Grade K
Force and Motion
• understands that different things move at different speeds (bicycle/motorcycle, car/plane, tortoise/hare).
• knows that the motion of an object (for example, toy truck, toy car, ball, marble) can be changed by a push or a pull.
Earth and Space
• knows some of the objects seen in the night sky (for example, stars, Moon).
The Nature of Science
• knows that learning can come from careful observation.
• repeats events several times and compares the findings.
• works with a partner or small group to collect information.
• shares findings about scientific investigations with others.
• poses questions, seeks answers, draws pictures of observations, and makes decisions using information.
• knows that the five senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight) allow us to take in and respond to information in order to learn about our surroundings.
• understands that continuous patterns occur in nature (for example, seasons, phases of the Moon, blooming flowers).
• knows some appropriate tools for collecting information and extending the senses.
Grade 1
Force and Motion
• knows the relative order of speeds of various objects (for example, snails, turtles tricycles, bicycles, cars, jets, rockets).
• knows that various things move at different speeds when different forces are applied.
• understands various ways gravity affects the motion of objects (for example, an object on a ramp, an object that is dropped).
Earth and Space
• knows and differentiates objects seen in the day and night sky (for example, clouds, Sun, stars, Moon, planets).
The Nature of Science
• knows that scientific investigations generally work the same way in different places.
• understands the importance of accuracy and repetition in conducting scientific inquiries.
• works with others to complete an experiment or to solve a problem.
• listens, records, and compares the ideas and observations of others.
• uses simple graphs, pictures, written statements, and numbers to observe, describe, record, and compare data.
• uses a variety of tools (for example, thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, scales, computers) to identify characteristics of objects.
• uses standard (for example, centimeters) and nonstandard units (for example, paper clips, hands, pencils) to measure organisms and objects and parts of organisms and objects.
• uses information gathered to identify patterns in nature to make predictions (for example, shapes of leaves, petals on flowers, rings on seashells).
• knows that scientists and technologists use a variety of tools (e.g., thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, and scales) to obtain information in more detail and to make work easier.
Grade 2
Force and Motion
• knows that objects exhibit different kinds of motion (for example, straight, circular, back and forth).
• knows that the amount and direction of the force exerted on an object (for example, push, pull, friction, gravity) determines how much the object will move.
• compares the amount of pushing and pulling required to move objects of various sizes across the floor.
Earth and Space
• knows that stars and planets are always in the sky.
The Nature of Science
• knows the difference between verified observation and personal interpretation.
• knows that when tests are repeated under the same condition, similar results are usually obtained.
• participates in groups to conduct experiments and solve problems.
• understands that one can gain confidence in scientific methods by comparing and verifying scientific results with others.
• understands that, through the use of science processes, people can solve problems and make decisions.
• analyzes information to make predictions, makes sketches and diagrams to explain ideas, draws conclusions using information and prior knowledge.
• keeps science records.
• uses a variety of tools to observe, measure, analyze and predict changes in size, mass, temperature, color, position, quantity, sound, and movement.
• uses metric and standard English units to measure distance, volume, mass, and temperature.
• knows how to sort organisms, objects, and events based on patterns.
• knows ways in which tools are used by scientists (for example, to gather information, to analyze, to calculate).
Grade 3
Force and Motion
• describes the motion of various objects (for example, forward, circular, wave).
• knows that an object may move in a straight line at a constant speed, speed up, slow down, or change direction dependent on net force acting on the object.
Earth and Space
• knows characteristics of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
• knows the relative positions of all the planets]
The Nature of Science
• knows that it is important to keep accurate records and descriptions to provide information and clues on causes of discrepancies in repeated experiments.
• plans and investigates an experiment that defines a problem, proposes a solution, identifies variables, collects and organizes data, interprets data in tables, charts and graphs, analyzes information, makes predictions, and presents and supports findings.
• uses various kinds of instruments to collect and analyze information (for example, meter sticks, timing devices, graduated cylinders, force meters, pan balances, calipers, microscopes, cameras, sound recorders, hot plates, magnets, collecting nets).
• knows that to work collaboratively, all team members should be free to reach, explain, and justify their own individual conclusions.
• knows that to compare and contrast observations and results is an essential skill in science.
• uses sketches, diagrams and models to understand scientific ideas.
• makes predictions and inferences based on observations.
• uses charts and graphs to understand patterns of change.
• understands the relationships between science concepts and the history of science and the contributions of scientists.
• uses reference materials to obtain information related to science concepts.
• knows that data are collected and interpreted in order to explain an event or concept.
• understands that scientific information can be presented in several ways (for example, using numbers and mathematics, drawings, words, graphs, tables).
• understands how scientific discoveries have helped or hindered progress regarding human health and lifestyles.
• knows that, through the use of science processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas.
Grade 4
Force and Motion
• knows that velocity describes a change in distance over time
• uses tools to measure changes in position, direction, and speed of an object after a push or pull has been applied.
Earth and Space
• knows that gravity is the one of the forces that keeps planets arranged in orbits around the Sun and the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
The Nature of Science
• knows that scientists make the results of their investigations public, and they describe the investigations in ways that enable others to repeat the investigation.
• plans and investigates experiments in which hypotheses are formulated based on cause and effect relationships; distinctions are made among observations, conclusions/inferences and predictions; a limited number of variables are controlled; and numerical data that are contradictory or unusual in experimental results are recognized.
• uses metric tools to measure, record, and interpret data.
• works collaboratively to collect, share, and record information for a scientific investigation.
• knows that comparisons between experiments can be made when conditions are the same.
• knows that a model of something is different from the real thing, but can be used to learn something about the real thing.
• makes predictions based on data from picture graphs, bar graphs, and line graphs.
• knows basic patterns, sequences, and cycles occurring in nature.
• knows that technologies often have costs, as well as benefits, and can have an enormous effect on people and other living things.
• researches and reports on a science topic.
• constructs and analyzes graphs, tables, maps, and charts to organize, examine, and evaluate information.
• uses criteria to understand and analyze the impact of scientific discoveries (for example, determines whether or not scientific claims are backed by sufficient evidence and logical arguments).
• knows ways that, through the use of science processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas.
Grade 5
Force and Motion
• uses scientific tools (for example, stopwatch, meter stick, compass) to measure speed, distance, and direction of an object.
• knows that objects do not change their motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
• understands how friction affects an object in motion.
• knows the relationship between the strength of a force and its effect on an object (for example, the greater the force, the greater the change in motion; the more massive the object, the smaller the effect of a given force).
• knows that motion in space is different from motion on Earth due to changes in gravitational force and friction.
• understands how inertia, gravity, friction, mass, and force affect motion.
Earth and Space
• knows that the planets differ in size, characteristics, and composition and that they orbit the Sun in our Solar System.
• knows the arrangement of the planets and the asteroid belt in our Solar System.
The Nature of Science
• understands that although the same scientific investigation may give slightly different results when it is carried out by different persons or at different times or places, the general evidence collected from the investigation should be replicable by others.
• understands that scientists use different kinds of investigations (for example, observations of events in nature, controlled experiments) depending on the questions they are trying to answer.
• understands the importance of accuracy in conducting measurements, and uses estimation when exact measurements are not possible.
• understands the importance of communication among scientists (for example, informing and becoming informed about scientific investigations in progress and the work of others; exposing ideas to the criticism of others).
• uses strategies to review, compare and contrast, and critique scientific investigations.
• knows that an experiment must be repeated many times and yield consistent results before the results are accepted.
• uses sketches and diagrams to propose scientific solutions to problems.
• constructs models to compare objects in science.
• makes a prediction for a new investigation using the data from a previous investigation.
• understands that change is constantly occurring and uses strategies to analyze different patterns of change.
• knows areas in which technology has improved human lives (for example, transportation, communication, nutrition, sanitation, health care, entertainment).
• knows that new inventions often lead to other new inventions and ways of doing things.
• selects appropriate graphical representations (for example, graphs, charts, diagrams) to collect, record, and report data.
• understands how a solution to one scientific problem can create another problem.
• extends and refines knowledge of ways that, through the use of science processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas.
Grade 6
Force and Motion
• knows that a change in motion and position can be measured.
• knows ways to measure time intervals.
• knows ways to estimate speed.
• recognizes the result of several forces acting on an object.
• knows that the net force is dependent on the direction and magnitude of forces acting on a body.
• knows that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.
• knows objects in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
• knows that gravity is a force that causes an object to fall to the ground.
• knows that gravity causes an object to have weight.
Earth and Space
• knows the relative sizes of the planets, Sun, Solar System, galaxy, and universe.
The Nature of Science
• knows ways scientific theories may change with new discoveries.
• understands that new technology may lead to new discoveries.
• uses systematic, scientific processes to develop and test hypotheses.
• knows that the scientific method is a process that involves a logical and empirical but flexible approach to problem solving.
• knows that the disciplines of science provide in depth study and information that becomes available for all to share and use.
• knows that accurate record keeping, openness, and replication are essential to maintaining an investigator’s credibility with other scientists and society.
• uses accurate records, openness, and replication of experiments to ensure credibility.
• understands the importance of the control in an experiment.
• knows how to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
• uses appropriate experimental design, with consideration for rules, time, and materials required to solve a problem.
• knows selected scientists and their accomplishments.
• knows that scientists who make contributions to knowledge come from all kinds of backgrounds and possess varied talents, interests, and goals.
• uses criteria necessary to determine the veracity of the data.
• knows that most natural events occur in patterns.
• knows that science ethics demand that scientists must not knowingly subject coworkers, students, the neighborhood, or the community to health or property risks.
• uses appropriate procedures for safety in the classroom, home, and community.
• knows that appropriate care, safe practices, and ethical treatment are necessary when animals are involved in scientific research.
• knows that in research involving human subjects, the ethics of science require that potential subjects be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with the research and of their right to refuse to participate.
• knows some ways that scientific discoveries create new technologies that affect society (for example, geographic information systems, gene mapping, electronic communication).
• knows that the advancement of science, mathematics, and technology is ongoing and influenced by a diverse population of scientists.
• knows that scientific contributions may result in diverse technological products.
• uses a computer to collect, analyze, and report scientific findings.
Grade 7
Force and Motion
• knows that the motion of an object can be described by its position, direction of motion, and speed.
• knows the properties of forces.
• knows that gravity is a force that holds the Solar System together.
Earth and Space
• knows the relative sizes of planets.
• understands the distances of the planets and the asteroid belt from the Sun are vast.
• knows characteristics of the inner planets and outer planets.
• knows basic features of the Moon and the moons of other planets.
The Nature of Science
• understands that new scientific knowledge is often used to reevaluate existing theories.
• uses systematic, scientific processes to solve problems and reach conclusions.
• knows that science disciplines differ from one another in topic, techniques, and outcomes but that they share a common purpose, philosophy, and enterprise.
• extends and refines use of accurate records, openness, and replication of experiments to ensure credibility.
• extends and refines knowledge of how to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
• extends and refines use of appropriate experimental design, with consideration for rules, time, and materials required to solve a problem.
• uses rules, time, and materials in ways that ensure the identification and separation of variables in an experiment to solve a problem.
• extends and refines knowledge of selected scientists and their accomplishments and recognizes their varied backgrounds, talents, interests, and goals.
• uses criteria necessary to determine the validity of a scientific experiment.
• knows that natural events (for example, seasons, hurricanes) occur in patterns.
• knows that science ethics demand that scientists must not knowingly subject coworkers, students, the neighborhood, or the community to health or property risks.
• uses appropriate procedures for safety in the classroom, home, and community.
• knows the care, safe practices, and ethical treatment that are appropriate when using animals in field and laboratory research.
• knows that in research involving human subjects, the ethics of science require that potential subjects be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with the research and of their right to refuse to participate.
• knows that the designs used for technological improvements should consider the values of society (economic, political, social, ethical, aesthetic).
• uses knowledge of political, social, and economic ramifications of certain scientific research to evaluate its role in society.
• knows that scientific and technological contributions are made by individuals of different ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• knows that scientific contributions may result in diverse technological products.
• extends and refines use of a computer to collect, analyze, and report scientific findings.
Grade 8
Force and Motion
• knows that speed, velocity, and acceleration can be calculated, estimated, and defined.
• knows that the magnitude of linear acceleration can be calculated.
• knows that many forces act at a distance.
• knows some common contact forces (for example, friction, buoyancy, tension).
• recognizes the forces that act on a given object.
• knows that the overall effect of a force can be predicted.
• knows that forces may be balanced or unbalanced.
• understands that unbalanced forces cause objects to accelerate.
• understands that an object in motion will continue at a constant speed and in a straight line until acted upon by a force and that an object at rest will remain at rest until acted upon by a force.
• knows ways in which a net force (for example, the sum of all acting forces) can act on an object (for example, speeding up an object traveling in the same direction as the net force, slowing down an object traveling in the direction opposite of the net force).
• knows that gravity is a universal force that every mass exerts on every other mass.
Earth and Space
• knows that available data from various satellite probes show similarities and differences among planets and their moons in our Solar System.
The Nature of Science
• knows that scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new information challenges prevailing theories and as a new theory leads to looking at old observations in a new way.
• extends and refines use of systematic, scientific processes to develop and test hypotheses.
• knows that the study of the events that led scientists to discoveries can provide information about the inquiry process and its effects.
• extends and refines knowledge that science disciplines differ from one another in topic, techniques, and outcomes but that they share a common purpose, philosophy, and enterprise.
• extends and refines use of accurate records, openness, and replication of experiments to ensure credibility.
• extends and refines knowledge of how to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment.
• extends and refines use of appropriate experimental design, with consideration for rules, time, and materials required to solve a problem.
• extends and refines use of rules, time, and materials in ways that ensure the identification and separation of variables in an experiment to solve a problem.
• extends and refines knowledge of selected scientists and their accomplishments and recognizes their varied backgrounds, talents, interests, and goals.
• extends and refines use of criteria necessary to determine the validity of a scientific experiment.
• knows that statistical tests are used to confirm the significance of data.
• understands the importance for looking for patterns in natural events.
• knows that science ethics demand that scientists must not knowingly subject coworkers, students, the neighborhood, or the community to health or property risks.
• uses appropriate procedures for safety in the classroom, home, and community.
• extends and refines knowledge of the care, safe practices, and ethical treatment that are appropriate when using animals in field and laboratory research.
• knows that in research involving human subjects, the ethics of science require that potential subjects be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with the research and of their right to refuse to participate.
• knows that technological design should require taking into account constraints such as natural laws, the properties of the materials used, and economic, political, social, ethical, and aesthetic values.
• understands that contributions to the advancement of science, mathematics, and technology have been made by different kinds of people, in different cultures, at different times and are an intrinsic part of the development of human culture.
• knows that no matter who does science and mathematics or invents things, or when or where they do it, the knowledge and technology that result can eventually become available to everyone.
• knows ways the scientific enterprise is global and available to all.
• uses a variety of technologies to collect, analyze, and report scientific findings.
• knows that the quantity of scientific information available is increasing at an exponential rate due to the advances in technology.
Force and Motion
Standard 1:
The student understands that types of motion may be described, measured, and predicted. (SC.C.1.4)
1. knows that all motion is relative to whatever frame of reference is chosen and that there is no absolute frame of reference from which to observe all motion.
2. knows that any change in velocity is an acceleration.
Standard 2:
The student understands that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, measured, and predicted. (SC.C.2.4)
1. knows that acceleration due to gravitational force is proportional to mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.
Earth and Space
Standard 1:
The student understands the interaction and organization in the Solar System and the universe and how this affects life on Earth. (SC.E.1.4)
2. knows how the characteristics of other planets and satellites are similar to and different from those of the Earth.
3. knows the various reasons that Earth is the only planet in our Solar System that appears to be capable of supporting life as we know it.
Standard 2:
The student recognizes the vastness of the universe and the Earth’s place in it. (SC.E.2.4)
6. knows the various ways in which scientists collect and generate data about our universe (e.g., Xray telescopes, computer simulations of gravitational systems, nuclear reactions, space probes, and supercollider simulations).
7. knows that mathematical models and computer simulations are used in studying evidence from many sources to form a scientific account of the universe.
The Nature of Science
Standard 1:
The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems. (SC.H.1.4)
1. knows that investigations are conducted to explore new phenomena, to check on previous results, to test how well a theory predicts, and to compare different theories.
2. knows that from time to time, major shifts occur in the scientific view of how the world works, but that more often the changes that take place in the body of scientific knowledge are small modifications of prior knowledge.
3. understands that no matter how well one theory fits observations, a new theory might fit them as well or better, or might fit a wider range of observations, because in science, the testing, revising, and occasional discarding of theories, new and old, never ends and leads to an increasingly better understanding of how things work in the world, but not to absolute truth.
4. knows that scientists in any one research group tend to see things alike and that therefore scientific teams are expected to seek out the possible sources of bias in the design of their investigations and in their data analysis.
5. understands that new ideas in science are limited by the context in which they are conceived, are often rejected by the scientific establishment, sometimes spring from unexpected findings, and usually grow slowly from many contributors.
6. understands that, in the short run, new ideas that do not mesh well with mainstream ideas in science often encounter vigorous criticism and that, in the long run, theories are judged by how they fit with other theories, the range of observations they explain, how well they explain observations, and how effective they are in predicting new findings.
7. understands the importance of a sense of responsibility, a commitment to peer review, truthful reporting of the methods and outcomes of investigations, and making the public aware of the findings.
Standard 2:
The student understands that most natural events occur in comprehensible, consistent patterns. (SC.H.2.4)
1. knows that scientists assume that the universe is a vast system in which basic rules exist that may range from very simple to extremely complex, but that scientists operate on the belief that the rules can be discovered by careful, systemic study.
2. knows that scientists control conditions in order to obtain evidence, but when that is not possible for practical or ethical reasons, they try to observe a wide range of natural occurrences to discern patterns.
Standard 3:
The student understands that science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent. (SC.H.3.4)
1. knows that performance testing is often conducted using small-scale models, computer simulations, or analogous systems to reduce the chance of system failure.
2. knows that technological problems often create a demand for new scientific knowledge and that new technologies make it possible for scientists to extend their research in a way that advances science.
3. knows that scientists can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to matters of public concern and help people understand the possible causes and effects of events.
4. knows that funds for science research come from federal government agencies, industry, and private foundations and that this funding often influences the areas of discovery.
5. knows that the value of a technology may differ for different people and at different times.
6. knows that scientific knowledge is used by those who engage in design and technology to solve practical problems, taking human values and limitations into account.
