Virginia Standards of Learning for Science

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

The student will investigate and understand that change occurs over time. Key ideas include

natural and human-made things change over time;

living and nonliving things change over time;

changes can be observed and measured; and

changes may be fast or slow.

The student will investigate and understand that humans use resources. Key ideas include

some materials and objects can be used over and over again;

materials can be recycled; and

choices we make impact the air, water, land and living things.

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions based on observations

identify a problem based on need

make predictions based on observations

planning and carrying out investigations

make observations to collect data

identify characteristics and properties of objects through observations

measure the relative length and weight of common objects

record information from investigations

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

describe patterns

classify and/or sequence objects based on a single physical characteristic or property

organize and represent data

read and interpret data in object graphs, picture graphs, and tables

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

make simple conclusions based on data or observations

developing and using models

distinguish between a model and an actual object

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

communicate comparative measures (e.g., heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, more, less, hotter, colder)

communicate observations using pictures, drawings, and/or speech

The student will investigate and understand that pushes and pulls affect the motion of objects. Key ideas include

pushes and pulls can cause an object to move;

pushes and pulls can change the direction of an object; and

changes in motion are related to the strength of the push or pull.

The student will investigate and understand that physical properties of an object can be described. Properties include

colors;

shapes and forms;

textures and feel; and

relative sizes and weights of objects.

The student will investigate and understand that water is important in our daily lives and has properties. Key ideas inc...

water has many uses;

water can be found in many places;

water occurs in different phases; and

water flows downhill.

The students will investigate and understand that senses allow humans to seek, find, take in, and react or respond to di...

the five basic senses correspond to specific human body structures; and

senses are used in our daily lives.

The student will investigate and understand that there are differences between living organisms and nonliving objects. K...

all things can be classified as living or nonliving; and

living organisms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from nonliving objects.

The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals have basic needs and life processes. Key ideas inclu...

living things need adequate food, water, shelter, air, and space to survive;

plants and animals have life cycles; and

offspring of plants and animals are similar but not identical to their parents or to one another.

The student will investigate and understand that light influences temperature on Earth's surfaces and can cause shadows....

the sun provides light and warms Earth's surface;

shadows can be produced when sunlight or artificial light is blocked by an object; and

objects in shadows and objects in sunlight have different temperatures.

The student will investigate and understand that there are patterns in nature. Key patterns include

daily weather;

seasonal changes; and

day and night.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions and make predictions based on observations

identify a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new tool or improved object

planning and carrying out investigations

with guidance, conduct investigations to produce data

identify characteristics and properties of objects by observations

use tools to measure relative length, weight, volume, and temperature of common objects

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations

describe patterns and relationships

classify and arrange objects based on a single physical characteristic or property

organize and represent various forms of data using tables, picture graphs, and object graphs

read and interpret data displayed in tables, picture graphs, and object graphs, using the vocabulary more, less, fewer, ...

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

make simple conclusions based on data or observations

recognize unusual or unexpected results

developing and using models

use physical models to demonstrate simple phenomena and natural processes

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

communicate observations and data using simple graphs, pictures, drawings, numbers, speech and/or writing

The student will investigate and understand that objects can move in different ways. Key ideas include

objects may have straight, circular, spinning, and back-and-forth motions; and

objects may vibrate and produce sound.

The student will investigate and understand that objects are made from materials that can be described by their physical...

objects are made of one or more materials with different physical properties and can be used for a variety of purposes;

when a material is changed in size most physical properties remain the same; and

the type and amount of material determine how much light can pass through an object.

The student will investigate and understand that plants have basic life needs and functional parts that allow them to su...

plants need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow;

structures of plants perform specific functions; and

plants can be classified based on a variety of characteristics.

The student will investigate and understand that animals, including humans, have basic life needs that allow them to sur...

animals need air, food, water, shelter, and space (habitat);

animals have different physical characteristics that perform specific functions; and

animals can be classified based on a variety of characteristics.

The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun and Earth. Key ideas include

the sun is the source of energy and light that warms the Earth's land, air, and water; and

the sun's relative position changes in the Earth's sky throughout the day.

The student will investigate and understand that there are weather and seasonal changes. Key ideas include

changes in temperature, light, and precipitation occur over time;

there are relationships between daily weather and the season; and

changes in temperature, light, and precipitation affect plants and animals, including humans.

The student will investigate and understand that natural resources can be used responsibly. Key ideas include

most natural resources are limited;

human actions can affect the availability of natural resources; and

reducing, reusing, and recycling are ways to conserve natural resources.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that can be investigated

make predictions based on observations and prior experiences

identify a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new tool or improved object

planning and carrying out investigations

with guidance, plan and conduct simple investigations to produce data

use appropriate tools to measure length, weight, and temperature of common objects using U.S. Customary units

measure time intervals using proper tools

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

organize and represent data in pictographs and bar graphs

read and interpret data represented in pictographs and bar graphs

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

make simple conclusions based on data or observations

distinguish between opinion and evidence

recognize unusual or unexpected results

developing and using models

use models to demonstrate simple phenomena and natural processes

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

communicate observations and data using simple graphs, drawings, numbers, speech, and/or writing

The student will investigate and understand that different types of forces may cause an object's motion to change. Key i...

forces from direct contact can cause an object to move;

some forces, including gravity and magnetism, can cause objects to move from a distance; and

forces have applications in our lives.

The student will investigate and understand that matter can exist in different phases. Key ideas include

matter has mass and takes up space;

solids, liquids, and gases have different characteristics; and

heating and cooling can change the phases of matter.

The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals undergo a series of orderly changes as they grow and...

animals have life cycles; and

plants have life cycles.

The student will investigate and understand that living things are part of a system. Key ideas include

plants and animals are interdependent with their living and nonliving surroundings;

an animal's habitat provides all of its basic needs; and

habitats change over time due to many influences.

The student will investigate and understand that there are different types of weather on Earth. Key ideas include

different types of weather have specific characteristics;

measuring, recording, and interpreting weather data allows for identification of weather patterns; and

tracking weather allows us to prepare for the weather and storms.

The student will investigate and understand that weather patterns and seasonal changes affect plants, animals, and their...

weather and seasonal changes affect the growth and behavior of living things;

wind and weather can change the land; and

changes can happen quickly or slowly over time.

The student will investigate and understand that plants are important natural resources. Key ideas include

the availability of plant products affects the development of a geographic area;

plants provide oxygen, homes, and food for many animals; and

plants can help reduce the impact of wind and water.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes

ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed

define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system

planning and carrying out investigations

with guidance, plan and conduct investigations

use appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data

estimate length, mass, volume, and temperature

measure length, mass, volume, and temperature in metric and U.S. Customary units using proper tools

measure elapsed time

use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

organize and represent data in pictographs or bar graphs

read, interpret, and analyze data represented in pictographs and bar graphs

analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if it works as intended

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation

generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem

describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions

developing and using models

use models to demonstrate simple phenomena and natural processes

develop a model (e.g., diagram or simple physical prototype) to illustrate a proposed object, tool, or process

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read and comprehend reading-level appropriate texts and/or other reliable media

communicate scientific information, design ideas, and/or solutions with others

The student will investigate and understand that the direction and size of force affects the motion of an object. Key id...

multiple forces may act on an object;

the net force on an object determines how an object moves;

simple machines increase or change the direction of a force; and

simple and compound machines have many applications.

The student will investigate and understand how materials interact with water. Key ideas include

solids and liquids mix with water in different ways; and

many solids dissolve more easily in hot water than in cold water.

The student will investigate and understand that adaptations allow organisms to satisfy life needs and respond to the en...

populations may adapt over time;

adaptations may be behavioral or physical; and

fossils provide evidence about the types of organisms that lived long ago as well as the nature of their environments.

The student will investigate and understand that aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms. Ke...

ecosystems are made of living and nonliving components of the environment; and

relationships exist among organisms in an ecosystem.

The student will investigate and understand that soil is important in ecosystems. Key ideas include

soil, with its different components, is important to organisms; and

soil provides support and nutrients necessary for plant growth.

The student will investigate and understand that there is a water cycle and water is important to life on Earth. Key ide...

there are many reservoirs of water on Earth;

the energy from the sun drives the water cycle; and

the water cycle involves specific processes.

The student will investigate and understand that natural events and humans influence ecosystems. Key ideas include

human activity affects the quality of air, water, and habitats;

water is limited and needs to be conserved;

fire, flood, disease, and erosion affect ecosystems; and

soil is a natural resource and should be conserved.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

identify scientific and non-scientific questions

develop hypotheses as cause-and-effect relations

define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system

planning and carrying out investigations

identify variables when planning an investigation

collaboratively plan and conduct investigations

use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem

take metric measurements using appropriate tools

measure elapsed time

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

organize and represent data in bar graphs and line graphs

interpret and analyze data represented in bar graphs and line graphs

compare two different representations of the same data (e.g., a set of data displayed on a chart and a graph)

analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine whether it works as intended

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

use evidence (i.e., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support explanations and to make inferences

developing and using models

develop and/or use models to explain natural phenomena

identify limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read and comprehend reading-level-appropriate texts and/or other reliable media

communicate scientific information, design ideas, and/or solutions with others

The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals have structures that distinguish them from one anoth...

the survival of plants and animals depends on photosynthesis;

plants and animals have different structures and processes for obtaining energy; and

plants and animals have different structures and processes for creating offspring.

The student will investigate and understand that organisms, including humans, interact with one another and with the non...

interrelationships exist in populations, communities, and ecosystems;

food webs show the flow of energy within an ecosystem;

changes in an organism's niche and habitat may occur at various stages in its life cycle; and

classification can be used to identify organisms.

The student will investigate and understand that weather conditions and phenomena affect ecosystems and can be predicted...

weather measurements create a record that can be used to make weather predictions;

common and extreme weather events affect ecosystems; and

long term seasonal weather trends determine the climate of a region.

The student will investigate and understand that the planets have characteristics and a specific place in the solar syst...

planets rotate on their axes and revolve around the sun;

planets have characteristics and a specific order in the solar system; and

the sizes of the sun and planets can be compared to one another.

The student will investigate and understand that there are relationships among Earth, the moon, and the sun. Key relatio...

the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun;

the causes for Earth's seasons;

the causes for the four major phases of the moon and the relationship to the tide cycles; and

the relative size, position, age and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun.

The student will investigate and understand that the ocean environment has characteristics. Key characteristics include

geology of the ocean floor;

physical properties and movement of ocean water; and

interaction of organisms in the ocean.

The student will investigate and understand that Virginia has important natural resources. Key resources include

watersheds and water;

plants and animals;

minerals, rocks, and ores; and

forests, soil, and land.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask testable questions based on observations and predict reasonable outcomes based on patterns

develop hypotheses as cause-and-effect relationship

define design problems that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system

planning and carrying out investigations

collaboratively plan and conduct investigations to produce data

identify independent variable, dependent variables, and constants

determine data that should be collected to answer a testable question

take¬ metric measurements using appropriate tools

use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

represent and analyze data using tables and graphs

organize simple data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships

compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in their findings

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct and/or support arguments with evidence, data, and/or a model

describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions

generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

developing and using models

develop models using an analogy, example, or abstract representation to describe a scientific principle or design soluti...

identify limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read and comprehend reading-level-appropriate texts and/or other reliable media

communicate scientific information, design ideas, and/or solutions with others

The student will investigate and understand that energy can take many forms. Key ideas include

energy is the ability to do work or to cause change;

there are many different forms of energy;

energy can be transformed; and

energy is conserved.

The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between force and energy of moving objects. Key...

moving objects have kinetic energy;

motion is described by an object's direction and speed;

changes in motion are related to net force and mass;

when objects collide, the contact forces transfer energy and can change objects' motion; and

friction is a force that opposes motion.

The student will investigate and understand that electricity is transmitted and used in daily life. Key ideas include

electricity flows easily through conductors but not insulators;

electricity flows through closed circuits;

static electricity can be generated by rubbing certain materials together;

electrical energy can be transformed into radiant, mechanical, and thermal energy; and

a current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field.

The student will investigate and understand that sound can be produced and transmitted. Key ideas include

sound is produced when an object or substance vibrates;

sound is the transfer of energy;

different media transmit sound differently; and

sound waves have many uses and applications.

The student will investigate and understand that visible light has certain characteristics and behaves in predictable wa...

visible light is radiant energy that moves in transverse waves;

the visible spectrum includes light with different wavelengths;

matter influences the path of light; and

radiant energy can be transformed into thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy.

The student will investigate and understand that matter has properties and interactions. Key ideas include

matter is composed of atoms;

substances can be mixed together without changes in their physical properties; and

energy has an effect on the phases of matter.

The student will investigate and understand that Earth constantly changes. Key ideas include

Earth's internal energy causes movement of material within the Earth;

plate tectonics describe movement of the crust;

the rock cycle models the transformation of rocks;

processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition change the surface of the Earth; and

fossils and geologic patterns provide evidence of Earth's change.

The student will investigate and understand that the conservation of energy resources is important. Key ideas include

some sources of energy are considered renewable and others are not;

individuals and communities have means of conserving both energy and matter; and

advances in technology improve the ability to transfer and transform energy.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables

develop hypotheses and identify independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, co...

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools

use tools and materials to design and/or build a device to solve a specific problem

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

organize data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in findings

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct explanations that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' ow...

generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

developing and using models

use scale models to represent and estimate distance

use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to obtain scientific and/or technical information

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and pos...

construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar syste...

matter is distributed throughout the solar system;

planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;

gravity contributes to orbital motion; and

the understanding of the solar system has developed over time.

The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key ideas...

Earth has unique properties;

the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;

the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon;

Earth's tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons; and

the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.

The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed. K...

the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;

Earth's energy budget relates to living systems and Earth's processes;

radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy; and

energy transformations are important in energy usage.

The student will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include

atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons;

atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements;

elements may be represented by chemical symbols;

two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);

compounds may be represented by chemical formulas;

chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; and

a few elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere.

The student will investigate and understand that water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and ...

water is referred to as the universal solvent;

water has specific properties;

thermal energy has a role in phase changes;

water has a role in weathering;

large bodies of water moderate climate; and

water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.

The student will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth's atmosphere has structure and is dyn...

air is a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds;

the atmosphere has physical characteristics;

properties of the atmosphere change with altitude;

there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions;

atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions; and

weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements.

The student will investigate and understand that land and water have roles in watershed systems. Key ideas include

a watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water;

Virginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features;

the Chesapeake Bay is an estuary that has many important functions; and

natural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system.

The student will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public poli...

natural resources are important to protect and maintain;

renewable and nonrenewable resources can be managed;

major health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality;

major health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy;

preventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards; and

there are cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations...

DNA has a role in making proteins that determine organism traits;

the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and

Punnett squares are mathematical models used to predict the probability of traits in offspring.

The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms can change over time. Key ideas include

mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction change populations;

the fossil record, genetic information, and anatomical comparisons provide evidence for evolution; and

environmental factors and genetic variation, influence survivability and diversity of organisms.

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions and develop hypotheses to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, co...

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies including the use of microscopes

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

identify, interpret, and evaluate patterns in data

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in their findings

consider limitations of data analysis and/or seek to improve precision and accuracy of data

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct explanations that include qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' ow...

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis and theory

developing and using models

construct and use models and simulations to illustrate, predict, and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena, l...

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to obtain scientific and/or technical information

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and pos...

construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life p...

the development of the cell theory demonstrates the nature of science;

cell structure and organelles support life processes;

similarities and differences between plant and animal cells determine how they support life processes;

cell division is the mechanism for growth and reproduction; and

cellular transport (osmosis and diffusion) is important for life processes.

The student will investigate and understand that there are levels of structural organization in living things. Key ideas...

patterns of cellular organization support life processes;

unicellular and multicellular organisms have comparative structures; and

similar characteristics determine the classification of organisms.

The student will investigate and understand that there are chemical processes of energy transfer which are important for...

photosynthesis is the foundation of virtually all food webs; and

photosynthesis and cellular respiration support life processes.

The student will investigate and understand that biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem. Key ideas include

matter moves through ecosystems via the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles;

energy flow is represented by food webs and energy pyramids; and

relationships exist among producers, consumers, and decomposers.

The student will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. ...

relationships exist between predators and prey and these relationships are modeled in food webs;

the availability and use of resources may lead to competition and cooperation;

symbiotic relationships support the survival of different species; and

the niche of each organism supports survival.

The student will investigate and understand that adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. Key ideas i...

biotic and abiotic factors define land, marine, and freshwater ecosystems; and

physical and behavioral characteristics enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem.

The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and cha...

organisms respond to daily, seasonal, and long-term changes;

changes in the environment may increase or decrease population size; and

large-scale changes such as eutrophication, climate changes, and catastrophic disturbances affect ecosystems.

The student will investigate and understand that relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key ...

changes in habitat can disturb populations;

disruptions in ecosystems can change species competition; and

variations in biotic and abiotic factors can change ecosystems.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer

develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, co...

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies

apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process or system

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' ow...

construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

developing and using models

construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to determine the central idea and/or obtain scientific...

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and pos...

construct, use, and/or present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

The student will investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include

our understanding of atoms has developed over time;

the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter; and

the kinetic molecular theory is used to predict and explain matter interactions.

The student will investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical process...

pure substances can be identified based on their chemical and physical properties;

pure substances can undergo physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties;

compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding; and

balanced chemical equations model the conservation of matter.

The student will investigate and understand that the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their ...

symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods are identified on the periodic table; and

elements are classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.

The student will investigate and understand that energy is conserved. Key ideas include

energy can be stored in different ways;

energy is transferred and transformed; and

energy can be transformed to meet societal needs.

The student will investigate and understand that waves are important in the movement of energy. Key ideas include

energy may be transferred in the form of longitudinal and transverse waves;

mechanical waves need a medium to transfer energy;

waves can interact; and

energy associated with waves has many applications.

The student will investigate and understand that electromagnetic radiation has characteristics. Key ideas include

electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, has wave characteristics and behavior; and

regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have specific characteristics and uses.

The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. Key ideas include

motion can be described using position and time; and

motion is described by Newton's laws.

The student will investigate and understand that there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key ideas incl...

an imbalance of charge generates static electricity;

materials have different conductive properties;

electric circuits transfer energy;

magnetic fields cause the magnetic effects of certain materials;

electric current and magnetic fields are related; and

many technologies use electricity and magnetism.