Curriculum Framework: Science

SUPPORT SKILLS

Scientific Process

Ninth 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

Ninth Grade: The student will describe the different forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed. The student will relate the concepts of change and conservation of matter. The student will demonstrate the use of properties, forms, and interactions of matter and energy
-observe, recognize, and compare how energy appears in different forms
-observe and compare how energy moves (transfers) and changes (transforms)
-identify, describe, and predict the interactions that can produce changes in a system, although the total quantity of matter and energy remains unchanged

-examine, measure, describe, classify, and predict common properties of substances

-use word and chemical equations to relate observed changes in matter to its composition and structure

-describe, explain, predict, compare, and contrast chemical and physical properties and composition of samples of matter using substances and models

-identify, measure, calculate, and analyze quantitative and qualitative relationships associated with energy transfer or energy transformation

-describe, predict, and explain physical interactions and chemical changes using models, words, symbols, and laboratory investigations

-identify, describe, and explain physical and chemical changes involving the conservation of mass and energy

Life Science

Ninth Grade: The student will describe the characteristics and interactions of living things with each other and the environment. The student will relate the interactions of matter and energy in living systems. The student will describe the characteristics and diversity of living things.
-identify, predict, and explain interactions of populations, ecosystems, and environmental cycles
-describe the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems for living and nonliving things
-compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and terms of energy and molecular changes
-explain how molecules are built up and broken down in terms of energy transfer in living things
-explain how adaptations of organisms determine their niche/role in the environment

Earth Science

Ninth Grade: The student will identify, recognize, and describe the composition of Earth, its history and natural processes. The student will investigate and analyze the characteristics of the atmosphere and the fundamental processes of weather. The student will describe space exploration, the structure of the solar system, and the composition of and interactions among objects in the universe. The student will examine the structure and dynamics of Earth and other objects in space and analyze the processes and interactions of Earth's systems.
-examine, describe, measure, classify, and predict the composition, properties, and characteristics of objects and substances of the Earth and space
-use word and chemical equations to relate observed changes in matter to its composition and structure
-model the Earth's composition and structure and its relation to the sun and other stars
-identify, describe, and explain physical and chemical changes involving conservation of matter and energy in Earth's systems related to plate tectonics, natural resources, and space technology
-describe and predict chemical changes and physical interactions of matter for Earth's systems as related to plate tectonics, natural disasters, and space technology
-identify, predict, and explain interactions of populations, ecosystems, and environmental cycles
-explain and analyze interrelationships and factors of change in Earth's systems, including weather patterns
-examine, describe, measure, classify, and predict the composition, properties, and characteristics of objects and substances of the Earth and space
-model the Earth's composition and structure and its relation to the sun and other stars
-identify, describe, and explain physical and chemical changes involving conservation of matter and energy in Earth's systems as related to plate tectonics, natural resources, and space technology
-use word and chemical equations to relate observed changes in matter to the Earth's composition and structure
-describe and predict chemical changes and physical interactions of matter for the Earth's systems as related to plate tectonics, natural disasters, and space technology
-identify, predict, and explain interactions of populations, ecosystems, and environmental cycles
-explain and analyze interrelationships and factors of change in Earth's systems, including weather patterns
-explain interactions between water and other Earth systems (atmosphere) which impact living and nonliving things
-describe the cycling of matter and changes in energy through ecosystems and Earth's systems

Impact on Society

Ninth 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

Ninth 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 consistence
-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)