Course Content
A. Science practices
-
A.01. Identify common laboratory tools and their uses.
-
A.02. Recognize and understand laboratory safety equipment and procedures.
-
A.03. Describe the process of scientific inquiry and its steps.
-
A.04. Apply scientific practices to formulate testable questions.
-
A.05. Assess the validity of experimental designs and data interpretation.
B. Mixtures
-
B.01. Define mixtures and identify different types of mixtures.
-
B.02. Distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
-
B.03. Provide examples of mixtures found in everyday life.
-
B.04. Explain methods for separating mixtures based on their properties.
-
B.05. Describe how the properties of a mixture can differ from its components.
C. Matter and mass
-
C.01. Define mass, volume, and density and their respective units.
-
C.02. Calculate density using mass and volume measurements.
-
C.03. Calculate mass and volume given density and the other variable.
-
C.04. Apply the principle of conservation of matter to interpret graphs showing changes in mass during physical and chemical changes.
-
C.05. Explain the relationship between mass, volume, and density for different materials.
D. Atoms and molecules
-
D.01. Define atoms and chemical elements and list examples of common elements.
-
D.02. Recognize how chemical formulas and models represent substances.
-
D.03. Identify chemical formulas from ball-and-stick models and vice versa.
-
D.04. Describe the atomic composition of molecules using chemical formulas and models.
-
D.05. Classify elementary substances and compounds based on their chemical formulas.
-
D.06. Classify elementary substances and compounds using models.
-
D.07. Explain the difference between elements, compounds, and molecules.
E. Designing experiments
-
E.01. Identify the experimental question being investigated in a scientific study.
-
E.02. Identify the control group in a given experimental setup.
-
E.03. Identify the experimental group in a given experimental setup.
-
E.04. Identify the dependent variable in a scientific experiment.
-
E.05. Identify the independent variable in a scientific experiment.
-
E.06. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about plant growth.
-
E.07. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about evaporation.
-
E.08. Understand and interpret an experimental protocol about diffusion.
-
E.09. Evaluate the suitability of experimental designs for addressing specific scientific questions.
F. Solutions
-
F.01. Define solution, solute, and solvent, providing examples of each.
-
F.02. Compare concentrations of different solutions qualitatively and quantitatively.
-
F.03. Explain the process of diffusion across membranes and its relevance to biological systems.
-
F.04. Predict the movement of substances across membranes based on concentration gradients.
-
F.05. Analyze factors that affect the rate of diffusion.
G. Chemical reactions
-
G.01. Identify reactants and products in a given chemical equation.
-
G.02. Count the number of atoms and molecules in chemical reactions.
-
G.03. Compare physical and chemical changes and provide examples of each.
-
G.04. Describe the role of energy in chemical reactions, including exothermic and endothermic reactions.
-
G.05. Calculate amounts of reactants or products involved in chemical reactions using stoichiometry.
-
G.06. Explore chemical structure and properties of substances like soap and food flavors.
-
G.07. Understand the properties and applications of synthetic materials.
-
G.08. Explain how reaction rates can be influenced by various factors.
H. Force and motion
-
H.01. Calculate speed from time and distance using the appropriate formula.
-
H.02. Calculate distance from speed and time using the appropriate formula.
-
H.03. Calculate time from speed and distance using the appropriate formula.
-
H.04. Solve problems involving speed, distance, and time in various scenarios.
-
H.05. Explain Newton’s third law of motion and predict forces in action-reaction pairs.
-
H.06. Differentiate between balanced and unbalanced forces and their effects on motion.
-
H.07. Illustrate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using Newton’s second law.
I. Kinetic and potential energy
-
I.01. Identify changes in gravitational potential energy based on height and mass.
-
I.02. Use tables and graphs to identify patterns related to kinetic energy.
-
I.03. Describe the relationship between kinetic energy, mass, and velocity.
-
I.04. Explore energy transformations in real-world scenarios such as a roller coaster ride.
-
I.05. Explore energy transformations in real-world scenarios such as a bike ride.
-
I.06. Explain the law of conservation of energy and its implications.
J. Thermal energy
-
J.01. Predict the direction of heat flow and temperature changes between objects in thermal contact.
-
J.02. Compare different methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation.
-
J.03. Explain the concept of specific heat capacity and its role in temperature changes.
-
J.04. Analyze the impact of thermal energy transfer on changes of state of matter.
-
J.05. Describe the role of insulation in minimizing thermal energy transfer.
K. Electricity and magnetism
-
K.01. Describe the nature of electric forces and fields.
-
K.02. Compare the magnitudes of magnetic forces between different magnets and electromagnets.
-
K.03. Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism, including the creation of magnetic fields by electric currents.
-
K.04. Describe applications of electromagnets in everyday devices.
-
K.05. Investigate the factors that influence the strength of an electromagnet.
L. Particle motion and energy
-
L.01. Describe how particle motion relates to temperature.
-
L.02. Explain how particle motion influences changes of state (solid, liquid, gas).
-
L.03. Describe how particle motion affects gas pressure.
-
L.04. Identify how particle motion affects temperature and pressure.
-
L.05. Relate the kinetic energy of particles to the overall thermal energy of a system.
M. Waves
-
M.01. Define transverse waves and their properties, such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
-
M.02. Explain the transmission, reflection, and absorption of waves.
-
M.03. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and its different types of waves.
-
M.04. Explain the applications of infrared waves in various technologies.
-
M.05. Compare and contrast mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
-
M.06. Investigate the phenomenon of wave interference.
N. Engineering practices
-
N.01. Identify and describe the steps in the engineering-design process.
-
N.02. Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions based on given criteria.
-
N.03. Use data from tests to compare different engineering-design solutions.
-
N.04. Explore the engineering-design process involved in complex projects, such as going to the Moon.
-
N.05. Apply the engineering-design process to solve real-world problems.
-
N.06. Describe the iterative nature of the engineering design process.
O. Biochemistry
-
O.01. Describe the basic chemical processes involved in cellular respiration.
-
O.02. Explain the roles of key molecules such as glucose, oxygen, and ATP in cellular respiration.
-
O.03. Describe the difference between anaerobic and aerobic respiration.
-
O.04. Discuss the significance of cellular respiration in providing energy for living organisms.
-
O.05. Compare cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
P. Classification and scientific names
-
P.03. Use scientific names to classify organisms within the Linnaean taxonomic system.
-
P.04. Describe the levels of classification (kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).
-
P.05. Discuss the importance of scientific names in avoiding confusion when discussing organisms.
-
P.01. Identify common and scientific names of organisms.
-
P.02. Explain the origins of scientific names (binomial nomenclature).
Q. Cells
-
Q.01. Understand the basic structure and function of cells as the fundamental unit of life.
-
Q.02. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells, identifying key differences.
-
Q.03. Identify functions of plant cell parts using diagrams.
-
Q.04. Identify functions of animal cell parts using diagrams.
-
Q.05. Label plant cell diagrams accurately.
-
Q.06. Label animal cell diagrams accurately.
-
Q.07. Describe the functions of major cell organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).
R. Anatomy and physiology
-
R.01. Describe the levels of organization in the human body (cells, tissues, organs, systems).
-
R.02. Explain the functions of different body systems related to perception and motion (e.g., nervous system, muscular system, skeletal system).
-
R.03. Explain the functions of different body systems related to circulation and respiration (e.g., cardiovascular system, respiratory system).
-
R.04. Apply science literacy to understand how the nervous system produces phantom pain.
-
R.05. Analyze the interactions between different body systems to maintain homeostasis.
S. Plant reproduction
-
S.01. Describe the life cycles of angiosperms (flowering plants) and conifers.
-
S.02. Describe the life cycles of mosses and ferns.
-
S.03. Compare and contrast sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.
-
S.04. Explain the process of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants.
-
S.05. Discuss the adaptations of plants for successful reproduction.
T. Photosynthesis
-
T.01. Identify photosynthetic organisms and their role in ecosystems.
-
T.02. Describe how plants use and change energy during photosynthesis.
-
T.03. Explain the importance of chlorophyll in capturing light energy.
-
T.04. Explain the overall equation for photosynthesis, including reactants and products.
-
T.05. Describe the process of photosynthesis and its two main stages (light-dependent and light-independent reactions).
U. Genes to traits
-
U.01. Define genetic variation and explain its role in sexual reproduction.
-
U.02. Define and use genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype.
-
U.03. Define and use genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive.
-
U.04. Complete and interpret Punnett squares to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes.
-
U.05. Use Punnett squares to calculate ratios of offspring types.
-
U.06. Use Punnett squares to calculate probabilities of offspring types.
-
U.07. Explain the relationship between genes, proteins, and traits, understanding the genetic code.
-
U.08. Describe the effects of gene mutations on organisms.
-
U.09. Explain how genes and the environment can affect plant growth.
-
U.10. Explore the concepts of incomplete dominance and co-dominance.
V. Adaptations and natural selection
-
V.01. Explain how animal behaviours can affect reproductive success.
-
V.02. Identify evidence to support claims about the effects of behavior on reproductive success.
-
V.03. Define natural selection and its role in evolution.
-
V.04. Calculate the percentages of traits in a population.
-
V.05. Calculate the averages of traits in a population.
-
V.06. Construct explanations of natural selection using evidence.
-
V.07. Illustrate the concept of adaptation and how it enhances survival and reproduction.
-
V.08. Describe different types of natural selection (directional, stabilizing, disruptive).
W. Ecosystems
-
W.01. Describe the characteristics of populations, communities, and ecosystems.
-
W.02. Identify different types of ecosystems found on Earth.
-
W.03. Describe the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and their interactions.
-
W.04. Explain the concepts of habitat and niche.
-
W.05. Describe the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.
X. Ecological interactions
-
X.01. Explain how matter moves in food chains and food webs.
-
X.02. Interpret food webs and identify producers, consumers, and decomposers.
-
X.03. Use food chains to predict changes in populations due to disruptions.
-
X.04. Classify symbiotic relationships as mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.
-
X.05. Investigate the process of primary succession on a volcanic island.
-
X.06. Analyze the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
Y. Conservation
-
Y.01. Explore the problem of coral reef biodiversity loss and its relationship to human uses.
-
Y.02. Evaluate potential solutions to conserve coral reef biodiversity.
-
Y.03. Discuss the importance of biodiversity and its benefits to ecosystems and humans.
-
Y.04. Describe different conservation strategies and their effectiveness.
-
Y.05. Analyze the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Z. Natural resources and human impacts
-
Z.01. Evaluate claims about natural resource use, focusing on fossil fuels.
-
Z.02. Discuss the environmental impacts of using natural resources.
-
Z.03. Explain the concepts of sustainability and resource management.
-
Z.04. Analyze the pros and cons of different energy sources.
-
Z.05. Describe ways to reduce human impacts on the environment.
AA. Astronomy
-
AA.01. Identify constellations in the night sky.
-
AA.02. Identify the phases of the Moon and their sequence.
-
AA.03. Explain the occurrence of solar eclipses.
-
AA.04. Explain the occurrence of lunar eclipses.
-
AA.05. Analyze models of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to understand their relationships.
-
AA.06. Explain what causes the seasons on Earth.
-
AA.07. Analyse data to compare properties of planets.
-
AA.08. Describe the characteristics of different types of celestial objects (planets, stars, galaxies).
BB. Rocks
-
BB.01. Label parts of rock cycle diagrams
-
BB.02. Select parts of rock cycle diagrams.
-
BB.03. Describe the processes involved in the rock cycle.
-
BB.04. Classify rocks as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based on their formation.
-
BB.05. Explain how rock layers form over time.
-
BB.06. Describe the uses of rocks in everyday life.
CC. Earth’s features
-
CC.01. Label Earth layers (crust, mantle, core) on a diagram.
-
CC.02. Label Earth features at tectonic plate boundaries (e.g., mountains, volcanoes, trenches).
-
CC.03. Describe the different types of tectonic plate boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform).
-
CC.04. Describe tectonic plate boundaries around the world
-
CC.05. Explain the theory of plate tectonics and its evidence.
DD. Units and measurement
-
DD.01. Choose appropriate units of distance, mass, and volume for given measurements.
-
DD.02. Abbreviate time, length, and speed units correctly.
-
DD.03. Abbreviate mass and volume units correctly.
-
DD.04. Abbreviate force, energy, and electricity units correctly.
-
DD.05. Convert measurements between different units within the metric system.
-
DD.06. Understand the importance of using standardized units in scientific measurements.
EE. The carbon cycle
-
EE.01. Explain the processes involved in the carbon cycle.
-
EE.02. Describe the role of different reservoirs (atmosphere, oceans, land) in storing carbon.
-
EE.03. Analyze the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle.
-
EE.04. Discuss the importance of carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change.
-
EE.05. Describe the relationship between the carbon cycle and global warming.
FF. The atmosphere
-
FF.01. Explore the characteristics of different air masses.
-
FF.02. Identify and compare different types of air masses based on their temperature and humidity.
-
FF.03. Explain how air masses form over different regions.
-
FF.04. Describe the greenhouse effect and its role in regulating Earth’s temperature.
-
FF.05. Discuss the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change.
GG. Weather and climate
-
GG.01. Use data to describe different climates around the world.
-
GG.02. Explain how latitude affects climate.
-
GG.03. Explain how altitude affects climate.
-
GG.04. Explain how distance from the ocean affects climate.
-
GG.05. Analyze the factors that influence local weather patterns.
-
GG.06. Differentiate between weather and climate.
-
GG.07. Describe the causes and effects of different weather phenomena (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes).
