L.7: Life Science
L.7.3: Ecology and Interdependence
1.1.1: The emphasis is on predicting consistent patterns of interactions among different cycling systems in terms of the relationships between organisms and abiotic components within ecosystems. Rearrangement of food molecules through chemical processes in cellular respiration and photosynthesis is an important part of energy cycling in all life systems. Preservation of biodiversity and consideration of human impacts are themes in maintaining ecosystem services.
P.7: Physical Science
P.7.5: Organization of Matter and Chemical Interactions
10.1.1: Matter and its interactions can be distinguished by investigating physical properties (e.g., mass, density, solubility) using chemical processes and experimentation. Changes to substances can either be physical or chemical.
10.1.2: Matter is made of atoms and/or molecules that are in constant motion. The movement of the atoms and molecules depends on the amount of energy in the system at the time. The changes of state that occur with variations in temperature or pressure can be described and predicted using these models of matter.
10.1.3: Atoms are the basic building blocks of ordinary elements. Compounds are substances composed of two or more elements. Chemical formulas can be used to describe compounds. The periodic table orders elements horizontally by the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus and places those with similar chemical properties in columns. The element position on the periodic table can also be used to predict the type of bonding that most commonly occurs between the elements.
10.1.4: Changes to substances can either be physical or chemical. Many substances react chemically with other substances to form new substances with different properties. Substances (such as metals or acids) are identified according to their physical or chemical properties. Some chemical reactions release energy and others store energy.
10.1.5: In a chemical process, the atoms that make up original substances are regrouped into different molecules, and these new substances have different properties from those of the reactants. The total number of each type of atom is conserved, and the mass does not change. As these chemical combinations take place, substances react in various ways, yet matter is always conserved in a reaction.
E.7: Earth and Space Science
E.7.9: Earth’s Systems and Cycles
41.1.1: Complex patterns in the movement of air and water in the atmosphere are major determinants of local weather. Global movements of water and its changes in form are propelled by sunlight and gravity. Variations in temperature drive a global pattern of interconnected currents. Interactions between sunlight, oceans, atmosphere, ice, landforms, and living things vary with latitude, altitude, and local and regional geography. Weather is difficult to predict; however, large scale patterns and trends in global climate, such as the gradual increase in average temperature, are more easily observed and predicted.
41.1.2: Climate changes are defined as significant and persistent changes in an area’s average or extreme weather conditions. Changes can occur if any of Earth’s systems change (e.g., composition of the atmosphere, reflectivity of Earth’s surface). The ocean exerts a major influence on weather and climate by absorbing energy from the sun, releasing it over time, and globally redistributing it through ocean currents. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and retain the energy radiated from land and ocean surfaces, thereby regulating Earth’s average surface temperature and keeping it habitable. Excess greenhouse gases could cause a detrimental impact on climate over time.
41.1.3: The tilt of Earth’s spin axis with respect to the plane of its orbit around the sun is important for a habitable Earth. The Earth’s spin axis is tilted 23.5 degrees. Earth’s axis points in the same direction in space no matter where Earth is in relation to the sun. The seasons are a result of this tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.
Correlation last revised: 5/14/2026
