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T.02. Explain how plants make food through photosynthesis
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T.03. Identify the different parts of a flower and describe their functions
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T.04. Describe the life cycle of a flowering plant
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T.05. Construct the life cycle of a flowering plant
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T.06. Describe the life cycle of a conifer
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T.07. Construct the life cycle of a conifer
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T.08. Compare and contrast the life cycles of flowering plants and conifers
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T.09. Design an experiment to investigate the factors that affect plant growth
U. Adaptations
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U.04. Explain how feet and limbs are adaptations for movement
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U.05. Explain how skins and body coverings are adaptations for protection and survival
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U.06. Analyze how specific adaptations help animals survive in their environments
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U.07. Research and present information about a chosen animal and its adaptations
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U.01. Define adaptations and explain their importance
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U.02. Describe different types of animal adaptations
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U.03. Explain how beaks, mouths, and necks are adaptations for feeding
V. Traits and Heredity
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V.01. Explain the concept of traits
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V.02. Describe how traits are passed from parents to offspring
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V.03. Identify inherited traits
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V.04. Identify acquired traits
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V.05. Distinguish between inherited and acquired traits
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V.06. Match offspring to parents using inherited traits
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V.07. Use observations to support a hypothesis about what affects traits
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V.08. Use evidence to support a statement about inherited and acquired traits
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V.09. Investigate how environmental factors can influence the expression of traits
W. Ecosystems
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W.01. Define an ecosystem
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W.02. Identify different types of ecosystems
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W.03. Describe the characteristics of different ecosystems
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W.04. Identify the roles of organisms in food chains
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W.05. Explain how matter moves in food chains
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W.06. Interpret food webs
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W.07. Analyze the relationships between organisms in an ecosystem
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W.08. Evaluate the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems
X. Conservation and Natural Resources
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X.01. Define conservation and natural resources
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X.02. Science literacy: Understand how a community can protect sea turtles
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X.03. Evaluate different natural energy sources
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X.04. Discuss the importance of conserving natural resources
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X.05. Describe the impact of human activities on natural resources
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X.06. Propose solutions for conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems
