Topic

1

Low

2

3

4

5

High

I.  Introduction to Scientific Methods and Applications

A.  Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and the process of scientific inquiry

B.  Demonstrate an understanding of laboratory safety

C.  Demonstrate an understanding of data collection  (observation, measurement, recording, etc.), and the interpretation of data

D.  Communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly

E.  Question scientific claims and arguments effectively

F.  Identify patterns of change using records, tables, or graphs of measurements

I need help developing an understanding of this content (List specific concepts please)

II.  Matter

A.  Composition and Properties

1.        Differentiate among solids, liquids, and gases.

  2.        Differentiate between physical and chemical properties; describe objects in terms of their composition and physical properties

  3.        Identify (or classify) objects based upon their physical composition and properties (color, size, shape, weight, texture, buoyancy, flexibility)
 

  6.        Verify that an object is the sum of its parts by manipulating and measuring different objects made     of different parts

  7.        Investigate how common items have parts that are too small to be seen without magnification; examine and sketch small objects using a microscope (such as soil, sand, salt, sugar, pond water, small organisms, and various natural and synthetic materials); explain how scientists use magnification to solve problems

I need help developing an understanding of this content (List specific concepts please)

B.  Changes and Conservation of Matter

1.        Differentiate between physical and chemical changes, and how different materials react differently to change

 2.        Demonstrate an understanding of the separation of  mixtures of various types, including the separation of inks and food colors using paper chromatography

3.        Describe the changes that can occur in different substances (dissolving, melting, boiling, evaporating, tearing in different directions, cutting, folding, squeezing, rusting, fading of paper, oxidation of fruit,  effervescence, decay, reaction of baking soda and vinegar, etc.)

 4.        Recognize that changes in state of water are due to temperature differences, and that they are examples of physical change

5.        Investigate the properties of a substance before, during, and after a chemical reaction to find evidence of change

I need help developing an understanding of this content (List specific concepts please)

Topic

1

Low

2

3

4

5

High

III.  Energy

A.  Sources

1.        Identify sources of light energy, heat energy, and kinetic energy.

 2.        Identify ways to produce energy, and how energy is used; identify ways to produce heat energy (burning, friction, mixing chemicals)

3.        Explain the relationship between light and heat.

5.        Demonstrate an understanding of how heat energy from the sun is transferred to various materials

I need help developing an understanding of this content (List specific concepts please)

B.  Types and Utilization

1.        Describe the various types of energy: mechanical, chemical, nuclear, electrical, solar, heat, etc.

2.        Demonstrate and describe energy conversion.

I need help developing an understanding of this content (List specific concepts please)

C.  Change and Conservation

2.        Compare the differences between energy conductors and insulators.

3.        Use thermometers to measure temperature (such as changes in temperature of water samples over time)

4.        Discuss the challenges of efficiency and energy utilization.

5.        Evaluate alternative sources of energy production

IV.  Forces

A.  Forces and Motion/Kinematics

1.        Categorize objects according to their motion (straight, zig-zag, round and round, back and forth, fast and slow, motionless); demonstrate changes in speed and direction of movement

2.        Identity and use simple machines (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, screw, wheel and axle)

4.     Demonstrate how imputed force affects the motion and velocity of objects with different masses.

1.        Explain the relationship of gravity to the flight of objects like birds, airplanes, and batted baseballs (objects that fly but return to Earth)

C.  Waves

1.        Explain the relationship between atomic structure and the electromagnetic spectrum.

2.        Differentiate the concepts of diffraction, reflection and refraction.

3.        Demonstrate an understanding of the physical attributes of a prism, and the use of a prism to investigate the nature of light; use a prism to observe an emission spectrum

4.        Summarize how mirrors work including the concepts of concavity, convexity, and focal points.

5.        Summarize how lenses work, and identify the physical attributes of a convex lens and a concave lens, and where each is used.

6.        Explain the concepts of transparency, opacity, and translucence.

7.        Explain the relationship between the properties of a wave (amplitude, wavelength, frequency, etc.) and the properties of light and sound (color, pitch, volume, etc.); explain how vibrations produce sound, and how sound can be varied by changing the rate of vibration

8.        Compare the concepts of destructive and constructive interference.

9.        Explain how shadows are made.

V.  Fields

A.  Electricity

1.        Apply safety rules for electricity and demonstrate an understanding of  the dangers of electricity.

2.        Demonstrate and explain static electricity.

3.        Design and build an electrical circuit (including batteries, resistors, capacitors, voltmeters, ammeters, etc.)

B.  Magnetism

1.        Identify the relative susceptibility of different materials and common objects to magnetic fields.

2.        Explain the relationship between strength of field and distance from source; identify common objects that do not block magnetic forces (air, wood, paper, etc.); show how magnets can make some things move without being touched