Science Assessed Benchmarks and Look Fors 6 th Grade Science Benchmarks page 1 7 th Grade Science Benchmarks page 2 8 th Grade Science Benchmarks page 3 Physical Science/Honors Physical Science page 4 Earth Science/Astronomy (HSC 1021) page 5 ERE Benchmarks page 6 Earth Science/Geology (HSC 1021) page 7 HSC 1042 Biology/ HSC 1062 Honors Biology page 8 Biology 2 page 9 AP Biology page 10 Chemistry page 11 Honors Chemistry page 12 AP Chemistry (HSC 1082) page 13 Observational Astronomy page 14 Environmental Science page 15
6 th Grade Science Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft: 2/10/09) Quarter 1 4.1 Inter-relationships between minerals, rocks, and soils 1.2 Appropriate tools, technology, metric units for data collect/report 5.5 Science, technology, human activity interrelationships affect world Quarter 2 4.3 Natural processes shape the Earth 4.6 Understand information in successive layers of sedimentary rock 1.3 Interpret/evaluate data to formulate logical conclusion 1.4 Scientific ideas used to explain/predict observations and events Quarter 3 4.11 Distribution and circulation of Earth s waters 4.9 Quantitative changes in weather conditions over time and space 4.10 Large-scale and local weather systems 1.6 Communicate results of investigations in appropriate ways 5.4 Models can be used to predict change Quarter 4 4.14 Effects of relative motion, axes tilt and positions of Earth, Sun, Moon 4.15 Understand components and vast distances in the Universe 4.16 Technology is needed to explore space 1.1 Questions/hypothesis leading to different types of scientific investigations 5.2 Scientific knowledge is tentative 1 P a g e
7 th Grade Science Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft: 2/10/09) Quarter 1 3.6 Cells have basic structures, components, functions 3.5 Photosynthesis/cellular respiration are basic processes of life 3.9 Asexual and sexual cell reproduction/division can be differentiated 3.10 Role of chromosomes and genes in heredity 1.2 Appropriate tools, technology, metric units for data collect/report Quarter 2 3.1 Classification schemes used to understand structure of organisms 3.3 Differentiation levels of organization, roles within whole organism 5.2 Scientific knowledge is tentative Quarter 3 3.2 Human body systems have specific functions/interactions 3.7 Noncommunicable conditions and communicable diseases 3.4 Methods used by multicellular organisms to obtain food/materials for cells 1.3 Interpret/evaluate data to formulate logical conclusion Quarter 4 3.8 Flow of energy and matter in ecosystems 3.11 Impact of environmental changes on survival of individuals, pops, species 3.13 Some organisms are more fit and likely to survive/reproduce 1.1 Questions/hypothesis leading to different types of scientific investigations 5.5 Science, technology, human activity interrelationships affect world 2 P a g e
8 th Grade Science Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft: 2/10/09) Quarter 1 2.1 Physical properties of phases explained using particle model 2.2 Mixtures of substances can be separated based on properties 2.4 Mass and weight can be distinguished 1.2 Appropriate tools, technology, metric units for data collect/report Quarter 2 2.3 Mass is conserved in a chemical or physical change 2.5 Matter is made of atoms; elements are substance with only one atom type 2.6 Compounds (made of molecules) formed from two or more elements 5.4 Models can be used to predict change Quarter 3 2.7 Characterizes moving objects and their interactions within a system 2.8 Different forms of energy, conservation of energy 1.3 Interpret/evaluate data to formulate logical conclusion 5.1 Controlled experiments must have comparable results when repeated Quarter 4 2.9 Electrical energy in circuits producing heat, light, sound and other changes 2.10 White light contains several colors corresponding to different wavelengths 1.1 Questions/hypothesis leading to different types of scientific investigations 1.6 Communicate results of investigations in appropriate ways 5.5 Science, technology, human activity interrelationships affect world 3 P a g e
Physical Science (HSC 3012) and Honors Physical Science (HSC 3022) Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft: 2/10/09) Quarter 1 2.1 Organize elements by physical/chemical properties (Periodic Table) 2.2 Chemical properties determined by atomic configurations atoms/molecules 2.4 Equations relate observed changes in matter to composition/structure 1.1 Using prior knowledge,design/develop/implement scientific investigation 1.6 Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions Quarter 2 2.6 Energy transformations and heat loss 2.8 Conservation of mass/energy can be measured and calculated 2.9 Newton s Three Laws of Motion 1.3 Identify major sources of error or uncertainty within an investigation 5.3 Graphs/equations/models used to analyze systems with change/constancy Quarter 3 2.7 Properties of light/sound waves: frequency, wavelength, amplitude 4.14 Gravity governs motions observed in solar system and beyond 4.15 There is EMR produced by the Sun and other stars 4.16 Stars differ from each other in mass, color, temperature, age 1.4 Recognize/analyze alternative explanations and models Quarter 4 4.6 Evidence is used to investigate condition of Earth over time periods 4.2 Plate tectonic theory & correlation of geologic events & Earth features 4.8 Energy transferred within atmosphere influences weather 4.11 Factors influencing weather patterns/climate & ecosystem impact Abbreviations: EMR: electromagnetic radiation 4 P a g e
Earth Science: Astronomy (HSC 1021) Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft 2/10/09) Note: This course is taught at Rangeview HS Benchmarks for this course are: Describe/apply interactions and motions of night sky objects Describe/explain how scientific knowledge solar system changed over time Understand/describe major features/formation of solar system bodies Understand/apply stellar characteristics to star type/evolutionary path Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions/predictions Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions/predictions 5 P a g e
ERE Science Benchmarks ERE Benchmarks are: Fall Semester Understand/apply issues around use/consumption nonrenewable resources Identify/describe sources and application of renewable energy Identify/describe differences renewable/non-renewable energy resources Explain/describe distribution/use/conservation of water resources Understand/apply impact of human population growth on environment Spring Semester Understand/describe causes/impact/management of water pollution Understand/describe causes/impact/management of air pollution Interrelationships among science, technology, human activity Cause and effect relationships in systems Understand/describe sources/effects of global warming on environment Identify resources/technologies involved sustainable world/future Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise explanations & models 6 P a g e
Earth Science: Geology (HSC 1031) Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft 2/10/09) Note: this course is currently taught at Rangeview HS Benchmarks for this course are: Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise geology explanations/models Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions Recognize /interpret evidence in support of geologic theories and events Understand/describe how geologic knowledge changed over time Explain/evaluate scientific theory vs. hypothesis Understand/apply cause and effect relationships in geosystems 7 P a g e
Biology (HSC 1042) and Honors Biology (HSC 1062) Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft: 2/10/09) Quarter 1 3.7 Matter and energy movement /change in ecosystems 3.6 Impact of changes in an ecosystem 3.16 Organism s adaptations determine its niche in the environment Quarter 2 3.9 Cellular organelles have specific functions 3.2 Relationship between processes of photosynthesis/cellular respiration 3.10 Cell reproduction/division has various processes and purposes 1.1 Using prior knowledge, design/develop/implement scientific investigation Quarter 3 3.11 DNA s structure/function and roles in heredity and protein synthesis 3.15 Processes leading to new species and impact on biodiversity 3.18 Organisms change over time in terms of biological evolution & genetics 1.5 Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise explanations & models Quarter 4 3.14 Organisms are classified by evolutionary relationships 3.5 Organ systems and specialized structures in human body health 1.6 Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions 8 P a g e
Biology 2 Science Benchmarks Biology 2 Benchmarks are: Understands/applies advanced concepts to anatomy/phys to human systems Understands/applies advanced concepts/topics in biotechnology Predicts/evaluates the impact of new biotechnologies on society Understands/applies advanced concepts/topics in forensics science Uses/applies advanced topics in ecology Understand/apply impact of human population growth on environment Understands/applies advanced concepts/topics in genetics Understands/applies molecular biology to gene expression/transmission Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise explanations & models Applies advanced biological understandings to real-world problems Uses scientific literature to research, synthesize, present understandings Design/implement controlled experiment using prior knowledge Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions 9 P a g e
AP Biology Science Benchmarks AP Biology Benchmarks are: Understands/applies chemical systems/processes within living organisms Understands/applies structure and function of cellular systems Understands/applies energy capture and transfer within cells Understands/applies pathways/processes involved in inheritance of traits Understands/applies principles of molecular genetics Understands/applies processes/evidence associated with evol. biology Understands/applies classification and evolutionary relationships Understands/applies anatomy/physiology of plants and animals Design/implement controlled experiment using prior knowledge Cause and effect relationships in systems 10 P a g e
Chemistry Science Benchmarks Chemistry Benchmarks are: Fall Semester Understands/describes quantitative/qualitative properties of matter Understands/applies knowledge of atomic structure to properties matter Uses patterns in periodic table to predict properties of elements Relates molecular structure to properties covalently bonded substances Relates structure of ionic bonds to properties of salts Counts particles by measuring their mass. Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise explanations & models Spring Semester Uses chemical equations to model chemical changes Applies laws of conservation to calculations Quantifies driving forces for change (thermodynamics) Uses kinetic theory to predict behavior of gases Relate properties of solutions to chemical behavior Relates properties of solutions to their hydrogen ion concentration Graphs/equations/models used to analyze systems with change/constancy 11 P a g e
Honors Chemistry Science Benchmarks Honors Chemistry Benchmarks are: Fall Semester Understands/describes quantitative/qualitative properties of matter Understands/applies knowledge of atomic structure to properties matter Uses patterns in periodic table to predict properties of elements Relates molecular structure to properties covalently bonded substances Relates structure of ionic bonds to properties of salts Count particles by measuring their mass. Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise explanations & models Spring Semester Uses chemical equations to model chemical changes Applies laws of conservation to calculations Quantifies driving forces for change (thermodynamics) Uses kinetic theory to predict behavior of gases Relate properties of solutions to chemical behavior Applies cause/effect relationships in chemical systems Relates properties of solutions to their hydrogen ion concentration Graphs/equations/models used to analyze systems with change/constancy 12 P a g e
Advanced Placement Chemistry (HSC 1082) Benchmarks Aurora Public Schools (Draft 2/10/09) AP Chemistry Benchmarks are: Understands/applies atomic theory, structure and periodic relationships Identifies chemical bonding types and forces Uses VSEPR theory to predict molecular geometry and properties Uses/applies ideal gas law/ properties of gases; kinetic molecular theory Uses/applies characteristics and properties of liquids and solids Uses/applies quantitative and qualitative properties of solutions Predicts chemical reactivity/products of reactions including electrochem Utilizes stoichiometry to quantify chemical reactions Uses/applies concepts of dynamic equilibrium (quantitative/qualitative) Uses/applies rate of reaction including graphical analysis/mechanisms Uses/applies laws of thermodynamics/free energy 13 P a g e
Observational Astronomy Science Benchmarks Observational Astronomy Benchmarks are: Fall Semester Understand history/use of constellations Understand/apply interactions of earth, moon, sun Identify/apply light properties to topics/concepts astronomy Compare/contrast properties of different telescope types Interrelationships among science, technology, human activity Spring Semester Understand/apply concepts explaining motion of bodies in solar system Scientific knowledge changes over time Demonstrate/identify major features of solar system bodies Identify/describe essential characteristics of a star Understand/apply the effect of mass on evolutionary path of star 14 P a g e
Environmental Science Benchmarks Environmental Science Benchmarks are: Understands/applies advanced concepts/topics in ecology Understand/apply impact of human population growth on environment Understands/analyzes dynamic interrelationships within ecosystems Understand/describe sources/impact/management of air pollution Explain/describe human use/values of land ecosystems Explain/describe the distribution/use/conservation of water resources Communicate/evaluate scientific thinking in conclusions Identify/describe sources and application of renewable energy Identify/describe differences renewable/non-renewable energy resources Evaluate sources/evidence for global climate change Use scientific reasoning to construct/revise conclusions Evaluate/predict challenges/benefits of space exploration and settlement 15 P a g e