High School Physical Curriculum Essentials Document Boulder Valley School District Department of Curriculum and Instruction May 2012
Introduction Curriculum Essentials in BVSD In 2009, the Colorado Department of Education published the most recent version of the Colorado Academic Standards. This revision of the Boulder Valley School District Curriculum had three main goals: align with the revised Colorado Academic Standards maintain unique elements of our BVSD curriculum that reach beyond the standards maintain a viable list of concepts and skills that students should master in each grade level or course Inquiry A new organizational feature of the Colorado Academic Standards is the integration of science inquiry skills with specific scientific concepts. Instead of having a separate standard for inquiry, the skills associated with the process of scientific inquiry are embedded in the Evidence Outcomes for each Grade Level Expectation. In addition, the nature and history of science has been integrated into the Grade Level Expectations under Nature of the Discipline. This approach is echoed by the Framework for K-12 Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas which states that the skills or practices of inquiry and the core ideas must be woven together in standards, curricula, instruction, and assessments. Scientific inquiry remains a central focus of the revised BVSD Curriculum Essentials Documents. The following definition from the National Education. Standards serves as the basis for our common understanding of how scientific inquiry is defined. Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work. Inquiry also refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world. The following points serve to clarify the vision of what inquiry means in BVSD. Inquiry involves five essential features, which are heavily integrated into the wording of Evidence Outcomes in the Colorado Academic Standards. Students engaged in scientific inquiry should ask or respond to scientifically oriented questions give priority to evidence formulate explanations based on evidence connect explanations to scientific knowledge communicate and justify explanations (Inquiry and the National Education Standards). Inquiry based science instruction involves a continuum of learning experiences from teacher-led to learner self-directed activities, including but not limited to hand-on labs. Hence, both a structured assignment involving reading and written reflection and an open-ended, hands-on investigation could be considered inquiry as long as they involve the five essential features identified above. The ultimate goals of inquiry-based instruction are to engage learners, develop their conceptual understanding of the natural world around them, and to overcome misconceptions in science. Inquiry-based activities should balance students application of content knowledge, creativity and critical thinking in order to analyze data, solve a problem or address a unique question. 4/3/2012 BVSD curriculum Essentials 2
High School Physical Overview Course Description Physical is a lab-based, inquiry oriented course involving principles and concepts concerning the physical world. Content areas explored include nature and behavior of matter, atomic theory, chemical and physical changes including bonding and reactions, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, and energy. The course emphasizes the study and proper use of fundamental science tools including the metric system, periodic table, and graphing. Topics at a Glance Newton s Laws Conservation of mass Energy transformations Math Tools Atom structure and properties of substances Chemical bonds Conservation of energy Lab Practices Assessments Teacher created assessments 10 th grade TCAP Standard Big Ideas in Physical (Grade Level Expectations) 1. Physical 1. Newton s laws of motion and gravitation describe the relationships among forces acting on and between objects, their masses, and changes in their motion but have limitations 2. Matter has definite structure that determines characteristic physical and chemical properties 3. Matter can change form through chemical or nuclear reactions abiding by the laws of conservation of mass and energy 4. Atoms bond in different ways to form molecules and compounds that have definite properties 5. Energy exists in many forms such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, radiant, thermal, and nuclear, that can be quantified and experimentally determined 6. When energy changes form, it is neither created not destroyed; however, because some is necessarily lost as heat, the amount of energy available to do work decreases 7. Scientists use the tools of math to solve problems, analyze data, and evaluate the validity of results. 8. Scientists ask questions and state hypotheses using prior knowledge to help design and guide scientific investigations, using appropriate technology and safe laboratory practices. 4/3/2012 BVSD curriculum Essentials 3
1. Physical Students know and understand common properties, forms and changes in matter and energy. Prepared Graduates The preschool through twelfth-grade concepts and skills that all students who complete the Colorado education system must master to ensure their success in a postsecondary and workforce setting. Prepared Graduate Competencies in the Physical standard: Observe, explain, and predict natural phenomena governed by Newton's laws of motion, acknowledging the limitations of their application to very small or very fast objects Apply an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions Apply an understanding that energy exists in various forms, and its transformation and conservation occur in processes that are predictable and measurable Engage in scientific inquiry by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 4
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Observe, explain, and predict natural phenomena governed by Newton's laws of motion, acknowledging the limitations of their application to very small or very fast objects GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 1. Newton s laws of motion and gravitation describe the relationships among forces acting on and between objects, their masses, and changes in their motion but have limitations Evidence Outcomes 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Students can: a. Gather, analyze and interpret data and create graphs regarding position, velocity and acceleration of moving objects b. Develop, communicate and justify an evidence-based analysis of the forces acting on an object and the resultant acceleration produced by a net force c. Develop, communicate and justify an evidence-based scientific prediction regarding the effects of the actionreaction force pairs on the motion of two interacting objects d. Examine the effect of changing masses and distance when applying Newton's law of universal gravitation to a system of two bodies e. Identify the limitations of Newton s laws in extreme situations f. Uses Newton s Second Law (force = mass x acceleration) to calculate the magnitude of a change in the motion of an object g. Applies Newton s Laws to free-body force diagrams and mathematical problem-solving. Inquiry Questions: 1. How can forces be acting on an object without changing the object s motion? 2. Why do equal but opposite action and reaction forces not cancel? Relevance and Application: 1. Newton's laws are used in a variety of design processes such as vehicle safety, aerospace, bridge design and interplanetary probes. 2. An understanding of forces leads to safer building designs such as earthquake-safe buildings. 3. Forces present in the earth lead to plate tectonics. Nature of Discipline: 1. Use an inquiry approach to answer a testable question about an application of Newton s laws of motion. 2. Share experimental data, respectfully discuss conflicting results, and analyze ways to minimize error and uncertainty in measurement. 3. Differentiate between the use of the terms law and theory as they are defined and used in science compared to how they are used in other disciplines or common use. 4. Use technology to perform calculations and to organize, analyze and report data. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 5
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Apply an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 2. Matter has definite structure that determines characteristic physical and chemical properties Evidence Outcomes 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Students can: a. Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation supporting the current model of an atom b. Gather, analyze and interpret data on chemical and physical properties of elements such as density, melting point, boiling point, and conductivity c. Use characteristic physical and chemical properties to develop predictions and supporting claims about elements positions on the periodic table d. Develop a model that differentiates atoms and molecules, elements and compounds, and pure substances and mixtures Content Area: - High School Physical Inquiry Questions: 1. What patterns can be observed in the properties of elements and families in the periodic table? 2. What properties do nanoscale particles have that are different than those of macroscopic samples of the same substance? Relevance and Application: 1. The unique properties of various elements make them useful for specific applications. For example, metalloids and semiconductors are useful in electronic applications. 2. Alloys are created by combining metals with other elements to produce materials with useful properties that are not found in nature. For example, iron and carbon make steel. 3. Consumers can make informed decisions regarding the purchase of household chemicals when they understand chemical properties and their implications. For example, choosing lead based versus non-lead based paints weighs safety concerns against color and durability in applications. 4. The unique properties of nanoscale particles provide special benefits and dangers. Nature of Discipline: 1. Recognize that the current understanding of molecular structure related to the physical and chemical properties of matter has developed over time and become more sophisticated as new technologies have led to new evidence. 2. Ask testable questions about the nature of matter, and use an inquiry approach to investigate it. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 6
Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Apply an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 3. Matter can change form through chemical or nuclear reactions abiding by the laws of conservation of mass and energy Evidence Outcomes Students can: a. Recognize, analyze, interpret, and balance chemical equations (synthesis, decomposition, combustion, and replacement) or nuclear equations (fusion and fission) b. Predict reactants and products for different types of chemical and nuclear reactions c. Predict and calculate the amount of products produced in a chemical reaction based on the amount of reactants d. Examine, evaluate, question, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media to investigate the conservation of mass and energy 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Inquiry Questions: 1. What patterns of chemical reactions exist? 2. How are chemical reactions distinguished from nuclear reactions? Relevance and Application: 1. Products formed in different types of reactions are useful to people. For example, polymerase reactions making nylon. 2. The use of chemicals can have both positive and negative environmental effects. For example, the use of lime to make acidic soils more productive or the use of CFCs causing the ozone hole. 3. When using radioactive substances, there are benefits such as medicine and energy production as well as dangers such as environmental and health concerns. Nature of the Discipline: 1. Critically evaluate chemical and nuclear change models. 2. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a model which represents complex natural phenomenon. 3. Use an inquiry approach to test predictions about chemical reactions. 4. Share experimental data, and respectfully discuss conflicting results. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 7
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Apply an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 4. Atoms bond in different ways to form molecules and compounds that have definite properties Evidence Outcomes Students can: a. Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation supporting the current models of chemical bonding b. Gather, analyze, and interpret data on chemical and physical properties of different compounds such as density, melting point, boiling point, ph, and conductivity c. Use characteristic physical and chemical properties to develop predictions and supporting claims about compounds classification as ionic, polar or covalent d. Describe the role electrons play in atomic bonding e. Predict the type of bonding that will occur among elements based on their position in the periodic table 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Inquiry Questions: 1. How can various substances be classified as ionic or covalent compounds? 2. What role do electrons play in different types of chemical bonds? Relevance and Application: 1. Related compounds share some properties that help focus chemists when looking for a substance with particular properties for a specific application. For example, finding new super conductors. 2. Carbon atoms bond in ways that provide the foundation for a wide range of applications. For example, forming chains and rings such as sugars and fats that are essential to life and developing synthetic fibers and oils. 3. Living systems create and use various chemical compounds such as plants making sugars from photosynthesis and chemicals that can be used as medicine, and endocrine glands producing hormones. Nature of Discipline: 1. Recognize that the current understanding of molecular structure related to the physical and chemical properties of matter has developed over time and become more sophisticated as new technologies have led to new evidence. 2. Employ data-collection technology to gather, view, analyze, and interpret data about chemical and physical properties of different compounds. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 8
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Apply an understanding that energy exists in various forms, and its transformation and conservation occur in processes that are predictable and measurable GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 5. Energy exists in many forms such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, radiant, thermal, and nuclear, that can be quantified and experimentally determined Evidence Outcomes Students can: a. Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation regarding the potential and kinetic nature of mechanical energy b. Use appropriate measurements, equations and graphs to gather, analyze, and interpret data on the quantity of energy in a system or an object c. Use direct and indirect evidence to develop predictions of the types of energy associated with objects d. Identify different energy forms, and calculate their amounts by measuring their defining characteristics e. Gather and analyze data to determine the specific heat of a substance 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Inquiry Questions: 1. What factors can be measured to determine the amount of energy associated with an object? 2. What are the most common forms of energy in our physical world? 3. What makes an energy form renewable or nonrenewable? 4. What makes some forms of energy hard to measure? 5. Extension: What factors can be measured to determine the amount of energy and power associated with an electrical component or system? 6. Extension: What factors are important in determining the performance of a chemical battery? 7. Extension: What factors affect the flow of electrical current through circuits and components? Relevance and Application: 1. Society and energy providers must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different ways to provide electricity to our society. 2. An understanding of energy transformations is necessary when designing clean energy systems that convert any type of energy into electricity such as wind generators and solar cells. 3. There are advantages and disadvantages to using various energy sources such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity as transportation fuel. 4. Politics plays a role in shaping energy policy such as balancing conflicting stakeholder needs. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 9
5. Energy plays a role in living systems and Earth s systems. For example, cells convert sugar to ATP and then to energy, energy inside the earth drives plate tectonic phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and energy from the Sun drives weather. 6. Extension: Advances in battery technology is vitally important as electronics become more ubiquitous and as the world looks for new sources of energy. 7. Extension: An understanding of energy transformations is necessary when designing clean energy systems that convert any type of energy into electricity such as wind generators and solar cells. 8. Extension: Knowledge of electricity and electric circuits is relevant to all electrical devices. This includes mobile devices and the electricity used in homes. Nature of the Discipline: 1. Critically evaluate scientific claims made in popular media or by peers regarding the application of energy forms, and determine if the evidence presented is appropriate and sufficient to support the claims. 2. Use the historical context and impact of early energy research and consider the potential implications for current energy studies on science and our society. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 10
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Apply an understanding that energy exists in various forms, and its transformation and conservation occur in processes that are predictable and measurable GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 6. When energy changes form, it is neither created not destroyed; however, because some is necessarily lost as heat, the amount of energy available to do work decreases Evidence Outcomes 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Students can: a. Use direct and indirect evidence to develop and support claims about the conservation of energy in a variety of systems, including transformations to heat b. Evaluate the energy conversion efficiency of a variety of energy transformations c. Describe energy transformations both quantitatively and qualitatively d. Differentiate among the characteristics of mechanical and electromagnetic waves that determine their energy e. Examine, evaluate, question, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media to investigate energy conservation and loss f. Applies the terms frequency, wavelength and amplitude to both sound (longitudinal) and light (transverse) wave Inquiry Questions: 1. Why is 100 percent efficiency impossible in an energy transformation? 2. How does the law of conservation of energy help us solve problems involving complex systems? 3. Scientists or engineers often say energy is lost. Is there a word that might be better than lost? Why? Relevance and Application: 1. Incremental strides have been made in improving the efficiency of different forms of energy production and consumption. For example, today s engines are much more efficient than those from 50 years ago, and batteries are more powerful and last longer than those from just a few years ago. 2. Different technologies such as light-emitting diodes, compact fluorescent lights, and incandescent light bulbs have different efficiencies and environmental impacts. Nature of Discipline: 1. Critically evaluate scientific claims made in popular media or by peers regarding the application of energy transformations, and determine if the evidence presented is appropriate and sufficient to support the claims. 2. Ask testable questions and make a falsifiable hypothesis about the conservation of energy, and use an inquiry approach to find an answer. 3. Share experimental data, and respectfully discuss conflicting results emulating the practice of scientists. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 11
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: 1. Physical Prepared Graduates: Engage in scientific inquiry by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations. GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION Concepts and skills students master: 7. Scientists use the tools of math to solve problems, analyze data, and evaluate the validity of results. Evidence Outcomes Students can: a. Use dimensional analysis to solve one factor metric problems. b. Calculate quantities (such as density and specific heat). c. Understand the concept of significant figures and apply to simple calculations. d. Connect the concept of significant figures to precision of measuring tools. e. Identify when error has been introduced into a scientific investigation because certain variables are not controlled or more than one variable is changed. f. Calculate percent error. g. Use and convert between fundamental metric units. 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Inquiry Questions: 1. How do we identify sources of error and quantify their impact on data? 2. How accurately and precisely can a quantity be measured? Relevance and Application: 1. Being able to identify sources of variability is critical to deciding if an observation, such as an increase in the number of tornadoes in a given season, represents an actual change or is merely the result of natural fluctuation. 2. Incorrect conversion of English to metric units resulted in the failure of a NASA satellite. Nature of Discipline: 1. Math is a central tool of science. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 12
Content Area: - High School Physical Standard: Physical Prepared Graduates: Engage in scientific inquiry by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations. GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATION: High School Physical Concepts and skills students master: 8. Scientists ask questions and state hypotheses using prior knowledge to help design and guide scientific investigations, using appropriate technology and safe laboratory practices. Evidence Outcomes 21 st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies Students can: a. Formulate testable hypotheses based on observed phenomena and prior knowledge. b. Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis, identifying the independent and dependent variables, and using appropriate equipment and technology to collect data. c. Identify and use appropriate safe practices. d. Write a conclusion linking results to the hypothesis. Inquiry Questions: 1. What types of questions and hypotheses can be answered by science? 2. What elements of design are critical in conducting a scientific investigation? 3. How can we ensure that scientific investigations are both safe and consistent with standard scientific practice? 4. How do we identify sources of error and quantify their impact on data? 5. How do we know if the conclusions of a scientific investigation are valid? Relevance and Application: 1. A scientific approach to answering a question requires formulating a testable hypothesis. 2. Questions about which a testable hypothesis cannot be formulated are not amenable to evaluation by the scientific method. 3. Safe practices in the lab extend to safe practices in the workplace. Nature of Discipline: 1. The scientific method involves formulating a hypothesis, designing experiments to test the hypothesis, and evaluating the data to determine if the results support the hypothesis. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 13
Prepared Graduate Competencies in The preschool through twelfth-grade concepts and skills that all students who complete the Colorado education system must master to ensure their success in a postsecondary and workforce setting. Prepared Graduates: Observe, explain, and predict natural phenomena governed by Newton's laws of motion, acknowledging the limitations of their application to very small or very fast objects Apply an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions Apply an understanding that energy exists in various forms, and its transformation and conservation occur in processes that are predictable and measurable Analyze the relationship between structure and function in living systems at a variety of organizational levels, and recognize living systems dependence on natural selection Explain and illustrate with examples how living systems interact with the biotic and abiotic environment Analyze how various organisms grow, develop, and differentiate during their lifetimes based on an interplay between genetics and their environment Explain how biological evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of living organisms Describe and interpret how Earth's geologic history and place in space are relevant to our understanding of the processes that have shaped our planet Evaluate evidence that Earth s geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact as a complex system Describe how humans are dependent on the diversity of resources provided by Earth and Sun Engage in scientific inquiry by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations. 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 14
Standard High School 1. Physical Grade Level Expectation 1. Newton s laws of motion and gravitation describe the relationships among forces acting on and between objects, their masses, and changes in their motion but have limitations 2. Matter has definite structure that determines characteristic physical and chemical properties 3. Matter can change form through chemical or nuclear reactions abiding by the laws of conservation of mass and energy 4. Atoms bond in different ways to form molecules and compounds that have definite properties 5. Energy exists in many forms such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, radiant, thermal, and nuclear, that can be quantified and experimentally determined 6. When energy changes form, it is neither created not destroyed; however, because some is necessarily lost as heat, the amount of energy available to do work decreases 2. Life 1. Matter tends to be cycled within an ecosystem, while energy is transformed and eventually exits an ecosystem 2. The size and persistence of populations depend on their interactions with each other and on the abiotic factors in an ecosystem 3. Cellular metabolic activities are carried out by biomolecules produced by organisms 4. The energy for life primarily derives from the interrelated processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis transforms the sun s light energy into the chemical energy of molecular bonds. Cellular respiration allows cells to utilize chemical energy when these bonds are broken. 5. Cells use the passive and active transport of substances across membranes to maintain relatively stable intracellular environments 6. Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems maintain relatively stable internal environments, even in the face of changing external environments 7. Physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism are influenced to varying degrees by heritable genes, many of which encode instructions for the production of proteins 8. Multicellularity makes possible a division of labor at the cellular level through the expression of select genes, but not the entire genome 9. Evolution occurs as the heritable characteristics of populations change across generations and can lead populations to become better adapted to their environment 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 15
Standard Grade Level Expectation High School (continued) 3. Earth Systems 1. The history of the universe, solar system and Earth can be inferred from evidence left from past events 2. As part of the solar system, Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways 3. The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain geological, physical, and geographical features of Earth 4. Climate is the result of energy transfer among interactions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere 5. There are costs, benefits, and consequences of exploration, development, and consumption of renewable and nonrenewable resources 6. The interaction of Earth's surface with water, air, gravity, and biological activity causes physical and chemical changes 7. Natural hazards have local, national and global impacts such as volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and thunderstorms Eighth Grade 3. Earth Systems 1. Weather is a result of complex interactions of Earth's atmosphere, land and water, that are driven by energy from the sun, and can be predicted and described through complex models 2. Earth has a variety of climates defined by average temperature, precipitation, humidity, air pressure, and wind that have changed over time in a particular location 3. The solar system is comprised of various objects that orbit the Sun and are classified based on their characteristics 4. The relative positions and motions of Earth, Moon, and Sun can be used to explain observable effects such as seasons, eclipses, and Moon phases 5. Major geologic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, midocean ridges, and mountain formation are associated with plate boundaries and attributed to plate motions 6. Geologic time, history, and changing life forms are indicated by fossils and successive sedimentation, folding, faulting, and uplifting of layers of sedimentary rock 7. Complex interrelationships exist between Earth s structure and natural processes that over time are both constructive and destructive 8. Water on Earth is distributed and circulated through oceans, glaciers, rivers, ground water, and the atmosphere 9. Earth s natural resources provide the foundation for human society s physical needs. Many natural resources are nonrenewable on human timescales, while others can be renewed or recycled 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 16
Standard Grade Level Expectation Seventh Grade 2. Life 1. Individual organisms with certain traits are more likely than others to survive and have offspring in a specific environment 2. The human body is composed of atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems that have specific functions and interactions 3. Cells are the smallest unit of life that can function independently and perform all the necessary functions of life 4. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important processes by which energy is acquired and utilized by organisms 5. Multiple lines of evidence show the evolution of organisms over geologic time Sixth Grade 1. Physical 6. Human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter ecosystems and their resiliency 7. Organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information (genes) to offspring, which influences individuals traits in the next generation 8. Changes in environmental conditions can affect the survival of individual organisms, populations, and entire species 9. Organisms interact with each other and their environment in various ways that create a flow of energy and cycling of matter in an ecosystem 1. Identify and calculate the direction and magnitude of forces that act on an object, and explain the results in the object s change of motion 2. There are different forms of energy, and those forms of energy can be changed from one form to another but total energy is conserved 3. Distinguish between physical and chemical changes, noting that mass is conserved during any change 4. Recognize that waves such as electromagnetic, sound, seismic, and water have common characteristics and unique properties 5. Mixtures of substances can be separated based on their properties such as solubility, boiling points, magnetic properties, and densities 6. All matter is made of atoms, which are far too small to see directly through a light microscope. Elements have unique atoms and thus, unique properties. Atoms themselves are made of even smaller particles 7. Atoms may stick together in well-defined molecules or be packed together in large arrangements. Different arrangements of atoms into groups compose all substances. 8. The physical characteristics and changes of solid, liquid, and gas states can be explained using the particulate model 9. Distinguish among, explain, and apply the relationships among mass, weight, volume, and density 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 17
Standard Grade Level Expectation Fifth Grade 1. Physical 1. Mixtures of matter can be separated regardless of how they were created; all weight and mass of the mixture are the same as the sum of weight and mass of its parts 2. Life 1. All organisms have structures and systems with separate functions 2. Human body systems have basic structures, functions, and needs 3. Earth Systems Fourth Grade 1. Physical 1. Earth and sun provide a diversity of renewable and nonrenewable resources 2. Earth s surface changes constantly through a variety of processes and forces 3. Weather conditions change because of the uneven heating of Earth s surface by the Sun s energy. Weather changes are measured by differences in temperature, air pressure, wind and water in the atmosphere and type of precipitation 1. Energy comes in many forms such as light, heat, sound, magnetic, chemical, and electrical 2. Life 1. All living things share similar characteristics, but they also have differences that can be described and classified 2. Comparing fossils to each other or to living organisms reveals features of prehistoric environments and provides information about organisms today 3. There is interaction and interdependence between and among living and nonliving components of systems 3. Earth Systems 1. Earth is part of the solar system, which includes the Sun, Moon, and other bodies that orbit the Sun in predictable patterns that lead to observable paths of objects in the sky as seen from Earth Third Grade 1. Physical 1. Matter exists in different states such as solids, liquids, and gases and can change from one state to another by heating and cooling 2. Life 1. The duration and timing of life cycle events such as reproduction and longevity vary across organisms and species 3. Earth Systems Second Grade 1. Physical 1. Earth s materials can be broken down and/or combined into different materials such as rocks, minerals, rock cycle, formation of soil, and sand some of which are usable resources for human activity 1. Changes in speed or direction of motion are caused by forces such as pushes and pulls. 2. Life 1. Organisms depend on their habitat s nonliving parts to satisfy their needs 2. Each plant or animal has different structures or behaviors that serve different functions 3. Earth Systems 1. Weather and the changing seasons impact the environment and organisms such as humans, plants, and other animals 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 18
Standard Grade Level Expectation First Grade 1. Physical 1. Solids and liquids have unique properties that distinguish them 2. Life 1. Offspring have characteristics that are similar to but not exactly like their parents characteristics 2. An organism is a living thing that has physical characteristics to help it survive 3. Earth Systems 1. Earth s materials can be compared and classified based on their properties Kindergarten 1. Physical 1. Objects can move in a variety of ways that can be described by speed and direction 2. Objects can be sorted by physical properties, which can be observed and measured 2. Life 1. Organisms can be described and sorted by their physical characteristics 3. Earth Systems 1. The sun provides heat and light to Earth Preschool 1. Physical 1. Objects have properties and characteristics 2. There are cause-and-effect relationships in everyday experiences 2. Life 1. Living things have characteristics and basic needs 2. Living things develop in predictable patterns 3. Earth Systems 1. Earth s materials have properties and characteristics that affect how we use those materials 2. Events such as night, day, the movement of objects in the sky, weather, and seasons have patterns 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 19
Academic Vocabulary Standard 1: acceleration, accuracy, action-reaction, alloy, amplitude, anecdotal evidence, atom, bias, boiling point, causation, chemical bond, chemical energy, chemical equation, chemical property, chemical reaction, combustion, compound, conductivity, conservation of energy, conservation of matter, constant, controlled experiment, correlation, covalent, cycle, data, decomposition (chemical reaction), density, dependent variable, efficiency, electrical energy, electromagnetic wave, electron, element, energy, energy transformation, error, evidence, experiment, explanation, falsifiable, fission, force, frequency, fusion, gravitation, heat, hypothesis, independent variable, investigation, ionic, kinetic energy, law, macroscopic, mass, matter, mechanical energy, melting point, metal, metalloid, methodology, microscopic, mixture, molecule, motion, nanoscale, neutron, non-renewable energy, nuclear energy, nuclear equation, nuclear reaction, optimum, ph, periodic table, physical property, plate tectonics, polar, position, potential energy, product, proton, qualitative, quantitative, radiant energy, radioactive, reactant, renewable energy, replacement (chemical reaction), research-based evidence, semiconductor, skepticism, substance, super conductor, synthesis (chemical reaction), synthetic, system, testable question, theory, thermal energy, uncertainty, velocity Word Acceleration Accuracy Action-reaction Alloy Amplitude Anecdotal evidence Atom Bias Boiling point Causation Chemical bond Chemical energy Chemical equation Chemical property Chemical reaction Combustion Definition the rate of increase of speed the degree of agreement between a measured or computed value of a physical quantity and the standard or accepted value for that quantity accompanied by a reaction of equal magnitude but opposite direction a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion in a wave, the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation from the point of equilibrium. short account of a particular incident or event that is not scientific or is hearsay and therefore considered unreliable the smallest particle of a chemical element, consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons statistical sampling or testing error caused by systematically favoring some outcomes over others the temperature at which a liquid boils at a fixed pressure, especially under standard atmospheric conditions the act that produces an effect, where the effect is understood to be a consequence of the act any of several forces, especially the ionic bond, covalent bond, and metallic bond, by which atoms or ions are bound in a molecule a form of potential energy related to the structural arrangement of atoms or molecules, which results from the chemical bonds and which can be transformed to other forms of energy by a chemical reaction a representation of a chemical reaction using symbols of the elements to indicate the amount of substance of each reactant and product a property or behavior of a substance when it undergoes a chemical change or reaction a process that involves rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of a substance, as opposed to a change in physical form or a nuclear reaction reaction of a substance with oxygen in which energy is released 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 20
Compound Conductivity Conservation of energy Conservation of matter Constant Controlled experiment Correlation Covalent Cycle Data Decomposition (chemical reaction) Density Dependent variable Efficiency Electrical energy Electromagnetic wave Electron Element Energy Energy transformation Error Evidence Experiment Explanation Falsifiable Fission Force a pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements the ability or power to conduct or transmit heat, electricity, or sound a principle stating that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant regardless of changes within the system a principle in classical physics stating that the total mass of an isolated system is unchanged by interaction of its parts an experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances an experiment that isolates the effect of one variable on a system by holding constant all variables but the one under observation a measurable and predictable relationship of, relating to, or denoting chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order factual information (as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation the separation of a chemical compound into elements or simpler compounds the mass of a substance per unit volume the observed or measured variable in an experiment or study whose changes are determined by the presence of one or more independent variables the ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor wave of energy having a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum and propagated as a periodic disturbance of the electromagnetic field when an electric charge oscillates or accelerates an elementary particle in all atoms that has a negative charge substance composed of atoms having an identical number of protons in each nucleus the capacity of a physical system to do work to convert energy from one form to another difference between a computed or measured value and a true or theoretically correct value information acquired through objective experience a test under controlled conditions that is made to examine the validity of a hypothesis or determine the efficacy of something previously untried a statement based on scientific evidence and logical argument about causes and effects or relationships between variables the possibility that an assertion could be shown untrue a nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus, especially a heavy nucleus such as an isotope of uranium, splits into fragments, usually two fragments of comparable mass, releasing from 100 million to several hundred million electron volts of energy an influence tending to change the motion of a body or produce motion or stress in a stationary body; a push or a pull 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 21
Frequency Fusion Gravitation Heat Hypothesis Independent variable Investigation Ionic Kinetic energy Law Macroscopic Mass Matter Mechanical energy Melting point Metal Metalloid Methodology Microscopic Mixture Molecule the number of repetitions per unit time of a complete waveform a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy the force of attraction that bodies exert on one another as a result of their mass a form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules and capable of being transmitted through solid and fluid media by conduction, through fluid media by convection, and through empty space by radiation a tentative explanation for an observation a manipulated variable in an experiment or study whose presence or degree determines the change in the dependent variable a detailed inquiry or systematic examination formed by the electrostatic attraction of oppositely charged ions the energy possessed by an object because of its motion a phenomenon of nature that has been shown to invariably occur whenever certain conditions exist or are met large enough to be perceived or examined by the unaided eye the quantity of matter which a body contains, as measured by its acceleration under a given force or by the force exerted on it by a gravitational field physical substance or material in general; that which occupies space and possesses mass energy of an object due to its motion or position the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid at standard atmospheric pressure a substance with high electrical conductivity, luster, and malleability, which readily loses electrons to form positive ions (cations) an element with properties intermediate between those of a metal and nonmetal means, technique, or procedure; method too small to be seen by the unaided eye but large enough to be studied under a microscope a composition of two or more substances that are not chemically combined with each other and are capable of being separated the simplest unit of a chemical compound that can exist, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds Motion a natural event that involves a change in the position or location of something Nanoscale relating to or occurring on a scale of nanometers (10-9 m) Neutron a neutral elementary particle of about the same mass as a proton Non-renewable of or relating to an energy source, such as oil or natural gas, or a natural energy resource, such as a metallic ore, that is not replaceable after it has been used Nuclear energy the energy released by a nuclear reaction Nuclear equation notations are used to represent the decay of one element into another or the fusion of atoms from different elements Nuclear reaction a change in the identity or characteristics of an atomic nucleus that results when it is bombarded with an energetic particle, as in fission, fusion, or radioactive decay Optimum the point at which the condition, degree, or amount of something is the most favorable ph p(otential of) H(ydrogen); a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, numerically equal to 7 for neutral solutions, increasing with increasing alkalinity and decreasing with 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 22
Periodic table Physical property Plate tectonics Polar Position Potential energy Product Proton Qualitative Quantitative Radiant energy Radioactive Reactant Renewable energy Replacement (chemical reaction) Research-based evidence Semiconductor Skepticism Substance Super conductor Synthesis (chemical reaction) Synthetic System Testable question Theory a table of the chemical elements arranged in order of atomic number, usually in rows, so that elements with similar atomic structure (and hence similar chemical properties) appear in vertical columns a property of an element or compound that can be observed without a chemical reaction of the substance a theory explaining the structure of the earth's crust and many associated phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates that move slowly over the underlying mantle descriptor for a chemical compound whose molecules exhibit electrically positive characteristics at one extremity and negative characteristics at the other place or location stored energy; the ability of a system to do work due to its position or internal structure. For example, gravitational potential energy is a stored energy determined by an object's position in a gravitational field while elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a spring a substance resulting from a chemical reaction an elementary particle in all atoms that has a positive charge involving distinctions, descriptions, or comparisons based on qualities that can be observed without measurement (e.g. color, shape, appearance) involving distinctions, descriptions, or comparisons that can be quantified or measured energy that is transmitted in the form of (electromagnetic) radiation emitting or relating to the emission of ionizing radiation or particles a substance participating in a chemical reaction, especially a directly reacting substance present at the initiation of the reaction energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished) chemical reactions in which one element is replaced by another (single replacement), or where the positive ion of one compound is exchanged with the positive ion of another compound (double replacement) data derived from sound scientific research methods. It is noted as researchbased to differentiate from anecdotal or circumstantial evidence any of various solid crystalline substances, such as germanium or silicon, having electrical conductivity greater than insulators but less than good conductors, and used especially as a base material for computer chips and other electronic devices a doctrine that suspends judgment until there is sufficient scientific evidence to believe a claim a particular kind of matter with uniform properties an element or metallic alloy which, when cooled to near absolute zero, loses all electrical resistance formation of a compound from simpler compounds or elements prepared or made artificially a group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole a question that can tested in a scientific investigation a set of statements or principles devised to explain a large set of data and has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted 4/3/2012 BVSD Curriculum Essentials 23