PHS.1: Nature of Matter
1.1: To actively develop scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic skills, this standard develops basic ideas about the characteristics and structure of matter. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. All matter is made up of small particles called atoms. Matter can exist as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.
PHS.1A: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of matter.
PHS.2: Atomic Theory
10.1: Many scientists have contributed to our understanding of atomic structure. The atom is the basic building block of matter and consists of subatomic particles (proton, neutron, electron, and quark) that differ in their location, charge, and relative mass.
PHS.2A: Students will demonstrate an understanding of both modern and historical theories of atomic structure.
PHS.3: Periodic Table
14.1: The organization of the periodic table allows scientists to obtain information and develop an understanding of concepts of atomic interactions. Developing scientific investigations increases logical reasoning and deduction skills to present the nature of science in the context of key scientific concepts.
PHS.3A: Students will analyze the organization of the periodic table of elements to predict atomic interactions.
PHS.4: The Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy
22.1: The law of conservation of matter and energy states that matter and energy can be transformed in different ways, but the total amount of mass and energy will be conserved. These concepts should be investigated and further developed in the classroom.
PHS.4A: Students will analyze changes in matter and the relationship of these changes to the law of conservation of matter and energy.
PHS.5: Newton’s Laws of Motion
31.1: Kinematics (contact forces) describe the motion of objects using words, diagrams, numbers, graphs, and equations. The goal of any study of kinematics is to develop scientific models to describe and explain the motion of real-world objects. Newton's laws of motion are an example of a tool that can aid in the explanation of motion.
PHS.5A: Students will analyze the scientific principles of motion, force, and work.
PHS.6: Waves
42.1: Waves are everywhere in nature. Understanding of the physical world is not complete until we understand the nature, properties, and behaviors of waves. Students have experienced transverse and horizontal waves in their everyday lives. The exploration of waves in greater depth will allow students to conceptualize these waves. The goal is to develop various models of waves and apply those models to understanding wave interactions.
PHS.6A: Students will explore the characteristics of waves.
PHS.7: Energy
53.1: Concepts about different energy forms and energy transformations continue to be expanded and explored in greater depth, leading to the development of more mathematical applications. Focus should be on students actively developing scientific investigations, reasoning, and logic skills.
PHS.7A: Students will examine different forms of energy and energy transformations.
PHS.8: Thermal Energy
60.1: Thermal energy is transferred in the form of heat. Heat is always transferred from an area of high heat to low heat. More complex concepts and terminology related to phase changes are developed, including the distinction between heat and temperature.
PHS.8A: Students will demonstrate an understanding of temperature scales, heat, and thermal energy transfer.
PHS.9: Electricity
67.1: Electrical energy (both battery and circuit energy) is transformed into other forms of energy. Charged particles and magnetic fields are similar because they both store energy. Magnetic fields exert forces on moving charged particles. Students investigate practical uses of these concepts and develop a working understanding of the basic concepts of magnetism and electricity.
PHS.9A: Students will explore basic principles of magnetism and electricity (e.g., static electricity, current electricity, and circuits).
Correlation last revised: 5/4/2026
