Curriculum Framework: Science

Scientific Process

Tenth Grade: The student will investigate a question using the scientific process, analyze the findings, and defend a conclusion based on supportive data.
-select and use resource material for background information
-ask questions and state hypotheses, using concepts to help guide investigations
-select appropriate available technologies to gather, process, and analyze data
-select from and use a variety of approaches to conduct experiments
-use graphs, charts, etc. to communicate the analysis of data
-construct and revise scientific explanations and models, using evidence and logic to interpret data
-communicate and evaluate scientific thinking that leads to particular conclusions
-write about experiments in a logical and orderly manner
-apply appropriate scientific vocabulary
-use scientific tools appropriately
-apply appropriate safety procedures

Physical Science

Tenth Grade: The student will relate matter and its characteristic properties to its composition and structure.
-identify, describe, and explain physical and chemical changes involving the conservation of matter and energy of substances
-separate substances based on their chemical and physical properties
-observe, measure, and calculate quantities to demonstrate conservation of matter and energy in substances, openness to criticism, logical arguments, and skepticism)

Life Science

Tenth Grade: The student will describe the characteristics and diversity of living things. The student will relate changes in organisms over time to biological evolution and genetics. The student will compare human body functions with external factors and other organisms. The student will describe the characteristics and structure of living things, describe the processes of life, and evaluate how living things interact with each other and their environment.
-explain how molecules are built up and broken down in terms of system functions in living things
-describe cellular processes and organism organization and functioning as related to energy transfer
-describe the patterns and processes of reproduction and development in a variety of organisms
-compare and contrast the purpose and process of cell division (mitosis) with the production of sex cells (meiosis)
-describe the role of DNA in cell process, population variations, and inheritance
-identify, predict, and explain interactions of populations, ecosystems, and environmental cycles
-describe the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems for living and non-living things -explain how adaptations of organisms determine their niche/role in the environment
-compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and respiration in terms of function and structure in living things
-explain how molecules are built up and broken down in terms of system functions in living things
-describe cellular processes and organism organization and functioning as related to energy transfer
-describe the patterns and processes of reproduction and development in a variety of organisms
-compare and contrast the purpose and process of cell division (mitosis) with the production of sex cells (meiosis)
-describe the role of DNA in cell process, population variations, and inheritance

Earth Science

Tenth Grade: The student will investigate and analyze the characteristics of the atmosphere and fundamental processes of weather. The student will identify and analyze sources, uses, and importance of water and its cyclic pattern of movement through the environment.
-explain interactions between water and other Earth systems (atmosphere) which impact living and nonliving things
-explain and analyze interrelationships and factors between water and Earth systems, including weather patterns
-describe the cycling of matter and changes in energy through ecosystems and Earth systems
-identify, predict, and explain interactions of populations, ecosystems, and environmental cycles

Impact on Society

Tenth Grade: The student will synthesize and evaluate the impact of science, technology, and human activity on society and the world.
-analyze how the introduction of new technology has affected or could affect human activity
-propose and/or predict scientific explanations for a natural or human event, real or created, and explain its impact on society
-investigate and report the use of technology in an occupation
-explore the scientific and technological aspects of contemporary problems

Connections of Science

Tenth Grade: The student will explore how science (a particular way of knowing and understanding) connects with other disciplines.
-evaluate print and visual media for scientific evidence, bias, or opinion
-use graphs, equations, or other models to analyze systems involving change and consistency
-analyze and compare cyclic changes within and among scientific disciplines
-identify and describe the dynamics of systems (weather, ecological, and body systems at dynamic equilibrium)
-predict the role of cause and effect in the study of change
-explain that the scientific way of knowing uses a critique and consensus process (peer review, openness to criticism, logical arguments, and skepticism