Understand and apply the Scientific Method, its role in scientific discovery and exploration, and the effects of good communication of results (supported by evidence) in an unbiased manner

Apply technology and engineering practices in tandem with the scientific process to maximize student engagement and develop critical thinking/engineering skills

Explain how atoms and molecules make up all matter

Identify how pressure and temperature affect the motion of atoms and how they are arranged in solids, liquids and gases

Understand the Law of Conservation of Matter and its application to the transfer of energy

Demonstrate the transfer of energy and predict its uses in real world applications

Examine the role of the Sun and how it provides the Earth with a major source of energy

Differentiate how energy is transferred and associated with sound, light, and mechanical motion

Determine how energy from the Sun is transferred to Earth in the form of visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light

Explore minerals, their properties and applications in manufacturing, electronics and everyday life

Develop an understanding of Earth’s water cycle and analyze freshwater resources including supply and its necessity to the Earth

Discover the layers of the Earth, rock cycle and tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust and its importance in understanding the history of the Earth and also predict future events

Utilize scientific process in all aspects of science to improve, promote and/or debate current practices in today’s world

Apply technology and engineering practices in tandem with the scientific process to maximize student engagement and develop critical thinking/engineering skills

Analyze Sun, Earth, Moon relationships and examine its role in the reason for day and night, seasons, phases of the moon, tides, and eclipses

Discover the wonders and exploration of the solar system, all eight planets and the other objects that surround the Sun

Debate current understanding of the death of a star, birth of a solar system and the creation of the universe

Understand the basics of the cell and how the cell uses specific molecules to function and keep the body healthy

Identify the ways in which cells multiply, including the types of cell division used for reproduction (mitosis and meiosis)

Compare the process by which cells capture and release energy, specifically the processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation

Explain the principles of heredity and the components of DNA in relation to parents and offspring

Evaluate the importance of Earth’s atmosphere, how it supports and protects life, and the effect of weather patterns on the inhabitants of the Earth

Understand how electric and magnetic forces work and apply that understanding to real world situations

Understand the tools of scientific measurement

Understand the characteristics of and relationship between living and nonliving organisms

Understand characteristics of living organisms and their environment

Understand the diversity of plant life groups and their environment

Understand the body plans and adaptations of invertebrates

Develop an understanding of how living things have changed over time

Understand the methods of scientific classification

Understand how populations of organisms are affected by interactions and adaptations between organisms and their environment

Understand Newton’s Laws of Motion

Understand how machines help and assist people to do work

Understand physical and chemical makeup of a substance

Understand the vast areas of elements and element properties

Understand the difference between a mixture and a solution

Understand the movement of tectonic plates and its affect on geologic changes to Earth

Understand the importance of information obtained from fossils, rocks, and other natural evidence in relationship to the Earth’s history