Science, Grade K, 2005
1.) Classify objects as solids or liquids.
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2.) Identify the sun as Earth's source of light and heat.
• Predicting the effect of the sun on living and nonliving things
• Identifying relationships between light and shadows
• Predicting the occurrence of shadows
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3.) Relate a variety of sounds to their sources, including weather, animal, and transportation sounds.
Examples:
- weather-thunder,
- animal-dog bark,
- transportation-truck horn
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4.) Identify properties of motion, including change of position and change of speed.
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5.) Predict whether an object will be attracted by a magnet.
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6.) Compare size, shape, structure, and basic needs of living things.
• Identifying similarities of offspring and their parents
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7.) Classify objects using the five senses.
• Grouping objects according to color, shape, size, sound, taste, smell, texture, and temperature
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8.) Identify features of Earth as landmasses or bodies of water.
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9.) Identify seasons of the year.
• Describing seasonal changes in the weather
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10.) Identify objects observed in the day sky with the unaided eye, including the sun, clouds, moon, and rainbows.
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Science, Grade 1, 2005
1.) Select appropriate tools and technological resources needed to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
Examples: platform balances, hand lenses, computers, maps, graphs, journals
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2.) Identify basic properties of objects.
Examples: size, shape, color, texture
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3.) Describe effects of forces on objects, including change of speed, direction, and position.
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4.) Describe survival traits of living things, including color, shape, size, texture, and covering.
• Classifying plants and animals according to physical traits
Examples:
- animals-six legs on insects,
- plants-green leaves on evergreen trees
• Identifying developmental stages of plants and animals
Examples:
- plants-seed developing into seedling, seedling developing into tree;
- animals-piglet developing into pig, kid developing into goat
• Describing a variety of habitats and natural homes of animals
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5.) Identify parts of the human body, including the head, neck, shoulders, arms, spine, and legs.
• Recognizing the importance of a balanced diet for healthy bones
• Discussing the relationship of muscles and bones to locomotion
• Discussing the relationship of bones to protection of vital organs
Example: protection of brain by skull
• Identifying technology used by scientists to study the human body
Examples: X-ray images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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6.) Recognize evidence of animals that no longer exist.
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7.) Identify components of Earth's surface, including soil, rocks, and water.
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8.) Recognize daily changes in weather, including clouds, precipitation, and temperature.
• Recognizing instruments used to observe weather
Examples: thermometer, rain gauge, wind sock, weather vane
• Recording weather data using weather journals, charts, and maps
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9.) Identify ways to conserve Earth's resources.
Example: turning off lights and water when not in use
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10.) Describe uses of recycled materials.
Examples: manufacture of paper products from old newspapers, production of mulch from trees
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11.) Compare the day sky to the night sky as observed with the unaided eye.
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Science, Grade 2, 2005
1.) Identify states of matter as solids, liquids, and gases.
• Describing objects according to physical properties, including hardness, color, and flexibility
• Describing changes between states of matter
Examples:
- solid to liquid-melting,
- gas to liquid-condensing,
- liquid to gas-evaporating,
- liquid to solid-freezing
• Measuring quantities of solids and liquids
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2.) Identify vibration as the source of sound.
• Identifying pitch and volume as properties of sound
• Distinguishing between pitch and volume of sound
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3.) Recognize that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object.
• Recognizing that light can be reflected
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4.) Describe observable effects of forces, including buoyancy, gravity, and magnetism.
Examples:
- buoyancy-boat floating on water,
- gravity-apple falling from tree,
- magnetism-magnets adhering to metal
• Identifying simple machines, including the inclined plane, lever, pulley, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle
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5.) Identify the relationship of structure to function in plants, including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
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6.) Identify characteristics of animals, including behavior, size, and body covering
• Comparing existing animals to extinct animals
Examples: iguana to stegosaurus, elephant to wooly mammoth
• Identifying migration and hibernation as survival strategies
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7.) Identify geological features as mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
• Identifying local landforms and bodies of water
• Identifying components of soil, including sand, clay, and silt
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8.) Identify evidence of erosion and weathering of rocks.
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9.) Describe evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in the water cycle.
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10.) Identify the impact of weather on agriculture, recreation, the economy, and society.
• Recognizing the importance of science and technology to weather predictions
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11.) Identify basic components of our solar system, including the sun, planets, and Earth's moon.
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Science, Grade 3, 2005
1.) Classify substances as soluble or insoluble.
Examples:
- soluble-sugar in water, powdered drink in water;
- insoluble-sand in water, oil in water
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2.) Identify physical and chemical changes of matter.
Examples:
- physical-chopping wood,
- chemical-burning wood
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3.) Describe ways energy from the sun is used.
Examples: plant growth, light, heat
• Identifying fossil fuels as a source of energy
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4.) Define force and motion.
• Identifying forces that change an object's position or motion
Examples: lifting, pushing, pulling
• Identifying sources of friction
Examples: rubbing hands together, applying sandpaper to wood
• Describing the force of gravity
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5.) Identify the relationship of simple machines to compound machines.
Example: pencil sharpener composed of a wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge
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6.) Identify structures and functions of the muscular and skeletal systems of the human body.
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7.) Describe the life cycle of plants, including seed, seed germination, growth, and reproduction.
• Describing the role of plants in a food chain
• Identifying plant and animal cells
• Describing how plants occupy space and use light, nutrients, water, and air
• Classifying plants according to their features
Examples: evergreen or deciduous, flowering or nonflowering
• Identifying helpful and harmful effects of plants
Examples:
- helpful-provide food, control erosion;
- harmful-cause allergic reactions, produce poisons
• Identifying how bees pollinate flowers
• Identifying photosynthesis as the method used by plants to produce food
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8.) Identify how organisms are classified in the Animalia and Plantae kingdoms.
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9.) Describe how fossils provide evidence of prehistoric plant life.
Example: plant fossils in coal or shale providing evidence of existence of prehistoric ferns
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10.) Determine habitat conditions that support plant growth and survival.
Examples: deserts support cacti, wetlands support ferns and mosses
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11.) Describe Earth's layers, including inner and outer cores, mantle, and crust.
• Classifying rocks and minerals by characteristics, including streak, color, hardness, magnetism, luster, and texture
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12.) Identify conditions that result in specific weather phenomena, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
• Identifying cloud types associated with specific weather patterns
• Identifying positive and negative effects of weather phenomena
Examples:
- positive-flooding deposits good soil when waters recede,
- negative-flooding kills crops
• Identifying technology used to record and predict weather, including thermometers, barometers, rain gauges, anemometers, and satellites
• Explaining symbols shown on a weather map
• Organizing weather data into tables or charts
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13.) Describe ways to sustain natural resources, including recycling, reusing, conserving, and protecting the environment.
• Recognizing the impact of society on human health and environmental conditions
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14.) Describe the position of Earth, the moon, and the sun during the course of a day or month.
• Describing various forms of technology used in observing Earth and its moon
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Science, Grade 4, 2005
1.) Describe how electrical circuits can be used to produce light, heat, sound, and magnetic fields.
• Identifying ways to use and conserve electrical energy
• Identifying characteristics of parallel and series circuits
• Classifying materials as conductors, nonconductors, and insulators of electricity and heat
• Identifying relationships among charge, current, and potential energy
• Identifying components of a circuit
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2.) Compare different pitches of sound produced by changing the size, tension, amount, or type of vibrating material.
• Describing the relationship between the structure of the ear and hearing
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3.) Recognize how light interacts with transparent, translucent, and opaque materials.
Examples:
- transparent-most light passes through,
- translucent-some light passes through,
- opaque-no light passes through
• Predicting the reflection or absorption of light by various objects
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4.) Describe effects of friction on moving objects.
• Identifying momentum and inertia as properties of moving objects
• Identifying ways to increase or decrease friction
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5.) Describe the interdependence of plants and animals.
• Describing behaviors and body structures that help animals survive in particular habitats
Examples:
- behaviors-migration, hibernation, mimicry;
- body structures-quills, fangs, stingers, webbed feet
• Describing life cycles of various animals to include incomplete and complete metamorphosis
Examples: damsel fly, mealworms
• Tracing the flow of energy through a food chain
Example: producer, first-level consumer, second-level consumer, and third-level consumer
• Identifying characteristics of organisms, including growth and development, reproduction, acquisition and use of energy, and response to the environment
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6.) Classify animals as vertebrates or invertebrates and as endotherms or ectotherms.
• Describing the organization of cells into tissues, organs, and organ system
• Describing the grouping of organisms into populations, communities, and ecosystems
• Classifying common organisms into kingdoms, including Animalia, Plantae, Protista, Fungi, Archaebacteria, and Eubacteria
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7.) Describe geological features of Earth, including bodies of water, beaches, ocean ridges, continental shelves, plateaus, faults, canyons, sand dunes, and ice caps.
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8.) Identify technological advances and other benefits of space exploration.
Examples: laser, pacemaker, dehydrated food, flame-retardant clothing, global positioning system (GPS), satellite imagery, global weather information, diagnostic imagery
• Listing highlights of space exploration, including satellites, manned moon missions, the unmanned Mars mission, and an inhabited space station
• Identifying Alabama's contribution to the space industry
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9.) Describe the appearance and movement of Earth and its moon.
• Identifying the waxing and waning of the moon in the night sky
• Identifying lunar and solar eclipses
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10.) Describe components of our solar system.
• Defining comets, asteroids, and meteors
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Science, Grade 5, 2005
1.) Identify evidence of chemical changes through color, gas formation, solid formation, and temperature change.
Example: combining vinegar and baking soda to produce a gas
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2.) Define mass, volume, and density.
• Identifying the atom as the basic building block of matter
• Relating temperature changes to particle motion
Example: movement of colored dye in hot and cold water
• Relating density to the sinking or floating of an object in a liquid
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3.) Use everyday indicators to identify common acids and bases.
Examples: using grape juice to determine that vinegar is an acid, using juice from boiled red cabbage to determine that baking soda is a base
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4.) Describe forms of energy, including chemical, heat, light, and mechanical.
• Identifying types of potential and kinetic energy
Examples:
- potential-water behind a dam, battery;
- kinetic-water moving across turbine blades
• Describing alternatives to the use of fossil fuels
Examples: solar energy, geothermal energy, windmill, hydroelectric power, biomass
• Identifying the transfer of energy by conduction, convection, and radiation
Examples:
- conduction-hot plate heating a pan,
- convection-space heater heating air,
- radiation-sun heating Earth's surface
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5.) Contrast ways in which light rays are bent by concave and convex lenses.
• Describing how a prism forms a visible spectrum
• Explaining why different objects have different colors
• Describing how mirrors reflect light
Example: discussing differences in the reflection of light by convex and concave mirrors
• Describing the relationship between the structure of the eye and sight
• Identifying types of corrective lenses used to correct different sight problems
Examples:
- convex-farsightedness,
- concave-nearsightedness
• Identifying the contribution of van Leeuwenhoek to the development of the microscope
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6.) Compare effects of gravitational force on Earth, on the moon, and within space.
• Identifying contributions of Newton to the study of gravity
• Describing how a spring scale is used to measure weight
• Explaining how air resistance affects falling objects
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7.) Identify common parts of plant and animal cells, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.
• Comparing unicellular and multicellular organisms
• Comparing plant and animal cells
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8.) Identify major body systems and their functions, including the circulatory system, respiratory system, excretory system, and reproductive system.
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9.) Describe the relationship of populations within a habitat to various communities and ecosystems.
• Describing the relationship between food chains and food webs
• Describing symbiotic relationships
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10.) Identify spheres of Earth, including the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
• Describing technology used to investigate Earth
Examples: sonar, radar, seismograph, weather balloons, satellites
• Describing the rock cycle
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11.) Compare distances from the sun to planets in our solar system.
• Relating the size of Earth to the size of other planets in our solar system
• Identifying technology used to study planets
Examples: Hubble telescope, space probes, Mars Exploration Rover
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Science, Grade 6, 2005
1.) Identify global patterns of atmospheric movement, including El Niño, the Gulf Stream, the jet stream, the Coriolis effect, and global winds that influence local weather.
• Predicting local weather and weather patterns
Examples: cold and warm fronts, high and low pressure areas
• Describing the function of instruments and technology used to investigate Earth's weather, including barometers, thermometers, wind socks, weather vanes, satellites, radar, weather balloons, and rain gauges
• Using lines of latitude and longitude to locate areas of specific weather events
• Interpreting weather data through observations collected over time
Example: calculating annual precipitation and average temperature
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2.) Describe factors that cause changes to Earth's surface over time.
Examples: earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, glacial erosion or scouring, deposition, water flow, tornadoes, hurricanes, farming and conservation, mining and reclamation, deforestation and reforestation, waste disposal, global climate changes, greenhouse gases
• Comparing constructive and destructive natural processes and their effects on land formations
Examples:
- constructive-volcanic and mountain-building processes;
- destructive-erosion by wind, water, and ice
• Distinguishing rock strata by geologic composition
Examples: predicting relative age of strata by fossil depth, predicting occurrence of natural events by rock composition in a particular strata
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3.) Describe water and carbon biogeochemical cycles and their effects on Earth.
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4.) Explain the plate tectonic theory.
Example: using terminology such as continental drift, seafloor spreading, lava, magma, eruption, epicenter, focus, seismic wave, and subduction zone
• Describing types of volcanoes and faults
• Determining energy release through seismographic data
Example: using data from the Mercalli scale and the Richter scale
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5.) Describe layers of the oceanic hydrosphere, including the pelagic zone, benthic zone, abyssal zone, and intertidal zone.
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6.) Describe regions of the oceanic lithosphere, including the continental shelf, continental slope, and abyssal plain.
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7.) Describe Earth's biomes.
Examples: aquatic biomes, grasslands, deserts, chaparrals, taigas, tundras
• Identifying geographic factors that cause diversity in flora and fauna, including elevation, location, and climate
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8.) Describe how Earth's rotation, Earth's axial tilt, and distance from the equator cause variations in the heating and cooling of various locations on Earth.
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9.) Identify the moon's phases.
• Describing lunar and solar eclipses
• Relating effects of the moon's positions on oceanic tides
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10.) Describe components of the universe and their relationships to each other, including stars, planets and their moons, solar systems, and galaxies.
• Identifying the impact of space exploration on innovations in technology
Examples: MRI, microwave, satellite imagery, GPS
• Mapping seasonal changes in locations of constellations in the night sky
• Describing the life cycle of a star
Example: H-R diagram
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11.) Describe units used to measure distance in space, including astronomical units and light years.
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Science, Grade 7, 2005
1.) Describe characteristics common to living things, including growth and development, reproduction, cellular organization, use of energy, exchange of gases, and response to the environment.
• Identifying homeostasis as the process by which an organism responds to its internal or external environment
• Predicting how an organism's behavior impacts the environment
• Identifying unicellular organisms, including bacteria and protists, by their methods of locomotion, reproduction, ingestion, excretion, and effects on other organisms
• Identifying the structure of a virus
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2.) Identify functions of organelles found in eukaryotic cells, including the nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles.
Example: mitochondria releasing energy for use in cellular respiration
• Identifying components of the cell theory
• Identifying cells as prokaryotic or eukaryotic
• Listing the sequence of the mitotic cell cycle
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3.) Relate major tissues and organs of the skeletal, circulatory, reproductive, muscular, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems to their functions.
• Arranging in order the organizational levels of the human body from the cell through organ systems
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4.) Describe organisms in the six-kingdom classification system by their characteristics.
• Recognizing genus and species as components of a scientific name
• Identifying contributions of Aristotle and Linnaeus to the early history of taxonomy
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5.) Identify major differences between plants and animals, including internal structures, external structures, methods of locomotion, methods of reproduction, and stages of development.
• Describing the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
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6.) Describe evidence of species variation due to climate, changing landforms, interspecies interaction, and genetic mutation.
Examples: fossil records over geologic time, rapid bacterial mutations due to environmental pressures
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7.) Describe biotic and abiotic factors in the environment.
Examples:
- biotic-plants, animals;
- abiotic-climate, water, soil
• Classifying organisms as autotrophs or heterotrophs
• Arranging the sequence of energy flow in an ecosystem through food webs, food chains, and energy pyramids
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8.) Describe the function of chromosomes.
• Identifying genes as parts of chromosomes that carry genetic traits
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9.) Identify the process of chromosome reduction in the production of sperm and egg cells during meiosis.
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10.) Identify differences between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Examples:
- DNA-double helix, contains thymine;
- RNA-single stranded, contains uracil
• Identifying Watson and Crick as scientists who discovered the shape of the DNA molecule
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11.) Identify Mendel's laws of genetics.
• Recognizing Down's syndrome and sickle cell anemia as inherited genetic disorders
• Using a monohybrid Punnett square to predict the probability of traits passed from parents to offspring
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Science, Grade 8, 2005
1.) Identify steps within the scientific process.
• Applying process skills to interpret data from graphs, tables, and charts
• Identifying controls and variables in a scientific investigation
• Measuring dimension, volume, and mass using Système International d'Unités
(SI units)
• Identifying examples of hypotheses
• Identifying appropriate laboratory glassware, balances, time measuring equipment, and optical instruments used to conduct an investigation
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2.) Describe the structure of atoms, including the location of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Identifying the charge of each subatomic particle
• Identifying Democritus and Dalton as contributors to the atomic theory
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3.) Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the mass of an element using the periodic table.
• Locating metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and noble gases on the periodic table
• Using data about the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom to determine its reactivity
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4.) State the law of conservation of matter.
• Balancing chemical equations by adjusting coefficients
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5.) Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonds.
• Illustrating the transfer or sharing of electrons using electron dot diagrams
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6.) Define solution in terms of solute and solvent.
• Defining diffusion and osmosis
• Defining isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions
• Describing acids and bases based on their hydrogen ion concentration
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7.) Describe states of matter based on kinetic energy of particles in matter.
• Explaining effects of temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalysts on the rate of chemical reactions
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8.) Identify Newton's three laws of motion.
• Defining terminology such as action and reaction forces, inertia, acceleration, momentum, and friction
• Interpreting distance-time graphs
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9.) Describe how mechanical advantages of simple machines reduce the amount of force needed for work.
• Describing the effect of force on pressure in fluids
Example: increasing force on fluid leading to increase of pressure within a hydraulic cylinder
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10.) Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy.
Examples:
- potential-rock resting at the top of a hill,
- kinetic-rock rolling down a hill
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11.) Explain the law of conservation of energy and its relationship to energy transformation, including chemical to electrical, chemical to heat, electrical to light, electrical to mechanical, and electrical to sound.
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12.) Classify waves as mechanical or electromagnetic.
Examples:
- mechanical-earthquake waves;
- electromagnetic-ultraviolet light waves, visible light waves
• Describing how earthquake waves, sound waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves can be destructive or beneficial due to the transfer of energy
• Describing longitudinal and transverse waves
• Describing how waves travel through different media
• Relating wavelength, frequency, and amplitude to energy
• Describing the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of frequencies
Example: electromagnetic spectrum in increasing frequencies-microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X rays
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Anatomy and Physiology Elective, 2005
1.) Use appropriate anatomical terminology.
Examples: proximal, superficial, medial, supine, superior, inferior, anterior, posterior
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2.) Identify anatomical body planes, body cavities, and abdominopelvic regions of the human body.
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3.) Classify major types of cells, including squamous, cuboidal, columnar, simple, and stratified.
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4.) Classify tissues as connective, muscular, nervous, or epithelial.
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5.) Identify anatomical structures and functions of the integumentary system.
• Identifying accessory organs
• Recognizing diseases and disorders of the integumentary system
Examples: decubitus ulcer, melanoma, psoriasis
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6.) Identify bones that compose the skeletal system.
• Identifying functions of the skeletal system
• Identifying subdivisions of the skeleton as axial and appendicular skeletons
• Classifying types of joints according to their movement
• Identifying the four bone types
• Identifying various types of skeletal system disorders
Examples: fractures, arthritis
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7.) Identify major muscles, including origins, insertions, and actions.
• Describing common types of body movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction
• Classifying muscles based on functions in the body, including prime movers, antagonists, synergists, and fixators
• Comparing skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles based on their microscopic anatomy
• Identifying diseases and disorders of the muscular system
Examples: muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, strain
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8.) Identify structures of the nervous system.
• Explaining differences in the function of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system
• Labeling parts of sensory organs, including the eye, ear, tongue, and skin receptors
• Recognizing diseases and disorders of the nervous system
Examples: Parkinson's disease, meningitis
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9.) Identify structures and functions of the cardiovascular system.
• Tracing the flow of blood through the body
• Identifying components of blood
• Describing blood cell formation
• Distinguishing among human blood groups
• Describing common cardiovascular diseases and disorders
Examples: myocardial infarction, mitral valve prolapse, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis
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10.) Identify structures and functions of the digestive system.
• Tracing the pathway of digestion from the mouth to the anus using diagrams
• Identifying disorders affecting the digestive system
Examples: ulcers, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis
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11.) Identify structures and functions of the respiratory system.
• Tracing the pathway of the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange
• Recognizing common disorders of the respiratory system
Examples: asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
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12.) Identify structures and functions of the reproductive system.
• Differentiating between male and female reproductive systems
• Recognizing stages of pregnancy and fetal development
• Identifying disorders of the reproductive system
Examples: endometriosis, sexually transmitted diseases, prostate cancer
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13.) Identify structures and functions of the urinary system.
• Tracing the filtration of blood from the kidneys to the urethra
• Recognizing diseases and disorders of the urinary system
Examples: kidney stones, urinary tract infections
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14.) Identify the endocrine glands and their functions.
• Describing effects of hormones produced by the endocrine glands
• Identifying common disorders of the endocrine system
Examples: diabetes, goiter, hyperthyroidism
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15.) Identify physiological effects and components of the immune system.
• Contrasting active and passive immunity
• Evaluating the importance of vaccines
• Recognizing disorders and diseases of the immune system
Examples: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), acute lymphocytic leukemia
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Aquascience Elective, 2005
1.) Differentiate among freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater ecosystems.
• Identifying chemical, geological, and physical features of aquatic ecosystems
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2.) Relate geological and hydrological phenomena and fluid dynamics to aquatic systems.
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3.) Explain the importance of biogeochemical cycles in an aquatic environment.
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4.) Determine important properties and content of water as related to aquaculture.
Examples: turbidity, pH, pollutants, dissolved oxygen, high specific heat, density, temperature
• Describing the influence of water quality on aquaculture
Examples: aquatic plant control, water quality management, recognition and correction of oxygen deficiency, pH control
• Identifying sources of aquatic pollution
Examples: point and nonpoint pollution, volcanic ash, waste disposal
• Describing methods of reclaiming waste water and polluted water
Examples: settling ponds; hydroponics; irrigation water; chemical additives; mechanical, biological, and chemical filtering systems
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5.) Identify the genotype and phenotype for specific characteristics in aquatic animals resulting from selective breeding.
Examples: disease-resistant fish, rapid maturation rates
• Explaining the importance of anatomy and physiology in aquaculture
Examples: body systems, internal and external anatomy of a fish, basic structure of an oyster
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6.) Describe adaptations that allow organisms to exist in specific aquatic environments.
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7.) Describe processes and environmental characteristics that affect growth rates of aquatic animals.
Examples: reproductive habits, feeding habits, interdependence of organisms, overcrowding, seasonal changes
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8.) Determine effects of the fishing industry on the aquatic environment.
Examples: aquaculture, overfishing
• Describing basic principles involved in fish production
• Explaining various methods of pond preparation, predator control, and species management
• Explaining harvesting techniques and methods of transporting fish to market
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9.) Describe various structures and equipment used in growing aquacrops.
Examples: open ponds, cages, raceways, tanks, silos
• Determining the suitability of habitat construction for aquaculture
• Identifying biological concerns in a recirculating or closed system
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10.) Describe the control of disease and pests in aquatic environments.
Examples: pathogenic microspecies, parasites, predators, trash fish
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Biology, 2005
1.) Select appropriate laboratory glassware, balances, time measuring equipment, and optical instruments to conduct an experiment.
• Describing the steps of the scientific method
• Comparing controls, dependent variables, and independent variables
• Identifying safe laboratory procedures when handling chemicals and using Bunsen burners and laboratory glassware
• Using appropriate SI units for measuring length, volume, and mass
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2.) Describe cell processes necessary for achieving homeostasis, including active and passive transport, osmosis, diffusion, exocytosis, and endocytosis.
• Identifying functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in cellular activities
• Comparing the reaction of plant and animal cells in isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions
• Explaining how surface area, cell size, temperature, light, and pH affect cellular activities
• Applying the concept of fluid pressure to biological systems
Examples: blood pressure, turgor pressure, bends, strokes
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3.) Identify reactants and products associated with photosynthesis and cellular respiration and the purposes of these two processes.
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4.) Describe similarities and differences of cell organelles, using diagrams and tables.
• Identifying scientists who contributed to the cell theory
Examples: Hooke, Schleiden, Schwann, Virchow, van Leeuwenhoek
• Distinguishing between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Identifying various technologies used to observe cells
Examples: light microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope
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5.) Identify cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems as levels of organization in the biosphere.
• Recognizing that cells differentiate to perform specific functions
Examples: ciliated cells to produce movement, nerve cells to conduct electrical charges
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6.) Describe the roles of mitotic and meiotic divisions during reproduction, growth, and repair of cells.
• Comparing sperm and egg formation in terms of ploidy
Example: ploidy-haploid, diploid
• Comparing sexual and asexual reproduction
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7.) Apply Mendel's law to determine phenotypic and genotypic probabilities of offspring.
• Defining important genetic terms, including dihybrid cross, monohybrid cross, phenotype, genotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant trait, recessive trait, incomplete dominance, codominance, and allele
• Interpreting inheritance patterns shown in graphs and charts
• Calculating genotypic and phenotypic percentages and ratios using a Punnett square
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8.) Identify the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and protein.
• Explaining relationships among DNA, genes, and chromosomes
• Listing significant contributions of biotechnology to society, including agricultural and medical practices
Examples: DNA fingerprinting, insulin, growth hormone
• Relating normal patterns of genetic inheritance to genetic variation
Example: crossing-over
• Relating ways chance, mutagens, and genetic engineering increase diversity
Examples: insertion, deletion, translocation, inversion, recombinant DNA
• Relating genetic disorders and disease to patterns of genetic inheritance
Examples: hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, color blindness, phenylketonuria (PKU)
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9.) Differentiate between the previous five-kingdom and current six-kingdom classification systems.
• Sequencing taxa from most inclusive to least inclusive in the classification of living things
• Identifying organisms using a dichotomous key
• Identifying ways in which organisms from the Monera, Protista, and Fungi kingdoms are beneficial and harmful
Examples:
- beneficial-decomposers,
- harmful-diseases
• Justifying the grouping of viruses in a category separate from living things
• Writing scientific names accurately by using binomial nomenclature
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10.) Distinguish between monocots and dicots, angiosperms and gymnosperms, and vascular and nonvascular plants.
• Describing the histology of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers
• Recognizing chemical and physical adaptations of plants
Examples:
- chemical-foul odor, bitter taste, toxicity;
- physical-spines, needles, broad leaves
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11.) Classify animals according to type of skeletal structure, method of fertilization and reproduction, body symmetry, body coverings, and locomotion.
Examples:
- skeletal structure-vertebrates, invertebrates;
- fertilization-external, internal;
- reproduction-sexual, asexual;
- body symmetry-bilateral, radial, asymmetrical;
- body coverings-feathers, scales, fur;
- locomotion-cilia, flagella, pseudopodia
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12.) Describe protective adaptations of animals, including mimicry, camouflage, beak type, migration, and hibernation.
• Identifying ways in which the theory of evolution explains the nature and diversity of organisms
• Describing natural selection, survival of the fittest, geographic isolation, and fossil record
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13.) Trace the flow of energy as it decreases through the trophic levels from producers to the quaternary level in food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.
• Describing the interdependence of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
Examples: effects of humidity on stomata size, effects of dissolved oxygen on fish respiration
• Contrasting autotrophs and heterotrophs
• Describing the niche of decomposers
• Using the ten percent law to explain the decreasing availability of energy through the trophic levels
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14.) Trace biogeochemical cycles through the environment, including water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen.
• Relating natural disasters, climate changes, nonnative species, and human activity to the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems
Examples:
- natural disasters-habitat destruction resulting from tornadoes;
- climate changes-changes in migratory patterns of birds;
- nonnative species-exponential growth of kudzu and Zebra mussels due to absence of natural controls;
- human activity-habitat destruction resulting in reduction of biodiversity, conservation resulting in preservation of biodiversity
• Describing the process of ecological succession
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15.) Identify biomes based on environmental factors and native organisms.
Example: tundra-permafrost, low humidity, lichens, polar bears
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16.) Identify density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors that affect populations in an ecosystem.
Examples:
- density-dependent-disease, predator-prey relationships, availability of food and water;
- density-independent-natural disasters, climate
• Discriminating among symbiotic relationships, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Botany Elective, 2005
1.) Identify the twelve plant kingdom divisions.
• Classifying native Alabama plants using dichotomous keys
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2.) Describe phylogenetic relationships between plants and other organisms.
• Classifying plants as vascular or nonvascular
• Classifying seed-bearing and spore-bearing plants
• Classifying plants as gymnosperms or angiosperms
• Contrasting monocots and dicots
• Describing mutualism among algae and fungi in lichens
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3.) List plant adaptations required for life on land.
• Describing the alternation of generations in plants
• Comparing characteristics of algae and plants
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4.) Identify major types of plant tissues found in roots, stems, and leaves.
Examples: parenchyma, sclerenchyma, collenchyma
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5.) Identify types of roots, stems, and leaves.
Examples:
- roots-tap, fibrous;
- stems-herbaceous, woody;
- leaves-simple, compound
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6.) Explain the importance of soil type, texture, and nutrients to plant growth.
• Describing water and mineral absorption in plants
• Analyzing the roles of capillarity and turgor pressure
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7.) Explain plant cell processes, including light dependent and light independent reactions of photosynthesis, glycolysis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and transport.
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8.) Describe plant responses to various stimuli.
• Identifying effects of hormones on plant growth
Examples: gibberellin, cytokinin, auxin
• Differentiating among phototropism, gravitropism, and thigmotropism
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9.) Identify life cycles of mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
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10.) Describe the structure and function of flower parts.
• Describing seed germination, development, and dispersal
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11.) Describe various natural and artificial methods of vegetative propagation.
Examples:
- natural-stem runners, rhizomes, bulbs, tubers;
- artificial-cutting, grafting, layering
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12.) Describe the ecological and economic importance of plants.
Examples:
- ecological-algae-producing oxygen, bioremediation, soil preservation;
- economic-food, medication, timber, fossil fuels, clothing
• Analyzing effects of human activity on the plant world
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13.) Identify viral, fungal, and bacterial plant diseases and their effects.
Examples:
- viral-tobacco mosaic, Rembrandt tulips;
- fungal-mildew, rust;
- bacterial-black rot
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Chemistry, 2005
1.) Differentiate among pure substances, mixtures, elements, and compounds.
• Distinguishing between intensive and extensive properties of matter
• Contrasting properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids
• Distinguishing between homogeneous and heterogeneous forms of matter
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2.) Describe the structure of carbon chains, branched chains, and rings.
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3.) Use the periodic table to identify periodic trends, including atomic radii, ionization energy, electronegativity, and energy levels.
• Utilizing electron configurations, Lewis dot structures, and orbital notations to write chemical formulas
• Calculating the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an isotope
• Utilizing benchmark discoveries to describe the historical development of atomic structure, including photoelectric effect, absorption, and emission spectra of elements
Example: Thompson's cathode ray, Rutherford's gold foil, Millikan's oil drop, and Bohr's bright line spectra experiments
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4.) Describe solubility in terms of energy changes associated with the solution process.
• Using solubility curves to interpret saturation levels
• Explaining the conductivity of electrolytic solutions
• Describing acids and bases in terms of strength, concentration, pH, and neutralization reactions
• Describing factors that affect the rate of solution
• Solving problems involving molarity, including solution preparation and dilution
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5.) Use the kinetic theory to explain states of matter, phase changes, solubility, and chemical reactions.
Example: water at 25 degrees Celsius remains in the liquid state because of the strong attraction between water molecules while kinetic energy allows the sliding of molecules past one another
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6.) Solve stoichiometric problems involving relationships among the number of particles, moles, and masses of reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
• Predicting ionic and covalent bond types and products given known reactants
• Assigning oxidation numbers for individual atoms of monatomic and polyatomic ions
• Identifying the nomenclature of ionic compounds, binary compounds, and acids
• Classifying chemical reactions as composition, decomposition, single replacement, or double replacement
• Determining the empirical or molecular formula for a compound using percent composition data
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7.) Explain the behavior of ideal gases in terms of pressure, volume, temperature, and number of particles using Charles's law, Boyle's law, Gay-Lussac's law, the combined gas law, and the ideal gas law.
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8.) Distinguish among endothermic and exothermic physical and chemical changes.
Examples:
- endothermic physical-phase change from ice to water,
- endothermic chemical-reaction between citric acid solution and baking soda,
- exothermic physical-phase change from water vapor to water,
- exothermic chemical-formation of water from combustion of hydrogen and oxygen
• Calculating temperature change by using specific heat
• Using Le Châtelier's principle to explain changes in physical and chemical equilibrium
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9.) Distinguish between chemical and nuclear reactions.
• Identifying atomic and subatomic particles, including mesons, quarks, tachyons, and baryons
• Calculating the half-life of selective radioactive isotopes
• Identifying types of radiation and their properties
• Contrasting fission and fusion
• Describing carbon-14 decay as a dating method
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Earth and Space Elective, 2005
1.) Describe sources of energy, including solar, gravitational, geothermal, and nuclear.
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2.) Describe effects on weather of energy transfer within and among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere.
• Describing the energy transfer related to condensation in clouds, precipitation, winds, and ocean currents
• Describing characteristics of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena
• Using data to analyze global weather patterns
Examples: temperature, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction
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3.) Explain how weather patterns affect climate.
• Explaining characteristics of various weather systems, including high and low pressure areas or fronts
• Interpreting weather maps and symbols to predict changing weather conditions
• Identifying technologies used to obtain meteorological data
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4.) Describe the production and transfer of stellar energies.
• Describing the relationship between life cycles and nuclear reactions of stars
• Describing how the reception of solar radiation is affected by atmospheric and lithospheric conditions
Example: volcanic eruptions and greenhouse gases affecting reflection and absorption of solar radiation
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5.) Discuss various theories for the origin, formation, and changing nature of the universe and our solar system.
• Explaining the nebular hypothesis for formation of planets, the big bang theory, and the steady state theory
• Relating Hubble's law to the concept of an ever-expanding universe
• Describing the impact of meteor, asteroid, and comet bombardment on planetary and lunar development
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6.) Explain the length of a day and of a year in terms of the motion of Earth.
• Explaining the relationship of the seasons to the tilt of Earth's axis and its revolution about the sun
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7.) Explain techniques for determining the age and composition of Earth and the universe.
• Using radiometric age methods to compute the age of Earth
• Using expanding universe measurements to determine the age of the universe
• Identifying techniques for evaluating the composition of objects in space
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8.) Explain the terms astronomical unit and light year.
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9.) Relate the life cycle of stars to the H-R diagram.
• Explaining indicators of motion by the stars and sun in terms of the Doppler effect and red and blue shifts
• Describing the relationship of star color, brightness, and evolution to the balance between gravitational collapse and nuclear fusion
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10.) Identify scientists and their findings relative to Earth and space, including Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Einstein.
• Identifying classical instruments used to extend the senses and increase knowledge of the universe, including optical telescopes, radio telescopes, spectroscopes, and cameras
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11.) Describe pulsars, quasars, black holes, and galaxies.
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12.) Describe challenges and required technologies for space exploration.
• Identifying long-term human space travel needs, including life support
• Identifying applications of propulsion technologies for space travel
• Identifying new instrumentation and communication technologies needed for space information gathering
Examples: Mars Exploration Rover, Cassini spacecraft and Huygens probe, Gravity Probe B
• Identifying benefits to the quality of life that have been achieved through space advances
Examples: cellular telephone, GPS
• Identifying new technology used to gather information, including spacecraft, observatories, space-based telescopes, and probes
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Environmental Elective, 2005
1.) Identify the influence of human population, technology, and cultural and industrial changes on the environment.
• Describing the relationship between carrying capacity and population size
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2.) Evaluate various fossil fuels for their effectiveness as energy resources.
• Describing the formation and use of nonrenewable fossil fuels
• Identifying by-products of the combustion of fossil fuels, including particulates, mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide
• Identifying chemical equations associated with the combustion of fossil fuels
• Describing benefits of abundant, affordable energy to mankind
• Identifying effects of fossil fuel by-products on the environment, including ozone depletion; formation of acid rain, brown haze, and greenhouse gases; and concentration of particulates and heavy metals
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3.) Evaluate other sources of energy for their effectiveness as alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Comparing nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactions in the production of energy
• Comparing energy production and waste output in generating nuclear energy
• Differentiating between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources
• Identifying local energy sources
Examples: landfill gas, wind, water, sun
• Identifying ways the law of conservation of energy relates to fuel consumption
Examples: development of hybrid cars, construction of energy-efficient homes
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4.) Identify the impact of pollutants on the atmosphere.
• Identifying layers of the atmosphere and the composition of air
• Describing the formation of primary, secondary, and indoor air pollutants
• Relating pollutants to smog and thermal inversions
• Investigating the impact of air quality on the environment
• Interpreting social, political, and economic influences on air quality
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5.) Describe properties of water that make it a universal solvent.
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6.) Identify sources of local drinking water.
• Determining the quality of fresh water using chemical testing and bioassessment
• Describing the use of chemicals and microorganisms in water treatment
• Describing water conservation methods
• Describing the process of underground water accumulation, including the formation of aquifers
• Identifying major residential, industrial, and agricultural water consumers
• Identifying principal uses of water
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7.) Identify reasons coastal waters serve as an important resource.
Examples: economic stability, biodiversity, recreation
• Classifying biota of estuaries, marshes, tidal pools, wetlands, beaches, and inlets
• Comparing components of marine water to components of inland bodies of water
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8.) Identify major contaminants in water resulting from natural phenomena, homes, industry, and agriculture.
• Describing the eutrophication of water by industrial effluents and agricultural runoffs
• Classifying sources of water pollution as point and nonpoint
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9.) Describe land-use practices that promote sustainability and economic growth.
Examples: no-till planting, crop rotation
• Defining various types and sources of waste and their impact on the soil
Examples:
- types-biodegradeable, nonbiodegradeable, organic, radioactive, nonradioactive;
- sources-pesticides, herbicides
• Identifying ways to manage waste, including composting, recycling, reusing, and reclaiming
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10.) Describe the composition of soil profiles and soil samples of varying climates.
• Identifying various processes and activities that promote soil formation
Examples: weathering, decomposition, deposition
• Relating particle size to soil texture and type of sand, silt, or clay
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11.) Describe agents of erosion, including moving water, gravity, glaciers, and wind.
• Describing methods for preventing soil erosion
Examples: planting vegetation, constructing terraces, providing barriers
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12.) Identify positive and negative effects of human activities on biodiversity.
• Identifying endangered and extinct species locally, regionally, and worldwide
• Identifying causes for species extinction locally, regionally, and worldwide
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Forensic Science Elective, 2005
1.) Describe responsibilities of various personnel involved in crime scene investigations.
Examples: police, detectives, laboratory specialists, medical examiners
• Explaining how to search, sketch, and record data from a crime scene
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2.) Explain ways to collect and preserve evidence from a crime scene.
• Distinguishing between physical evidence and witness evidence
• Comparing the three main pattern types that combine to form an individual's unique fingerprint
• Explaining different methods of latent fingerprint development
• Identifying origins of impressions, including footwear and tire treads
• Describing ways to identify hair, fiber, and blood evidence
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3.) Distinguish between class and individual characteristics of firearms.
Examples: toolmark, caliber, scatter pattern
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4.) Describe presumptive and confirmatory tests.
Examples: blood type comparison, DNA testing
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5.) Describe the importance of genetic information to forensics.
• Using the process of gel electrophoresis to identify patterns in DNA
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6.) Describe the decomposition process.
• Using rigor mortis to determine corpse position
• Identifying decomposition by-products to determine cause of death
• Using entomological life cycles to determine time of death
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7.) Identify the importance of skeletal remains in forensics.
• Comparing bones and skulls based on age, sex, and race
• Using forensic dentistry to establish identity
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8.) Describe general categories of drugs and poisons and their effects on humans.
• Explaining ways poisons are detected at autopsy
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9.) Use laws of physics to explain forensic evidence.
• Analyzing blood splatter patterns in relation to speed, height, and direction
• Tracking trajectories of collected evidence
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10.) Describe techniques used to determine the validity of documents.
Examples: fiber and handwriting analyses, ink chromatography
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Geology Elective, 2005
1.) Describe Earth's layers, including the lithosphere, asthenosphere, outer core, and inner core.
• Identifying methods for determining the composition of Earth's lithosphere
Example: collection and analysis of rocks and minerals
• Describing the composition of Earth's lithosphere
Example: granitic and basaltic rocks
• Relating the types of lithosphere to tectonic plates
Examples: granitic lithosphere with continental plates, basaltic lithosphere with oceanic plates
• Comparing the temperature, density, and composition of Earth's crust to that of the mantle and outer and inner cores
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2.) Relate the concept of equilibrium to geological processes, including plate tectonics and stream flow.
Examples: stream channel on a slope, movement of tectonic plates, convection within Earth
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3.) Explain natural phenomena that shape the surface of Earth, including rock cycles, plate motions and interactions, erosion and deposition, volcanism, earthquakes, weathering, and tides.
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4.) Describe the topography of the sea floor and the continents.
• Describing the formation of continental shelves
• Explaining changes of continental topography caused by erosion and uplift
Example: formation of southern Appalachian Mountains in Alabama
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5.) Classify rocks as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
• Identifying characteristics of extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks
• Describing mineral composition and chemical elements of rocks
• Describing characteristics of clastic, organic, and chemical sedimentary rocks
• Explaining texture and composition of rocks
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6.) Explain the concept of geological time within the framework of the geologic time scale.
• Describing how sedimentary rocks provide a record of evolutionary change
• Describing the role of fossils in determining the age of strata
• Identifying geological time scales, including eon, era, period, and epoch
• Identifying relative and absolute dating methods
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7.) Describe processes of rock formation.
Examples: cooling, deposition
• Explaining factors that control texture and composition of rocks
Examples: formation depth, formation size, chemical composition
• Describing processes of fossil formation
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8.) Explain interactions among topography, climate, organic activity, time, and parent material through which soils are created.
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9.) Describe the movement and storage of water in terms of watersheds, rainfall, surface runoff, aquifers, and surface water reservoirs.
• Identifying major regional and national watersheds
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10.) Explain the mechanism of plate tectonics.
• Explaining processes that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
• Identifying Earth's main tectonic plates
• Describing faults and folds and their relationships to tectonic forces
• Describing technologies used to measure and forecast earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
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11.) Identify mass movements, including topples, slides, spreads, and flows.
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12.) Identify natural subsurface openings, including lava tubes, solution cavities, and caves.
• Explaining the process that leads to sinkholes in karst development
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13.) Describe the formation and characteristics of river systems.
• Explaining the formation of alluvial fans
• Identifying natural events and man-made structures that affect rivers
Examples:
- natural events-weather, construction of dams by beavers;
- man-made structures-levees, dams
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14.) Explain the interaction of the continuous processes of waves, tides, and winds with the coastal environment.
• Identifying the impact of periodic weather phenomena on coastal regions
Examples: hurricanes destroying sand dunes, El Niño or La Niña redefining shorelines
• Identifying the positive and negative impact of humans on coastal regions
Examples:
- positive-shoreline protection,
- negative-buildings replacing protective dunes and barriers
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15.) Identify geological regions in Alabama and the southeastern United States.
• Identifying geological ages of Alabama rocks
• Describing characteristics of geological regions within Alabama
• Identifying earthquake zones in Alabama
• Identifying types of rocks in Alabama
• Identifying areas of Alabama that have sinkholes and caves
• Identifying varying seasonal rainfall patterns throughout Alabama
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Genetics Elective, 2005
1.) Explain how the Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a baseline for recognizing evolutionary changes in gene frequency due to genetic drift, gene flow, nonrandom mating, mutation, and natural selection.
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2.) Describe factors such as radiation, chemicals, and chance that cause mutations in populations.
• Describing effects of genetic variability on adaptations
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3.) Describe the significance of Mendel's work to the development of the modern science of genetics, including the laws of segregation and independent assortment.
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4.) Describe the process of meiosis and the cell cycle, including the hereditary significance of each.
• Comparing spermatogenesis and oogenesis using charts
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5.) Describe inheritance patterns based on gene interactions.
• Predicting patterns of heredity using pedigree analysis
• Identifying incomplete dominance, codominance, and multiple allelism
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6.) Describe occurrences and effects of sex linkage, autosomal linkage, crossover, multiple alleles, and polygenes.
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7.) Describe the structure and function of DNA, including replication, translation, and transcription.
• Applying the genetic code to predict amino acid sequence
• Describing methods cells use to regulate gene expression
• Defining the role of RNA in protein synthesis
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8.) Explain the structure of eukaryotic chromosomes, including transposons, introns, and exons.
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9.) Differentiate among major areas in modern biotechnology, including plant, animal, microbial, forensic, and marine.
Examples: hybridization, cloning, insulin production, DNA profiling, bioremediation
• Describing techniques used with recombinant DNA
Examples: DNA sequencing, isolation of DNA segments, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis
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10.) Explain the development and purpose of the Human Genome Project.
• Analyzing results of the Human Genome Project to predict ethical, social, and legal implications
• Describing medical uses of gene therapy, including vaccines and tissue and antibody engineering
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11.) Describe the replication of DNA and RNA viruses, including lytic and lysogenic cycles, using diagrams.
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Marine Biology Elective, 2005
1.) Select appropriate equipment for scientific field investigations in marine environments.
• Identifying patterns and relationships determined from collected data
• Solving for unknown quantities by manipulating variables
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2.) Differentiate among freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater.
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3.) Describe physical characteristics of oceans, including topography of the ocean floor, plate tectonics, wave motion, depth, and pressure.
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4.) Recognize interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.
• Describing how waves, ocean currents, and tides are generated
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5.) Discuss physical and chemical properties of saltwater.
Examples:
- physical-turbidity, temperature, density;
- chemical-salinity, pH, dissolved gases
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6.) Describe components of major marine ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, benthic communities, and open-ocean communities.
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7.) Identify patterns and interrelationships among producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers in a marine ecosystem.
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8.) Describe characteristics of marine plant and algae divisions.
• Describing commercial, economical, and medicinal values of marine plants and algae
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9.) Arrange various forms of marine life from most simple to most complex.
• Classifying marine organisms using binomial nomenclature
• Identifying characteristics of ocean-drifting organisms
Examples: phytoplankton, zooplankton
• Identifying characteristics of marine invertebrates
Examples: Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Arthropoda
• Identifying characteristics of marine vertebrates
Examples: fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals
• Identifying characteristics of marine plants
Examples: algae, seaweed
• Describing adaptations in the marine environment
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10.) Describe the anatomy and physiology of representative aquatic organisms.
• Identifying different aquatic species using dichotomous keys
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11.) Describe positive and negative effects of human influence on marine environments.
Examples:
- positive-reef restoration, protection of endangered species;
- negative-pollution, overfishing
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12.) Identify various careers related to marine science.
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Physical Science, 2005
1.) Recognize periodic trends of elements, including the number of valence electrons, atomic size, and reactivity.
• Categorizing elements as metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and noble gases
• Differentiating between families and periods
• Using atomic number and mass number to identify isotopes
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2.) Identify solutions in terms of components, solubility, concentration, and conductivity.
• Comparing saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions
• Comparing characteristics of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes
• Describing factors that affect solubility and rate of solution, including nature of solute and solvent, temperature, agitation, surface area, and pressure on gases
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3.) Contrast the formation of ionic and covalent bonds based on the transfer or sharing of valence electrons.
• Demonstrating the formation of positive and negative monatomic ions by using electron dot diagrams
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4.) Use nomenclature and chemical formulas to write balanced chemical equations.
• Explaining the law of conservation of matter
• Identifying chemical reactions as composition, decomposition, single replacement, or double replacement
• Defining the role of electrons in chemical reactions
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5.) Describe physical and chemical changes in terms of endothermic and exothermic processes.
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6.) Identify characteristics of gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces.
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7.) Relate velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy to mass, distance, force, and time.
• Interpreting graphic representations of velocity versus time and distance versus time
• Solving problems for velocity, acceleration, force, work, and power
• Describing action and reaction forces, inertia, acceleration, momentum, and friction in terms of Newton's three laws of motion
• Determining the resultant of collinear forces acting on a body
Example: solving problems involving the effect of a tailwind or headwind on an airplane
• Solving problems for efficiency and mechanical advantage of simple machines
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8.) Relate the law of conservation of energy to transformations of potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy.
• Identifying the relationship between thermal energy and the temperature of a sample of matter
• Describing the flow of thermal energy between two samples of matter
• Explaining how thermal energy is transferred by radiation, conduction, and convection
• Relating simple formulas to the calculation of potential energy, kinetic energy, and work
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9.) Compare methods of energy transfer by mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
• Distinguishing between transverse and longitudinal mechanical waves
• Relating physical properties of sound and light to wave characteristics
Examples: loudness to amplitude, pitch to frequency, color to wavelength and frequency
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10.) Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Example: using a moving charge to create a magnetic field and using a moving magnetic field to induce a current in a closed wire loop
• Differentiating between induction and conduction
• Identifying mechanical, magnetic, and chemical methods used to create an electrical charge
Examples:
- mechanical-rubbing materials together,
- magnetic-moving a closed loop of wire across a magnetic field,
- chemical-using batteries
• Describing electrical circuits in terms of Ohm's law
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11.) Describe the nuclear composition of unstable isotopes and the resulting changes to their nuclear composition.
• Identifying types of nuclear emissions, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation
• Differentiating between fission and fusion
• Identifying uses and possible negative side effects of nuclear technology
Examples:
- uses-nuclear power generation, medical applications, space travel;
- negative effects-radioactive contamination, nuclear fuel waste and waste storage
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12.) Identify metric units for mass, distance, time, temperature, velocity, acceleration, density, force, energy, and power.
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Physics, 2005
1.) Explain linear, uniform circular, and projectile motions using one- and two-dimensional vectors.
• Explaining the significance of slope and area under a curve when graphing distance-time or velocity-time data
Example: slope and area of a velocity-time curve giving acceleration and distance traveled
• Describing forces that act on an object
Example: drawing a free-body diagram showing all forces acting on an object and resultant effects of friction, gravity, and normal force on an object sliding down an inclined plane
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2.) Define the law of conservation of momentum.
• Calculating the momentum of a single object
• Calculating momenta of two objects before and after collision in one-dimensional motion
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3.) Explain planetary motion and navigation in space in terms of Kepler's and Newton's laws.
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4.) Describe quantitative relationships for velocity, acceleration, force, work, power, potential energy, and kinetic energy.
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5.) Explain the concept of entropy as it relates to heating and cooling, using the laws of thermodynamics.
• Using qualitative and quantitative methods to show the relationship between changes in heat energy and changes in temperature
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6.) Describe wave behavior in terms of reflection, refraction, diffraction, constructive and destructive wave interference, and the Doppler effect.
• Explaining reasons for differences in speed, frequency, and wavelength of a propagating wave in varying materials
• Describing uses of different components of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation,
X rays, and gamma radiation
• Demonstrating particle and wave duality
• Describing the change of wave speed in different media
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7.) Describe properties of reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
Examples: tracing the path of a reflected light ray, predicting the formation of reflected images through tracing of rays
• Demonstrating the path of light through mirrors, lenses, and prisms
Example: tracing the path of a refracted light ray through prisms using Snell's law
• Describing the effect of filters and polarization on the transmission of light
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8.) Summarize similarities in the calculation of electrical, magnetic, and gravitational forces between objects.
• Determining the force on charged particles using Coulomb's law
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9.) Describe quantitative relationships among charge, current, electrical potential energy, potential difference, resistance, and electrical power for simple series, parallel, or combination direct current (DC) circuits.
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Science, Grade 9 - 12, Zoology Elective, 2005
1.) Define basic anatomical terminology associated with the study of animals.
Examples: dorsal, superior, plantar, caudal, aboral
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2.) Distinguish among the acoelomate, pseudocoelomate, and coelomate body plans.
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3.) Identify the body symmetry of animals as radial, bilateral, or asymmetrical.
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4.) Use taxonomic groupings to differentiate the structure and physiology of invertebrates with dichotomous keys.
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Porifera
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Cnidaria
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Mollusca
• Identifying examples and characteristics of worms, including Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Annelida
• Identifying examples, characteristics, and life cycles of Arthropoda
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Echinodermata
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5.) Use taxonomic groupings to differentiate structure and physiology of vertebrates with dichotomous keys.
• Identifying examples and characteristics of the three classes of fish
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Amphibia
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Reptilia
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Aves
• Identifying examples and characteristics of Mammalia
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6.) Identify factors used to distinguish species, including behavioral differences and reproductive isolation.
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7.) Explain how species adapt to changing environments to enhance survival and reproductive success, including changes in structure, behavior, or physiology.
Examples: aestivation, thicker fur, diurnal activity
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8.) Differentiate among organisms that are threatened, endangered, and extinct.
Examples:
- threatened-bald eagle,
- endangered-California condor,
- extinct-dodo
• Identifying causative factors of decreasing population size
Examples: overcrowding resulting in greater incidence of disease, fire destroying habitat and food sources
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9.) Analyze a field study of animal behavior patterns to determine the relationship of these patterns to an animal's niche.
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