Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate observations about time patterns (day to night and night to day) and objects (sun, moo...

Ask questions to classify objects according to those seen in the day sky, the night sky, and both.

Develop a model to communicate the changes that occur in the sky during the day, as day turns into night, during the nig...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe the physical attributes of earth materials (soil, rocks, water...

Ask questions to identify and describe earth materials—soil, rocks, water, and air.

Construct an argument supported by evidence for how rocks can be grouped by physical attributes (size, weight, texture, ...

Use tools to observe and record physical attributes of soil such as texture and color.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how organisms (alive and not alive) and non-living objects are group...

Construct an explanation based on observations to recognize the differences between organisms and non-living objects.

Develop a model to represent how a set of organisms and non-living objects are sorted into groups based on their attribu...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare the similarities and differences in groups of organisms.

Construct an argument supported by evidence for how animals can be grouped according to their features.

Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants can be grouped according to their features.

Ask questions and make observations to identify the similarities and differences of offspring to their parents and to ot...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe objects in terms of the materials they are made of and their p...

Ask questions to compare and sort objects made of different materials. (Common materials include clay, cloth, plastic, w...

Use senses and science tools to classify common objects, such as buttons or swatches of cloth, according to their physic...

Plan and carry out an investigation to predict and observe whether objects, based on their physical attributes, will sin...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and describe different types of motion.

Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between an object's physical attributes and its result...

Construct an argument as to the best way to move an object based on its physical attributes.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate weather data to identify weather patterns.

Represent data in tables and/or graphs to identify and describe different types of weather and the characteristics of ea...

Ask questions to identify forms of precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet, and hailstones as either solid (ice) or liqu...

Plan and carry out investigations on current weather conditions by observing, measuring with simple weather instruments ...

Analyze data to identify seasonal patterns of change.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the basic needs of plants and animals.

Develop models to identify the parts of a plant—root, stem, leaf, and flower.

Ask questions to compare and contrast the basic needs of plants (air, water, light, and nutrients) and animals (air, wat...

Design a solution to ensure that a plant or animal has all of its needs met.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate light and sound.

Use observations to construct an explanation of how light is required to make objects visible.

Ask questions to identify and compare sources of light.

Plan and carry out an investigation of shadows by placing objects at various points from a source of light.

Construct an explanation supported by evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials...

Design a signal that can serve as an emergency alert using light and/or sound to communicate over a distance.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to demonstrate the effects of magnets on other magnets and other objects.

Construct an explanation of how magnets are used in everyday life.

Plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate how magnets attract and repel each other and the effect of magnets on...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about stars having different sizes and brightness.

Ask questions to describe the physical attributes (size and brightness) of stars.

Construct an argument to support the claim that although the sun appears to be the brightest and largest star, it is act...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to develop an understanding of the patterns of the sun and the moon and th...

Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the effect of the position of the sun in relation to a fixed object on ...

Design and build a structure that demonstrates how shadows change throughout the day.

Represent data in tables and/or graphs of the length of the day and night to recognize the change in seasons.

Use data from personal observations to describe, illustrate, and predict how the appearance of the moon changes over tim...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how weather, plants, animals, and humans cause changes to the enviro...

Ask questions to obtain information about major changes to the environment in your community.

Construct an explanation of the causes and effects of a change to the environment in your community.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the life cycles of different living organisms.

Ask questions to determine the sequence of the life cycle of common animals in your area: a mammal such as a cat, dog or...

Plan and carry out an investigation of the life cycle of a plant by growing a plant from a seed and by recording changes...

Construct an explanation of an animal's role in dispersing seeds or in the pollination of plants.

Develop models to illustrate the unique and diverse life cycles of organisms other than humans.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties of matter and changes that occur in objects.

Ask questions to describe and classify different objects according to their physical properties.

Construct an explanation for how structures made from small pieces (linking cubes, building blocks) can be disassembled ...

Provide evidence from observations to construct an explanation that some changes in matter caused by heating or cooling ...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the effect of a force (a push or a pull) in the movement of an ...

Plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate how pushing and pulling on an object affects the motion of the object...

Design a device to change the speed or direction of an object.

Record and analyze data to decide if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object w...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and soils.

Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture, luster, and hardness) usi...

Plan and carry out investigations to describe properties (color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to suppo...

Make observations of the local environment to construct an explanation of how water and/or wind have made changes to soi...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how fossils provide evidence of past organisms.

Construct an argument from observations of fossils (authentic or reproductions) to communicate how they serve as evidenc...

Develop a model to describe the sequence and conditions required for an organism to become fossilized.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the similarities and differences between plants, animals, and habita...

Ask questions to differentiate between plants, animals, and habitats found within Georgia's geographic regions.

Construct an explanation of how external features and adaptations (camouflage, hibernation, migration, mimicry) of anima...

Use evidence to construct an explanation of why some organisms can thrive in one habitat and not in another.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of pollution (air, land, and water) and humans on the en...

Ask questions to collect information and create records of sources and effects of pollution on the plants and animals.

Explore, research, and communicate solutions, such as conservation of resources and recycling of materials, to protect p...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the ways heat energy is transferred and measured.

Ask questions to identify sources of heat energy.

Plan and carry out an investigation to gather data using thermometers to produce tables and charts that illustrate the e...

Use tools and every day materials to design and construct a device/structure that will increase/decrease the warming eff...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets.

Ask questions to compare and contrast technological advances that have changed the amount and type of information on dis...

Construct an argument on why some stars (including the Earth's sun) appear to be larger or brighter than others.

Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets.

Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and comp...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon ...

Develop a model to support an explanation of why the length of day and night change throughout the year.

Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon (new, crescent, quarte...

Construct an explanation of how the Earth's orbit, with its consistent tilt, affects seasonal changes.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to demonstrate the water cycle.

Plan and carry out investigations to observe the flow of energy in water as it changes states from solid (ice) to liquid...

Develop models to illustrate multiple pathways water may take during the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, and pre...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to predict weather events and infer weather patterns using weather charts/...

Construct an explanation of how weather instruments (thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, wind vane, and anemometer) are ...

Interpret data from weather maps, including fronts (warm, cold, and stationary), temperature, pressure, and precipitatio...

Ask questions and use observations of cloud types (cirrus, stratus, and cumulus) and data of weather conditions to predi...

Construct an explanation based on research to communicate the difference between weather and climate.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the roles of organisms and the flow of energy within an ecosystem.

Develop a model to describe the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in a community.

Develop simple models to illustrate the flow of energy through a food web/food chain beginning with sunlight and includi...

Design a scenario to demonstrate the effect of a change on an ecosystem.

Use printed and digital data to develop a model illustrating and describing changes to the flow of energy in an ecosyste...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the nature of light and how light interacts with objects.

Plan and carry out investigations to observe and record how light interacts with various materials to classify them as o...

Plan and carry out investigations to describe the path light travels from a light source to a mirror and how it is refle...

Plan and carry out an investigation utilizing everyday materials to explore examples of when light is refracted.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how sound is produced and changed and how sound and/or light can be ...

Plan and carry out an investigation utilizing everyday objects to produce sound and predict the effects of changing the ...

Design and construct a device to communicate across a distance using light and/or sound.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the relationship between balanced and unbalanced forces.

Plan and carry out an investigation on the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object and communicate the re...

Construct an argument to support the claim that gravitational force affects the motion of an object.

Ask questions to identify and explain the uses of simple machines (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, wheel and axle,...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify surface features on the Earth caused by constructive and/or de...

Construct an argument supported by scientific evidence to identify surface features (examples could include deltas, sand...

Develop simple interactive models to collect data that illustrate how changes in surface features are/were caused by con...

Ask questions to obtain information on how technology is used to limit and/or predict the impact of constructive and des...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to group organisms using scientific classification procedures.

Develop a model that illustrates how animals are sorted into groups (vertebrate and invertebrate) and how vertebrates ar...

Develop a model that illustrates how plants are sorted into groups (seed producers, non-seed producers) using data from ...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information showing that some characteristics of organisms are inherited and other cha...

Ask questions to compare and contrast instincts and learned behaviors.

Ask questions to compare and contrast inherited and acquired physical traits.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells.

Gather evidence by utilizing technology tools to support a claim that plants and animals are comprised of cells too smal...

Develop a model to identify and label parts of a plant cell (membrane, wall, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplasts) and of an...

Construct an explanation that differentiates between the structure of plant and animal cells.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how microorganisms benefit or harm larger organisms.

Construct an argument using scientific evidence to support a claim that some microorganisms are beneficial.

Construct an argument using scientific evidence to support a claim that some microorganisms are harmful.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the differences between a physical change and a chemical change...

Plan and carry out investigations of physical changes by manipulating, separating and mixing dry and liquid materials.

Construct an argument based on observations to support a claim that the physical changes in the state of water are due t...

Plan and carry out an investigation to determine if a chemical change occurred based on observable evidence (color, gas,...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate electricity.

Obtain and combine information from multiple sources to explain the difference between naturally occurring electricity (...

Design a complete, simple electric circuit, and explain all necessary components.

Plan and carry out investigations on common materials to determine if they are insulators or conductors of electricity.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about magnetism and its relationship to electricity.

Construct an argument based on experimental evidence to communicate the differences in function and purpose of an electr...

Plan and carry out an investigation to observe the interaction between a magnetic field and a magnetic object.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved...

Ask questions to determine changes in models of Earth's position in the solar system, and origins of the universe as evi...

Develop a model to represent the position of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy and in the known universe.

Analyze and interpret data to compare and contrast the planets in our solar system in terms of: * size relative to Earth...

Develop and use a model to explain the interaction of gravity and inertia that governs the motion of objects in the sola...

Ask questions to compare and contrast the characteristics, composition, and location of comets, asteroids, and meteoroid...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon.

Develop and use a model to demonstrate the phases of the moon by showing the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and m...

Construct an explanation of the cause of solar and lunar eclipses.

Analyze and interpret data to relate the tilt of the Earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its e...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to recognize the significant role of water in Earth processes.

Ask questions to determine where water is located on Earth's surface (oceans, rivers, lakes, swamps, groundwater, aquife...

Plan and carry out an investigation to illustrate the role of the sun's energy in atmospheric conditions that lead to th...

Ask questions to identify and communicate, using graphs and maps, the composition, location, and subsurface topography o...

Analyze and interpret data to create graphic representations of the causes and effects of waves, currents, and tides in ...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how the sun, land, and water affect climate and weather.

Analyze and interpret data to compare and contrast the composition of Earth's atmospheric layers (including the ozone la...

Plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate how energy from the sun transfers heat to air, land and water at diff...

Develop a model demonstrating the interaction between unequal heating and the rotation of the Earth that causes local an...

Construct an explanation of the relationship between air pressure, weather fronts, and air masses and meteorological eve...

Analyze and interpret weather data to explain the effects of moisture evaporating from the ocean on weather patterns and...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to show how Earth's surface is formed.

Ask questions to compare and contrast the Earth's crust, mantle, inner and outer core, including temperature, density, t...

Plan and carry out an investigation of the characteristics of minerals and how minerals contribute to rock composition.

Construct an explanation of how to classify rocks by their formation and how rocks change through geologic processes in ...

Ask questions to identify types of weathering, agents of erosion and transportation, and environments of deposition.

Develop a model to demonstrate how natural processes (weathering, erosion, and deposition) and human activity change roc...

Construct an explanation of how the movement of lithospheric plates, called plate tectonics, can cause major geologic ev...

Construct an argument using maps and data collected to support a claim of how fossils show evidence of the changing surf...

Plan and carry out an investigation to provide evidence that soil is composed of layers of weathered rocks and decompose...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the uses and conservation of various natural resources and how they ...

Ask questions to determine the differences between renewable/sustainable energy resources (examples: hydro, solar, wind,...

Design and evaluate solutions for sustaining the quality and supply of natural resources such as water, soil, and air.

Construct an argument evaluating contributions to the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can be compa...

Develop and defend a model that categorizes organisms based on common characteristics.

Evaluate historical models of how organisms were classified based on physical characteristics and how that led to the si...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe how cell structures, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems...

Develop a model and construct an explanation of how cell structures (specifically the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane,...

Develop and use a conceptual model of how cells are organized into tissues, tissues into organs, organs into systems, an...

Construct an argument that systems of the body (Cardiovascular, Excretory, Digestive, Respiratory, Muscular, Nervous, an...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how organisms reproduce either sexually or asexually and transf...

Construct an explanation supported with scientific evidence of the role of genes and chromosomes in the process of inher...

Develop and use a model to describe how asexual reproduction can result in offspring with identical genetic information ...

Ask questions to gather and synthesize information about the ways humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in ...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to examine the interdependence of organisms with one another and their env...

Construct an explanation for the patterns of interactions observed in different ecosystems in terms of the relationships...

Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and the flow of energy among biotic and abiotic components of an ecosy...

Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for how resource availability, disease, climate, and human activity affec...

Ask questions to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to differentiate between Earth's major terrestr...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources to explain the theory of evolution of living organis...

Use mathematical representations to evaluate explanations of how natural selection leads to changes in specific traits o...

Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variation and environmental factors influence the ...

Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, and extinction of o...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and properties of matter.

Develop and use a model to compare and contrast pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures.

Develop and use models to describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and plasma states when thermal e...

Plan and carry out investigations to compare and contrast chemical (i.e., reactivity, combustibility) and physical (i.e....

Construct an argument based on observational evidence to support the claim that when a change in a substance occurs, it ...

Develop models (e.g., atomic-level models, including drawings, and computer representations) by analyzing patterns withi...

Construct an explanation based on evidence to describe conservation of matter in a chemical reaction including the resul...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments that energy c...

Analyze and interpret data to create graphical displays that illustrate the relationships of kinetic energy to mass and ...

Plan and carry out an investigation to explain the transformation between kinetic and potential energy within a system (...

Construct an argument to support a claim about the type of energy transformations within a system [e.g., lighting a matc...

Plan and carry out investigations on the effects of heat transfer on molecular motion as it relates to the collision of ...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about cause and effect relationships between force, mass, and the motion o...

Analyze and interpret data to identify patterns in the relationships between speed and distance, and velocity and accele...

Construct an explanation using Newton's Laws of Motion to describe the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the ...

Construct an argument from evidence to support the claim that the amount of force needed to accelerate an object is prop...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the claim that electromagnetic (light) waves behave differently...

Ask questions to develop explanations about the similarities and differences between electromagnetic and mechanical wave...

Construct an explanation using data to illustrate the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum and energy.

Design a device to illustrate practical applications of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., communication, medical, mili...

Develop and use a model to compare and contrast how light and sound waves are reflected, refracted, absorbed, diffracted...

Analyze and interpret data to predict patterns in the relationship between density of media and wave behavior (i.e., spe...

Develop and use a model (e.g., simulations, graphs, illustrations) to predict and describe the relationships between wav...

Develop and use models to demonstrate the effects that lenses have on light (i.e., formation an image) and their possibl...

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about gravity, electricity, and magnetism as major forces acting in nature...

Construct an argument using evidence to support the claim that fields (i.e., magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and ...

Plan and carry out investigations to demonstrate the distribution of charge in conductors and insulators.

Plan and carry out investigations to identify the factors (e.g., distance between objects, magnetic force produced by an...