LIVE FROM MARS - Nebraska Science Standards

Nebraska Science Standards

The STANDARDS CORRELATION chart suggests which Nebraska Science Standards you can cover using LIVE FROM MARS in your classroom. We hope you will discover additional standards you can use. These are the ones our Instructional Materials Development team felt most directly related to the activities contained in LIVE FROM MARS.

For additional Nebraska Science Standards you can cover see the STANDARDS CORRELATION chart for the following PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE projects:

PASSPORT TO ANTARCTICA

PASSPORT TO THE RAINFOREST

PASSPORT TO THE SOLAR SYSTEM

PASSPORT TO WEATHER AND CLIMATE

LIVE FROM THE SUN/LIVE FROM THE AURORA

LIVE FROM A BLACK HOLE/LIVE FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE AND TIME

Grades K-1, Grades 2-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Kindergarten - First Grade

Coordination with Mathematics

Science requires the use of mathematics in the collection and treatment of data and in the reasoning used to develop concepts, laws, and theories. The mathematics that students should understand and use in the study of science are listed below.
Measure, collect, and organize data	video hands-on online
Recognize and describe patterns	video hands-on online
Develop skills of estimation and judgment	video hands-on online
In the primary grades, students should learn science at their developmental level. Young children develop concepts, vocabulary, and inquiry skills by observing common materials and organisms. When engaged in science inquiry, they develop the ability to ask questions, investigate the world around them, and use their observations to create reasonable explanations for their questions.	video hands-on online

1.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes

Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.
1.1.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.
Student demonstrations:
Use one or more of the five senses to observe objects within the student's environment.	video hands-on online
Use observations to sort objects by their characteristics.	video hands-on online
1.1.2 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.
Student demonstration:
Describe and record how a model, such as photos, maps, globes, illustrations, stuffed animals, toys, and building blocks can represent an object, living thing, or an event.	video hands-on online
1.1.3 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.
Student demonstrations:
Recognize that change can be noted and measured.	video hands-on online
Recognize that things change in some ways and stay the same in others.	video hands-on online
Compare two or more objects using direct comparisons of measurement, such as shorter, longer, taller, heavier, and lighter.	video hands-on online
Use both standard units of measurement, such as inches and centimeters, and nonstandard units of measurement, such as string and paper clips.	video hands-on online
Use appropriate measurement systems for different purposes.	video hands-on online
1.1.4 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of form and function.
Student demonstrations:
Demonstrate how the shape of a tool is related to its use.	video hands-on online
Explain how living things interact with their environment because of specific characteristics, such as how the long neck of the giraffe helps it to reach its food.	video hands-on online

1.2 Science as Inquiry

Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.
1.2.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.
Student demonstrations:
Ask questions about their surroundings.	video hands-on online
Plan and conduct a simple investigation.	video hands-on online
Collect scientific information from careful observation.	video hands-on online
Use simple equipment and tools, such as magnifying glasses, thermometers, and balance scales, to extend the senses.	video hands-on online
Share findings with classmates, families, and community members.	video hands-on online

1.5 Earth and Space Science

Earth and space science focuses on science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.
1.5.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of the characteristics of earth materials.
Student demonstrations:
Observe that materials of the earth, such as water, support life.	video hands-on online
1.5.2 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of the objects in the sky.
Student demonstrations:
Recognize objects in the sky, such as the sun, moon, and stars.	video hands-on online
Recognize that the sun provides heat and light.	video hands-on online

1.6 Science and Technology

An understanding of science and technology establishes connections between the natural and designed world, linking science and technology.
1.6.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of technological design.
Student demonstration:
Explain how the use of common household tools is determined by their design.	video hands-on online
1.6.2 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology.
Student demonstrations:
Use various tools, such as a magnifying glass, thermometer, or measuring tape, to improve observations and measurements.	video hands-on online
Identify, investigate, and solve a problem in the home or school.	video hands-on online
Identify the technology used in different occupations.	video hands-on online

1.7 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

A personal and social perspective of science helps a student to understand and act on personal and social issues. This perspective builds a foundation for future decision making.
1.7.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of personal health.
Student demonstrations:
Follow safety rules for home and school.	video hands-on online
Engage in personal care that will maintain and improve health.	video hands-on online
Describe a healthy diet.	video hands-on online
Explain that substances can benefit or damage the way the body functions.	video hands-on online
1.7.2 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of resources.
Student demonstration:
Observe and describe how reducing, reusing, and recycling help our environment.	video hands-on online

1.8 History and Nature of Science

The history and nature of science illustrates different aspects of scientific inquiry, the human aspects of science, and the role that science has played in the development of various cultures.
1.8.1 By the end of first grade, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor.
Student demonstrations:
Recognize the contributions to science made by men and women from many countries.	video hands-on online
Conduct an investigation as an individual.	video hands-on online
Conduct an investigation as part of a team.	video hands-on online

Second - Fourth Grade

Coordination with Mathematics

Science requires the use of mathematics in the collection and treatment of data and in the reasoning used to develop concepts, laws, and theories. The mathematics that students should understand and use in the study of science are listed below.
Measure, collect, and organize data	video hands-on online
Recognize and describe patterns	video hands-on online
Develop skills of estimation and judgment	video hands-on online
Explore chance	video hands-on online
Use variables to express relationships	video hands-on online

4.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes

In the intermediate grades, students learn science concepts, vocabulary, and inquiry skills at their developmental level. Students should develop knowledge and process skills while engaged in science inquiry. They should ask simple questions, design and conduct investigations (in the form of a "fair" test), and present their results to others.
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.
4.1.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.
Student demonstrations:
Describe the parts that make up a system.	video hands-on online
Relate how the parts of a system affect the whole system.	video hands-on online
4.1.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.
Student demonstrations:
Use evidence gathered from an investigation to develop a scientific explanation.	video hands-on online
Create a model, graph, or illustration that represents an object, living thing, or an event in the student's environment.	video hands-on online
Explain and answer questions about the model created and how it represents a part of their environment.	video hands-on online
Use a variety of ways, such as sketches, charts, and graphs, to explain procedures or ideas.	video hands-on online
4.1.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.
Student demonstrations:
Describe observable changes, such as speed, pattern, shape, position, and size.	video hands-on online
Measure a change using appropriate tools and units of measurement.	video hands-on online
4.1.4 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of form and function.
Student demonstration:
Construct a device to perform a simple task and explain how it works.	video hands-on online

4.2 Science As Inquiry

Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.
4.2.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.
Student demonstrations:
Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in their surroundings.	video hands-on online
Plan and conduct a simple investigation.	video hands-on online
Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.	video hands-on online
Use data to support explanations.	video hands-on online
Communicate procedures, results, and explanations of an investigation.	video hands-on online

4.3 Physical Science

Physical science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.
4.3.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the characteristics of objects and materials.
Student demonstrations:
Classify objects by observable characteristics, such as shape, size, and color.	video hands-on online
Investigate characteristics of common materials using tools, such as rulers, balances, thermometers, microscopes, and hand lenses.	video hands-on online
Observe that materials can change from solid to liquid to gas by heating and from gas to liquid to solid by cooling.	video hands-on online
4.3.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the position and motion of objects.
Student demonstrations:
Use reference points to describe the position of an object.	video hands-on online
Indicate an object's motion by tracing its position over time.	video hands-on online
Observe that the position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling.	video hands-on online
Demonstrate how sound is produced when objects vibrate.	video hands-on online
Change the pitch of sound by changing the rate of vibration.	video hands-on online
4.3.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of light, heat, electricity, and magnetism.
Student demonstrations:
Distinguish between reflection and refraction of light.	video hands-on online
Recognize heat can be produced in many ways, such as burning, rubbing, or mixing one substance with another.	video hands-on online
Demonstrate heat can flow from one object to another by conduction.	video hands-on online
Use electricity to produce heat, sound, and magnetic effects.	video hands-on online
Demonstrate electrical circuits require a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass.	video hands-on online
Describe the physical properties of magnets.	video hands-on online

4.5 Earth and Space Science

Earth and space science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.
4.5.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of objects in the sky.
Student demonstration:
Describe and observe how objects move in patterns, such as sun, moon, stars, and clouds.	video hands-on online

4.6 Science and Technology

An understanding of science and technology establishes connections between the natural and designed world, by linking science with technology.
4.6.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of technological design.
Student demonstrations:
Identify a simple problem.	video hands-on online
Propose a solution to a simple problem.	video hands-on online
Implement the proposed solution.	video hands-on online
Evaluate the implementation.	video hands-on online
Communicate the problem, design, and solution.	video hands-on online
4.6.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology.
Student demonstrations:
Recognize science as one way of answering questions and explaining the natural world.	video hands-on online
Recognize that technology, such as tools and techniques, uses scientific knowledge to solve problems.	video hands-on online
4.6.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans.
Student demonstration:
Classify an object as either natural or manufactured.	video hands-on online

4.7 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

A personal and social perspective of science helps a student understand and act on personal and social issues. This perspective builds a foundation for future decision making.
4.7.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of personal health.
Student demonstrations:
Explain how the body uses food and how various foods contribute to health.	video hands-on online
Describe how different substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, can damage the body and alter how it functions.	video hands-on online
4.7.2 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of the types of resources.
Student demonstrations:
List examples of resources which are basic materials, such as air, water, and soil.	video hands-on online
List examples of resources produced from basic materials, such as food, fuel, and building materials.	video hands-on online
List examples of resources which are intangible materials, such as beauty, security, and quiet places.	video hands-on online
Research and report on the supply of various resources.	video hands-on online
4.7.3 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of environmental changes.
Student demonstration:
Distinguish between natural environmental changes and human influenced environmental changes.	video hands-on online
4.7.4 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of how science and technology helps communities resolve problems.
Student demonstration:
Research and explain how science and technology affect the quality of life.	video hands-on online

4.8 History and Nature of Science

The history and nature of science illustrates different aspects of scientific inquiry, the human aspects of science, and the role of science in the development of various cultures.
4.8.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor.
Student demonstrations:
Research and report on the contributions to science and technology throughout history by men and women scientists of diverse cultures.	video hands-on online
Research and report on how science is used in different careers.	video hands-on online
Research and report on how current scientific discoveries illustrate that science is never finished.	video hands-on online

Fifth - Eighth Grade

Coordination with Mathematics

Science requires the use of mathematics in the collection and treatment of data and in the reasoning used to develop concepts, laws, and theories. The mathematics that students should understand and use in the study of science are listed below.
Represent situations verbally, numerically, graphically, geometrically, or symbolically	video hands-on online
Use estimations	video hands-on online
Identify and use functional relationships	video hands-on online
Develop and use tables, graphs, and rules to describe situations	video hands-on online
Use statistical methods to describe, analyze, evaluate, and make decisions	video hands-on online
Use geometry in solving problems	video hands-on online
Create experimental and theoretical models of situations involving probabilities	video hands-on online

8.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes

At the middle school level, students expand their scientific inquiry skills through knowledge, observations, ideas, and questions. Middle school students will begin to recognize the relationships between explanation and evidence. They understand that background knowledge and theories guide the design of investigations, the types of observations made, and the interpretation of data. Student investigations will shape and modify students' background knowledge.
Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.
8.1.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.
Student demonstrations:
Recognize and describe integral parts and functions of any system.	video hands-on online
Analyze and predict the interactions within a system and between systems.	video hands-on online
Create and use classification schemes.	video hands-on online
Interpret cause and effect relationships within and between systems.	video hands-on online
8.1.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.
Student demonstrations:
Collect, manipulate, and analyze data from an experiment.	video hands-on online
Observe and develop models, such as physical, mathematical, mental, and computer simulations.	video hands-on online
Interpret and explain products of experimentation.	video hands-on online
Review investigative procedures and conclusions for reasonableness.	video hands-on online
8.1.3 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.
Student demonstrations:
Select and use appropriate measurement units.	video hands-on online
Quantify changes in systems.	video hands-on online
Use English and metric systems of measurements.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe changes in terms of scale, rate, and pattern.	video hands-on online
8.1.4 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of form and function.
Student demonstration:
Demonstrate how the design of an object makes it possible for that object to perform a specialized task, such as a bicycle or airplane.	video hands-on online

8.2 Science as Inquiry

Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.
8.2.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.
Student demonstrations:
Identify questions and form hypotheses that can be examined through scientific investigations.	video hands-on online
Design and conduct a scientific investigation.	video hands-on online
Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.	video hands-on online
Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence.	video hands-on online
Think critically and logically to make the relationship between evidence and explanations.	video hands-on online
Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions.	video hands-on online
Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.	video hands-on online
Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry.	video hands-on online

8.3 Physical Science

Physical science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.
8.3.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of motion and forces.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate, describe, and represent the motion of an object by its position, direction of motion, and speed.	video hands-on online
Investigate and demonstrate that the speed and/or direction of an object changes when a force is applied to that object.	video hands-on online
8.3.3 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of the transfer of energy.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate, explain, and give examples of the forms of energy, such as heat, light, chemical, sound, electrical, and how energy is transferred.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe how heat is transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object until both reach the same temperature.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe the properties of sound.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe the basic principles of electricity and magnetism.	video hands-on online

8.5 Earth and Space Science

Earth and space science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.
8.5.3 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of the earth in the solar system.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate and list the components of the solar system, galaxies, and universe.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe the motion of solar system objects in terms of the concepts of day, year, seasons, eclipses, and phases of the moon.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe gravity's relationship to the solar system.	video hands-on online
Investigate and understand that the sun is a major source of energy for phenomena in the atmosphere and on the earth's surface.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe the effect of the tilt of the earth's axis on seasons.	video hands-on online

8.6 Science and Technology

An understanding of science and technology establishes connections between the natural and designed world, linking science and technology.
8.6.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of technological design.
Student demonstrations:
Identify appropriate problems for technological design.	video hands-on online
Design a solution or product.	video hands-on online
Implement a proposed design.	video hands-on online
Evaluate completed technological designs or products.	video hands-on online
Communicate the process of technological design.	video hands-on online
8.6.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology.
Student demonstrations:
Distinguish between scientific inquiry (asking questions about the natural world) and technological design (using science to solve practical problems).	video hands-on online
Describe how science and technology are reciprocal.	video hands-on online
List the avoidable and unavoidable limits of a technological design.	video hands-on online
Recognize that solutions have intended and unintended consequences.	video hands-on online

8.7 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

A personal and social perspective of science helps a student understand and act on personal and social issues. This perspective builds a foundation for future decision making.
8.7.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of personal health.
Student demonstrations:
Research and identify substances harmful to human beings in the natural environment, such as radon, lead, and nitrates.	video hands-on online
Investigate and explain how personal choices can directly affect a person's health, such as exercise, nutrition, and use of drugs.	video hands-on online
8.7.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of populations, resources, and environments.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate and describe how population levels affect resources and the environment.	video hands-on online
Investigate and understand that the causes of environmental degradation and resource depletion vary locally and globally.	video hands-on online
8.7.3 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of natural hazards.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate and describe the effect of natural hazards on the environment, such as earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, floods, and storms.	video hands-on online
Investigate and describe human activities, such as urban growth, land use, and waste disposal, which can accelerate many natural changes.	video hands-on online
8.7.4 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of risks and benefits.
Student demonstrations:
Analyze a type of hazard, such as natural, chemical, or biological, estimating the number of people that might be exposed and the number likely to suffer consequences.	video hands-on online
Describe how perceptions of risks and benefits influence personal and social decisions, such as seat belt usage and waste disposal procedures.	video hands-on online
8.7.5 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology in society.
Student demonstrations:
Understand the effect of science on society is neither entirely beneficial nor entirely detrimental.	video hands-on online
Understand that societal challenges often inspire questions for scientific research, but that science cannot answer all questions and technology cannot solve all human problems or meet all human needs.	video hands-on online
State an example of when societal priorities influenced research priorities.	video hands-on online
Practice the ethical codes followed by scientists, such as informing research subjects about risks and benefits, humane treatment of animals, and truth in reporting.	video hands-on online

8.8 History and Nature of Science

An understanding of the history and nature of science illustrates different aspects of scientific inquiry, the human aspects of science, and the role of science in the development of various cultures.
8.8.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor.
Student demonstrations:
Investigate and understand that women and men of various social and ethnic backgrounds, working alone or in teams, engage in the activities of science, engineering, and related fields.	video hands-on online
Investigate and understand that scientists have different abilities, basic human qualities, and scientific habits of mind.	video hands-on online
8.8.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of the nature of science.
Student demonstrations:
Formulate and test a hypothesis using observations, experiments, and theoretical and mathematical models.	video hands-on online
Use questioning, response to criticism, and open communication when defending a conclusion.	video hands-on online
Evaluate the results of scientific investigations, experiments, observations, theoretical models, and the explanations proposed by other scientists.	video hands-on online
Distinguish between scientific fact and scientific theory.	video hands-on online
8.8.3 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of the history of science.
Student demonstration:
Research and report on the difficulties experienced by a scientific innovator who had to overcome flawed, commonly held beliefs of his/her time to reach conclusions that we now take for granted.	video hands-on online

Ninth - Twelfth Grade

Coordination with Mathematics

Science requires the use of mathematics in the collection and treatment of data and in the reasoning used to develop concepts, laws, and theories. The mathematics that students should understand and use in the study of science are listed below.
Develop ability to use realistic applications and modeling in trigonometry	video hands-on online
Understand connections within a problem situation, its model as a function in symbolic form, and the graph of that function	video hands-on online
Use functions that are constructed as models of real-world problems	video hands-on online
Know how to use statistics and probability	video hands-on online

12.1 Unifying Concepts and Processes

Senior high students should be able to understand scientific inquiry at increasingly higher levels of sophistication. Questions and issues relevant to students should form the basis of investigations. An adequate knowledge base and an understanding of the concepts that guide inquiry are needed to assure success. Students should learn how to analyze evidence and evaluate their own explanations and those of scientists.