2: Students, through the inquiry process, demonstrate knowledge of properties, forms, changes and interactions of physical and chemical systems.

2.1: Describe the structure of atoms, including knowledge of (a) subatomic particles and their relative masses, charges, and locations within the atom, (b) the electrical and nuclear forces that hold the atom together, (c) fission and fusion, and (d) radioactive decay

2.1.A: Compare and contrast subatomic particles in relation to their relative masses, charges and location

Charge Launcher
Element Builder
Nuclear Decay

2.1.B: Compare and contrast the number of subatomic particles in different elements

Element Builder

2.1.C: Recognize there is an electrical force of attraction/repulsion

Charge Launcher
Coulomb Force (Static)
Pith Ball Lab

2.1.E: Explain nuclear fission, fusion, and radioactive decay, and provide examples of each

Nuclear Decay

2.2: Explain how the particulate level structure and properties of matter affect its macroscopic properties, including the effect of (a) valence electrons on the chemical properties of elements and the resulting periodic trends in these properties, (b) chemical bonding, (c) molecular geometry and intermolecular forces, (d) kinetic molecular theory on phases of matter, and (e) carbon-carbon atom bonding on biomolecules

2.2.A: Utilize the periodic table to determine the number of valence electrons for a representative group element.

Electron Configuration
Element Builder
Ionic Bonds

2.2.C: Recognize the repeating patterns of the periodic table of elements

Electron Configuration

2.2.D: Compare and contrast atoms and ions.

Element Builder

2.2.E: Describe the significance of electrons in interactions between atoms and why they sometimes form bonds

Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Bohr Model: Introduction
Electron Configuration
Element Builder

2.2.F: Explain how the chemical bonding of a molecule affects its macroscopic (physical) properties

Covalent Bonds
Dehydration Synthesis

2.2.G: Compare and contrast ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds

Covalent Bonds
Dehydration Synthesis
Ionic Bonds

2.2.I: Describe the physical properties of each state of matter: solid, liquid, and gas

Freezing Point of Salt Water
Phase Changes

2.2.J: Describe, using the kinetic molecular theory, the behavior of particles in each state of matter: solid, liquid, and gas

Freezing Point of Salt Water
Temperature and Particle Motion

2.2.L: Explain how electrons are shared in single, double, triple bonds

Covalent Bonds
Electron Configuration
Element Builder
Ionic Bonds

2.3: Describe the major features associated with chemical reactions, including (a) giving examples of reactions important to industry and living organisms, (b) energy changes associated with chemical changes, (c) classes of chemical reactions, (d) rates of reactions, and (e) the role of catalysts

2.3.B: Illustrate a chemical reaction in symbol form

Covalent Bonds
Ionic Bonds
Limiting Reactants
Nuclear Decay
Stoichiometry

2.3.C: Classify the types of chemical reactions

Balancing Chemical Equations

2.3.E: Describe factors that effect the rate of reactions

Collision Theory

2.4: Identify, measure, calculate, and analyze relationships associated with matter and energy transfer or transformations, and the associated conservation of mass

2.4.A: Explain how energy and mass are conserved given various situations.

Energy Conversion in a System
Energy of a Pendulum

2.5: Explain the interactions between motions and forces, including (a) the laws of motion and (b) an understanding of the gravitational and electromagnetic forces

2.5.B: Explain, given F = ma, the relationship between force and acceleration in uniform motion

Atwood Machine
Charge Launcher
Fan Cart Physics
Force and Fan Carts
Freefall Laboratory
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Roller Coaster Physics
Uniform Circular Motion

2.5.C: Solve simple kinematics problems using the kinematics equations for uniform acceleration: v subscript avg =d/t, a="Delta"v/t, and d=1/2 at²

Fan Cart Physics
Force and Fan Carts
Freefall Laboratory
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects

2.5.D: List examples of different types of forces.

Atwood Machine
Charge Launcher
Force and Fan Carts
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Roller Coaster Physics
Uniform Circular Motion

2.5.E: Describe the role of friction in motion

Atwood Machine
Force and Fan Carts
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Roller Coaster Physics

2.5.F: Explain the relationship between mass and distance in relation to gravitational force

Gravity Pitch

2.5.H: Describe situations that illustrate Newton's three laws of motion

2D Collisions
Air Track
Atwood Machine
Fan Cart Physics
Force and Fan Carts
Uniform Circular Motion

2.6: Explain how energy is stored, transferred, and transformed, including (a) the conservation of energy, (b) kinetic and potential energy and energy contained by a field, (c) heat energy and atomic and molecular motion, and (d) energy tends to change from concentrated to diffuse

2.6.A: Describe the differences between kinetic energy and potential energy.

Air Track
Energy Conversions
Energy of a Pendulum
Inclined Plane - Rolling Objects
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Period of a Pendulum
Potential Energy on Shelves
Roller Coaster Physics
Simple Harmonic Motion

2.6.B: Explain the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in a system.

Air Track
Energy Conversion in a System
Energy Conversions
Energy of a Pendulum
Inclined Plane - Rolling Objects
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Period of a Pendulum
Potential Energy on Shelves
Roller Coaster Physics
Simple Harmonic Motion

2.6.D: Define the kinetic molecular theory and its relationship to heat (thermal energy transfer).

Calorimetry Lab
Energy Conversions
Heat Transfer by Conduction
Temperature and Particle Motion

2.6.E: Recognize heat as a form of energy transfer.

Calorimetry Lab
Energy Conversions
Heat Transfer by Conduction
Phase Changes

2.6.F: Explain the relationship between temperature, heat and thermal energy.

Calorimetry Lab
Conduction and Convection
Energy Conversions
Heat Transfer by Conduction
Phase Changes
Temperature and Particle Motion

2.6.G: Relate how energy tends to change from concentrated to diffuse states.

Colligative Properties
Collision Theory

2.7: Describe how energy and matter interact, including (a) waves, (b) the electromagnetic spectrum, (c) quantization of energy, and (d) insulators and conductors

2.7.B: Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between longitudinal and transverse mechanical waves.

Earthquake - Recording Station
Longitudinal Waves

2.7.C: Explain how waves interact with media.

Basic Prism
Earthquake - Determination of Epicenter
Refraction

2.7.D: Compare the various electromagnetic waves (gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, and radio waves) in terms of energy and wavelength

Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Bohr Model: Introduction
Color Absorption
Nuclear Decay
Radiation

2.7.F: Compare the visible light colors in terms of energy and wavelength

Additive Color v2
Basic Prism
Color Absorption
Herschel Experiment
Radiation
Subtractive Color v2

2.7.H: Recognize that every substance emits and absorbs certain wavelengths

Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Bohr Model: Introduction
Herschel Experiment

2.7.I: Explain how electromagnetic waves are reflected, refracted, and absorbed.

Basic Prism
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Bohr Model: Introduction
Heat Absorption
Herschel Experiment
Laser Reflection
Photoelectric Effect
Ray Tracing (Lenses)
Refraction

2.7.K: Describe the difference between a heat conductor and a heat insulator.

Conduction and Convection

2.7.L: Explain how electricity is involved in the transfer of energy

Energy Conversion in a System
Energy Conversions

3: Students, through the inquiry process, demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, structures and function of living things, the process and diversity of life, and how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

3.1: Investigate and use appropriate technology to demonstrate that cells have common features including differences that determine function and that they are composed of common building blocks (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids)

3.1.C: Identify common features among all cells

Cell Structure
Paramecium Homeostasis

3.1.E: Compare and contrast the structure, function and relationship of key cellular components

Cell Energy Cycle
Cell Structure
Paramecium Homeostasis
Photosynthesis Lab

3.1.F: Identify key differences between plant and animal cells

Cell Structure

3.1.G: Explain how concentration of substances affects diffusion and osmosis

Colligative Properties
Diffusion
Osmosis

3.1.H: Explain the role of key biologically important macromolecules

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.2: Describe and explain the complex processes involved in energy use in cell maintenance, growth, repair and development

3.2.A: Explain and give examples of the importance of a constant internal environment

Forest Ecosystem
Human Homeostasis
Paramecium Homeostasis
Prairie Ecosystem

3.2.B: Identify processes that maintain homeostasis

Human Homeostasis
Paramecium Homeostasis

3.2.C: Classify, compare and contrast various organisms as a heterotroph or autotroph

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.2.D: Describe the role of ATP in the body

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.2.G: State and explain the general chemical reactions for cellular respiration

Cell Energy Cycle
Interdependence of Plants and Animals

3.2.H: Summarize the conversion of light energy to chemical energy by photosynthetic organisms

Cell Energy Cycle
Interdependence of Plants and Animals
Photosynthesis Lab

3.2.I: Explain the relationship between the products and reactants of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Cell Energy Cycle
Interdependence of Plants and Animals
Photosynthesis Lab
Pond Ecosystem

3.2.J: Explain the purposes of the cell cycle and mitosis

Cell Division
Paramecium Homeostasis

3.2.K: List, in order, and describe the stages of mitosis in plants and animals

Cell Division
Forest Ecosystem

3.2.L: List the major events that occur in meiosis

Cell Division

3.2.N: Compare and contrast the processes and purposes of mitosis and meiosis

Cell Division

3.3: Model the structure of DNA and protein synthesis, discuss the molecular basis of heredity, and explain how it contributes to the diversity of life

3.3.A: Explain the functions of DNA and RNA

Paramecium Homeostasis
RNA and Protein Synthesis

3.3.B: Compare and contrast the structure of DNA and RNA

Paramecium Homeostasis
RNA and Protein Synthesis

3.3.C: Identify complementary base pairs

Building DNA
RNA and Protein Synthesis

3.3.D: Explain the purpose and process of DNA replication

Building DNA
Paramecium Homeostasis

3.3.E: Explain the purpose and process of transcription and translation

Paramecium Homeostasis
RNA and Protein Synthesis

3.3.G: Summarize the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment

Chicken Genetics
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

3.3.I: Explain the difference between dominant and recessive alleles

Chicken Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

3.3.J: Distinguish between genotype and phenotype

Chicken Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Microevolution
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

3.3.K: Use the law of probability and Punnett squares to predict genotypic and phenotypic ratios

Chicken Genetics
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

3.3.L: Explain that some traits are determined by multiple factors

Chicken Genetics
Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Microevolution
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)
Natural Selection

3.3.M: Distinguish between sex chromosomes and autostomes

Human Karyotyping

3.3.N: Explain how sex linked inheritance influences some genetic traits

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Microevolution
Natural Selection

3.3.O: Define genetic mutations

Evolution: Mutation and Selection

3.3.P: Identify some of the major causes of mutations

Evolution: Mutation and Selection

3.3.Q: Explain how mutations influence genetic expression

Evolution: Mutation and Selection

3.4: Predict and model the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors that affect populations through natural selection, and explain how this contributes to the evolution of species over time

3.4.A: Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems

Forest Ecosystem
Pond Ecosystem

3.4.B: Discuss how abiotic and biotic factors influence biomes

Pond Ecosystem

3.4.C: Explain biogeochemical cycles

Cell Energy Cycle
Interdependence of Plants and Animals
Photosynthesis Lab

3.4.D: Explain the difference between a food chain and food web

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.E: Explain trophic levels pyramids in terms of energy transfer, biomass and number of individuals

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Interdependence of Plants and Animals
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.F: Recognize that the sun is the ultimate source of energy in MOST ecosystems

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.G: Identify and predict density dependent and density independent factors that impact a population

Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.H: Describe predator-prey dynamics

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Interdependence of Plants and Animals
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.I: Compare and contrast the symbiotic relationships that exist between species

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.J: Describe how communities progress through a series of changes

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.K: Recognize that evolution involves a change in allele frequencies in a population across successive generations

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.4.L: Model and explain how natural selection can change a population

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem
Natural Selection
Prairie Ecosystem

3.4.M: Describe the major factors and give examples that influence speciation

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.4.N: Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Natural Selection

3.4.O: Cites supporting scientific evidence of biological evolution

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.5: Generate and apply biological classification schemes to infer and discuss the degree of divergence between ecosystems

3.5.A: List and explain the characteristics of the three domains

Forest Ecosystem
Prairie Ecosystem

3.5.C: Explain the classification of living organisms from the domain to species level

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.5.D: Explain the importance of binomial nomenclature

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.5.E: Construct and use a dichotomous key

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

3.5.G: Explain the important roles of bacteria

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.5.I: Explain the important roles of viruses

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.5.K: Explain the important roles of protists

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.5.M: Explain the important roles of fungi

Paramecium Homeostasis

3.5.Q: Compare and contrast body systems between major animal phyla

Circulatory System

4: Students, through the inquiry process, demonstrate knowledge of the composition, structures, processes and interactions of Earth?s systems and other objects in space.

4.1: Understand the theory of plate tectonics and how it explains the interrelationship between earthquakes, volcanoes, and sea floor spreading

4.1.A: Describe the independent movement of Earth's crustal plates

Plate Tectonics

4.1.B: Describe the ideas and evidence that led to the formation of the theory of plate tectonics

Plate Tectonics

4.1.C: Model the interaction of heat-driven convection and the movement of the plates.

Conduction and Convection
Plate Tectonics

4.1.D: Identify the types of plate boundaries.

Plate Tectonics

4.1.E: Model ways plates interact at plate boundaries.

Plate Tectonics

4.1.F: Contrast the different types of plate boundaries and the products of these plate interactions.

Plate Tectonics

4.1.G: Identify the causes of earthquakes

Earthquake - Determination of Epicenter
Earthquake - Recording Station
Plate Tectonics

4.1.H: Explain volcanic processes

Rock Cycle

4.1.I: Relate earthquakes and volcanic activity to plate boundaries and other geologic settings.

Earthquake - Determination of Epicenter
Earthquake - Recording Station
Plate Tectonics

4.2: Identify and classify rocks and minerals based on physical and chemical properties and the utilization by humans (e.g., natural resources, building materials)

4.2.A: Define mineral

Rock Classification

4.2.B: Describe the physical and chemical properties and equipment used to identify minerals

Mineral Identification
Rock Classification

4.2.C: Classify minerals using observable properties, tools, and reference materials.

Mineral Identification
Rock Classification

4.2.E: Define rock

Rock Classification

4.2.F: Review the rock cycle and its processes.

Rock Cycle

4.2.G: Describe the physical and chemical properties and equipment used to identify rocks

Mineral Identification
Rock Classification

4.2.H: Classify rocks into rock types using observable properties, tools, and reference materials.

Mineral Identification
Rock Classification

4.2.I: Identify various mineral and rock resources, their value, their uses, and their importance to Native Americans.

Rock Classification

4.2.J: Discuss the factors that determine the value of mineral and rock resources.

Rock Classification

4.2.K: Explain how various mineral and rock resources are obtained.

Rock Classification

4.3: Explain scientific theories about how fossils are used as evidence of changes over time

4.3.B: Explain how various fossils show evidence of past life

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

4.3.E: Examine how rock and fossil evidence show that biologic, climactic, and geologic changes occurred over time.

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Rock Classification

4.3.F: Give examples of major biologic, climactic, and geologic changes in Earth's history.

Pond Ecosystem

4.4: Collect and analyze local and regional weather data to make inferences and predictions about weather patterns; explain factors influencing global weather patterns and climate; and describe the impact on earth of fluctuations in weather and climate (e.g., drought, surface and ground water, glacial instability)

4.4.B: Identify the instruments and technology used to collect weather data.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Relative Humidity
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.C: Collect weather data and observe weather conditions

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.E: Discuss the role of energy transfer in the atmosphere and its effects on weather changes.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Energy Conversions

4.4.F: Describe the impacts of fronts, air masses, and pressure systems on local and regional weather.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.G: Analyze the effect of local geographic factors on weather

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.H: Describe relationships between collected data and weather patterns

Coastal Winds and Clouds

4.4.J: Identify the geographic factors that influence climate.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.K: Determine which geographic factors result in specific local and regional climate.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?

4.4.L: Examine the importance of the structure and composition of the atmosphere as influencing factors on Earth's weather and climate.

Coastal Winds and Clouds

4.4.M: Describe how global wind patterns influence weather and climate.

Coastal Winds and Clouds
Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?
Weather Maps

4.4.N: Explain the relationship between ocean currents, weather, and climate.

Coastal Winds and Clouds

4.5: Explain the impact of terrestrial, solar, oceanic, and atmosphere conditions on global climatic patterns

4.5.A: Cite examples of natural phenomena (terrestrial, atmospheric, oceanic, and astronomical) that impact global climate patterns.

Greenhouse Effect

4.5.C: Examine the geologic, astronomical, and human factors that contibute to global climate change

Greenhouse Effect
Rabbit Population by Season
Water Pollution

4.5.E: Describe socioeconomic and environmental implications of climate change

Forest Ecosystem
Prairie Ecosystem

4.6: Describe the origin, location, and evolution of stars and their planetary systems in respect to the solar system, the Milky Way, the local galactic group, and the universe

4.6.C: Examine the evolution of stars from birth to death

H-R Diagram
Star Spectra

4.6.F: Describe various types of solar activity and how they affect Earth

Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?
Solar System Explorer
Tides

4.6.G: Explain the relationship between stars and planets in a solar system.

Rotation/Revolution of Venus and Earth
Solar System Explorer

4.6.H: Compare and contrast the characteristics of planets and stars

H-R Diagram
Star Spectra

4.6.J: Explain how the formation and evolution of a solar system influences the composition and placement of objects within it.

Solar System Explorer