The STANDARDS CORRELATION chart suggests which Virginia Standards for Learning you can cover using PASSPORT TO THE UNIVERSE 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 PASSPORT TO THE UNIVERSE.
For additional Virginia Standards for Learning you can cover see the STANDARDS CORRELATION chart for the following PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE projects:
PASSPORT TO WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Elementary Standards: Kindergarten, Grade 1,
Grade 2, Grade 3,
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
Middle School Standards: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science
High School Standards: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Goals
The purposes of scientific investigation and discovery are to satisfy humankind's quest for knowledge and understanding and to preserve and enhance the quality of the human experience. Therefore, as a result of science instruction, students will be able to:
1. Develop and use an experimental design in scientific inquiry
2. Use the language of science to communicate understanding
3. Investigate phenomena using technology
4. Apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to everyday experiences
5. Experience the richness and excitement of scientific discovery of the natural world through the historical and collaborative quest for knowledge and understanding
6. Make informed decisions regarding contemporary issues taking into account the following:
* public policy and legislation
* economic costs/benefits
* validation from scientific data and the use of scientific reasoning and logic
* respect for living things
* personal responsibility
* history of scientific discovery
7. Develop scientific dispositions and habits of mind including:
* curiosity
* demand for verification
* respect for logic and rational thinking
* consideration of premises and consequences
* respect for historical contributions
* attention to accuracy and precision
* patience and persistence
8. Explore science-related careers and interests.
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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K.1 The student will conduct investigations in which |
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* basic properties of objects are identified by direct observation;
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* observations are made from multiple positions to achieve different perspectives;
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* a set of objects is sequenced according to size;
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* a set of objects is separated into two groups based on a single physical attribute;
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* picture graphs are constructed using 10 or fewer units;
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* nonstandard units are used to measure common objects;
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* an unseen member in a sequence of objects is predicted;
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* a question is developed from one or more observations;
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* objects are described both pictorially and verbally; and
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* unusual or unexpected results in an activity are recognized.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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K.3 The student will investigate and understand that magnets have an effect on some materials, make some things move without touching them, and have useful applications. Key concepts include |
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* attraction/nonattraction, push/pull, attract/repel, and metal/nonmetal; and
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* useful applications (refrigerator magnet, can opener, magnetized screwdriver).
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Matter |
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K.5 The student will investigate and understand that water has properties that can be observed and tested. Key concepts include |
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* water occurs in different forms (solid, liquid, gas);
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* the natural flow of water is downhill; and
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* some materials float in water while others sink.
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Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems |
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K.7 The student will investigate and understand that shadows occur when light is blocked by an object. Key concepts include |
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* shadows occur in nature when sunlight is blocked by an object; and
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* shadows can be produced by blocking artificial light sources.
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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1.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* differences in physical properties are observed using the senses and simple instruments to enhance observations (magnifying glass);
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* objects or events are classified and arranged according to attributes or properties;
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* observations and data are communicated orally and with simple graphs, pictures, written statements, and numbers;
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* length, mass, and volume are measured using standard and nonstandard units;
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* inferences are made and conclusions are drawn about familiar objects and events;
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* predictions are based on patterns of observation rather than random guesses; and
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* simple experiments are conducted to answer questions.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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1.2 The student will investigate and understand that moving objects exhibit different kinds of motion. Key concepts include |
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* objects may have straight, circular, and back and forth motions;
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* objects vibrate;
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* pushes or pulls can change the movement of an object; and
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* the motion of objects may be observed in toys and in playground activities.
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Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems |
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1.6 The student will investigate and understand the basic relationships between the sun and the Earth. Key concepts include |
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* the sun is the source of heat and light that warms the land, air, and water; and
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* night and day are caused by the rotation of the Earth.
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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2.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* observations are repeated to improve accuracy;
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* two or more attributes are used to classify items;
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* pictures and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes;
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* linear, volume, mass, and temperature measurements are made in metric (centimeters, meters, liters, degrees Celsius, grams, kilograms) and standard English units (inches, feet, yards, pints, quarts, gallons, degrees Fahrenheit, ounces, pounds);
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* observation is differentiated from personal interpretation, and conclusions are drawn based on observations;
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* simple physical models are constructed;
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* conditions that influence a change are defined; and
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* unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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2.2 The student will investigate and understand that natural and artificial magnets have certain characteristics and attract specific types of metals. Key concepts include |
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* magnetism, iron, magnetic/nonmagnetic, opposites, poles, attract/repel; and
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* important applications including the magnetic compass.
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Matter |
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2.3 The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Key concepts include |
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* mass and volume; and
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* processes involved with changes in matter from one state to another (condensation, evaporation, melting, freezing, expanding, and contracting).
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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3.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
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* predictions and observations are made;
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* data are gathered, charted, and graphed;
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* objects with similar characteristics are classified into at least two sets and two subsets;
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* inferences are made and conclusions are drawn;
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* natural events are sequenced chronologically;
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* length is measured to the nearest centimeter;
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* mass is measured to the nearest gram;
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* volume is measured to the nearest milliliter and liter;
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* temperature is measured to the nearest degree Celsius; and
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* time is measured to the nearest minute.
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Matter |
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3.3 The student will investigate and understand that objects can be described in terms of the materials they are made of and their physical properties. Key concepts include |
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* objects are made of smaller parts;
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* materials are composed of parts that are too small to be seen without magnification; and
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* physical properties remain the same as the material is reduced in size.
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Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change |
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3.8 The student will investigate and understand basic sequences and cycles occurring in nature. Key concepts include |
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* sequences of natural events (day and night, seasonal changes, phases of the moon, and tides); and
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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4.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* distinctions are made among observations, conclusions (inferences), and predictions;
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* data are classified to create frequency distributions;
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* appropriate metric measures are used to collect, record, and report data;
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* appropriate instruments are selected to measure linear distance, volume, mass, and temperature;
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* predictions are made based on data from picture graphs, bar graphs, and basic line graphs;
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* hypotheses are formulated based on cause and effect relationships;
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* variables that must be held constant in an experimental situation are defined; and
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* numerical data that are contradictory or unusual in experimental results are recognized.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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4.2 The student will investigate and understand that energy is needed to do work and that machines make work easier. Key concepts include |
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* energy forms (electrical, mechanical, and chemical energy);
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4.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include |
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* the nature of electricity (voltage, ampere, resistance, conductors, and insulators);
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* circuits (open/closed, parallel/series);
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* magnetism and magnetic fields;
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* static electricity ; and
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* historical contributions in understanding electricity.
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Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change |
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4.7 The student will investigate and understand the relationships among the Earth, moon, and sun. Key concepts include |
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* the motions of the Earth, moon, and sun (revolution and rotation);
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* the causes for the Earth's seasons and phases of the moon;
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* the relative size, position, and makeup of the Earth, moon, and sun;
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* unique properties of the Earth as a planet and as part of the solar system; and
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* historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system.
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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5.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* appropriate instruments are selected and used for making quantitative observations of length, mass, volume, and elapsed time;
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* rocks, minerals, and organisms are identified using a classification key;
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* data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams);
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* accurate measurements are made using basic tools (thermometer, meter stick, balance, graduated cylinder);
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* predictions are made using patterns, and simple graphical data are extrapolated; and
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* estimations of length, mass, and volume are made.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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5.2 The student will investigate and understand how sound is transmitted and is used as a means of communication. Key concepts include |
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* frequency, waves, wavelength, resonance, vibration;
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* the ability of different media (solids, liquids, gases) to transmit sound; and
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* communication tools (voice, Morse code, sonar, animal sounds, musical instruments).
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5.3 The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of white light. Key concepts include |
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* the visible spectrum, light waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, opaque, transparent, translucent;
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* optical tools (eyeglasses, lenses, flashlight, camera, kaleidoscope, binoculars, microscope, light boxes, telescope, prism, spectroscope, mirrors); and
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* historical contributions in understanding light.
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Matter |
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5.4 The student will investigate and understand that matter is anything that has mass; takes up space; and occurs as a solid, liquid, or gas. Key concepts include |
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* atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds;
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* mixtures and solutions; and
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* effect of temperature on the states of matter.
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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic |
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6.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms;
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* a classification system is developed based on multiple attributes;
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* differences in descriptions and working definitions are made;
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* precise and approximate measures are recorded;
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* scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity;
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* hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent (manipulated) and dependent (responding) variables;
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* a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences;
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* one variable is manipulated over time with many repeated trials;
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* data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using appropriate metric measurement;
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* data are organized and communicated through graphical representation (graphs, charts, and diagrams); and
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* models are designed to explain a sequence.
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6.2 The student will demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic. Key concepts include |
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* ideas are investigated by asking for and actively seeking information;
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* multiple tests of ideas are performed before accepting or rejecting them;
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* alternative scientific explanations are analyzed; and
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* conclusions are based on scientific evidence obtained from a variety of sources.
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Force, Motion, and Energy |
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6.3 The student will investigate and understand sources of energy and their transformations. Key concepts include |
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* potential and kinetic energy;
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* energy sources (fossil fuels, wood, wind, water, solar, and nuclear power); and
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* energy transformations (mechanical to electrical, electrical to heat/light, chemical to light, and chemical to electrical/light).
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6.4 The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include |
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* electrical energy can be produced from a variety of energy sources and can be transformed into almost any other form of energy;
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* electricity is related to magnetism;
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* currents are either alternating or direct;
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* circuits can be parallel or series;
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* electrical energy can be described in volts and amps; and
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* electrical energy consumption is measured using common units (kilowatts/kilowatt hours).
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Matter |
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6.5 The student will investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms. Key concepts include |
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* atoms are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons;
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* atoms of any element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements; and
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* historical development and significance of discoveries related to the atom.
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6.6 The student will investigate and understand how to classify materials as elements, compounds, or mixtures. Key concepts include |
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* mixtures can be separated by physical processes;
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* compounds can only be separated by chemical processes; and
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* elements cannot be separated by physical or chemical means.
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6.7 The student will investigate and understand that matter has physical and chemical properties and can undergo change. Key concepts include |
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* physical changes; and
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* changes in chemical composition, including oxidation reactions (rusting and burning), photosynthesis, and acid-base neutralization reactions.
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Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems |
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6.10 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include |
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* the, sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;
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* relative size of and distance between planets;
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* the role of gravity;
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* revolution and rotation;
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* the mechanics of day and night and phases of the moon;
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* the relationship of the Earth's tilt and seasons;
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* the cause of tides; and
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* the history and technology of space exploration.
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PS.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately measured and reported using the International System of Units (SI - metric);
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* triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and spring scales are used to gather data;
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* data from experiments are recorded and interpreted from bar, line, and circle graphs;
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* research skills are utilized using a variety of resources;
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* independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials are identified;
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* valid conclusions are made after analyzing data;
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* research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions; and
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* experimental results are presented in appropriate written form.
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PS.2 The student will investigate and understand the basic nature of matter. Key concepts include |
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* the particle theory of matter;
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* elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, salts, organic, inorganic, solids, liquids, and gases;
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* characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties;
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* physical properties (shape, density, solubility, odor, melting point, boiling point, color); and
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* chemical properties (acidity, basicity, combustibility, reactivity).
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PS.3 The student will investigate and understand various models of atomic structure including Bohr and Cloud (quantum) models.
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PS.4 The student will investigate and understand how to use the periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include |
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* symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical families, periods, valence numbers, metals, metalloids, and nonmetals; and
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* binary compounds (chemical activity, physical properties, formulas, and nature of bonding).
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PS.5 The student will investigate and understand changes in matter and the relationship of these changes to the Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy. Key concepts include |
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* physical changes (effect of temperature on state, particle size on solubility, and temperature on solubility);
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* nuclear reactions (products of fusion and fission and their effects on human beings and the environment); and
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* chemical changes (types of reactions, reactants and products, and balanced equations).
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PS.6 The student will investigate and understand states and forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed. Key concepts include |
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* potential and kinetic energy;
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* mechanical, chemical, and electrical energy; and
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* heat, light, and sound.
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PS.7 The student will investigate and understand temperature scales, heat, and heat transfer. Key concepts include |
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* absolute zero, phase change, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, conduction, convection, radiation, vaporization, and condensation; and
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* applications of heat transfer (heat engines, thermostats, and refrigeration).
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PS.8 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of sound and technological applications of sound waves. Key concepts include |
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* wave length, frequency, amplitude, interference; and
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* technological applications of sound.
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PS.9 The student will investigate and understand the nature and technological applications of light. Key concepts include |
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* reflection, refraction, particle theory, wave theory; and
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* electromagnetic spectrum.
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PS.10 The student will investigate and understand scientific principles and technological applications of work, force, and motion. Key concepts include |
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* work, force, mechanical advantage, efficiency, power, horsepower, gravitational force, speed/velocity, mass/weight, Newton's three laws of motion, acceleration; and
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* applications (simple machines, compound machines, powered vehicles, rockets, restraining devices, projectiles).
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PS.11 The student will investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key concepts include |
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* static, current, circuits; and
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* magnetic fields and electromagnets.
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ES.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which |
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* volume, area, mass, elapsed time, direction, temperature, pressure, distance, density, and changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools;
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* technologies, including computers, are used to collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental conditions;
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* scales, diagrams, maps, charts, graphs, tables, and profiles are constructed and interpreted;
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* variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and
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* a scientific viewpoint is constructed and defended.
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ES.2 The student will demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic by |
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* analyzing how science explains and predicts the interactions and dynamics of complex Earth systems;
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* recognizing that evidence is required to evaluate hypotheses and explanations;
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* comparing different scientific explanations for the same observations about the Earth;
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* explaining that observation and logic are essential for reaching a conclusion;
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* evaluating evidence for scientific theories related to plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth, and its ancient age and origin; and
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* making informed judgments related to resource use and its effects on Earth systems.
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ES.3 The student will investigate and understand how to read and interpret maps, globes, models, charts, and imagery. Key concepts include |
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* maps (bathymetric, geologic, topographic, and weather) and star charts;
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* imagery (aerial photography and satellite images);
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* direction and distance measurements on any map or globe; and
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* location by latitude and longitude and topographic profiles.
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ES.4 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of the Earth including |
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* plate tectonics;
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* water in all three states;
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* position of the Earth in the solar system; and
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* effects of density differences and energy transfer on the activities of the atmosphere, oceans, and Earth's interior.
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ES.14 The student will investigate and understand the planets and other members of the solar system; the history and contributions of the space program; and concepts related to the origin and evolution of the solar system, galaxy, and universe. Key concepts include |
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* characteristics of the sun, planets, their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids; and
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* cosmology and the origin of stars and stellar systems (the Big Bang, the solar nebular theory, stellar evolution, star systems, nebulae, constellations, and galaxies).
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CH.1 The student will investigate and understand that experiments in which variables are measured, analyzed, and evaluated, produce observations and verifiable data. Key concepts include |
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* designated laboratory techniques;
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* safe use of chemicals and equipment;
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* proper response to emergency situations;
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* multiple variables are manipulated with repeated trials;
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* accurate recording, organizing, and analysis of data through repeated trials;
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* mathematical and procedural error analysis; and
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* mathematical manipulations (SI units, scientific notation, linear equations, graphing, ratio and proportion, significant digits, dimensional analysis, use of scientific calculator).
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CH.2 The student will investigate and understand that the placement of elements on the periodic table is a function of their atomic structure. The periodic table is a tool used for the investigations of |
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* mass/atomic number;
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* isotopes/half-lives/nuclear particles;
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* particle/mass charge;
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* families/groups;
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* series/periods;
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* trends/patterns: atomic/nuclear radii, electronegativity, shielding effect;
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* electron configurations/oxidation numbers;
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* chemical/physical properties; and
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* historical/quantum models.
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CH.3 The student will investigate and understand how conservation of energy and matter is expressed in chemical formulas and balanced equations. Key concepts include |
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* nomenclature;
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* balancing chemical equations;
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* writing chemical formulas -- molecular, structural, empirical, and Lewis diagrams;
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* bonding types -- ionic, covalent;
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* reaction types -- synthesis, decomposition, single and double replacement, oxidation-reduction, neutralization, nuclear, exothermic and endothermic, spontaneous/non-spontaneous, dissociation ionization;
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* physical and chemical equilibrium; and
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* reaction rates and kinetics: activation energy, catalysis, degree of randomness.
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CH.4 The student will investigate and understand that quantities in a chemical reaction are based on molar relationships. Key concepts include |
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* avogadro's principle, molar volume;
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* stoichiometric relationships;
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* partial pressure;
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* gas laws;
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* solution concentrations;
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* chemical equilibrium; and
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* acid/base theory: strong/weak electrolytes, dissociation/ionization (pH, pOH), and titration.
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CH.5 The student will investigate and understand that the phases of matter are explained by kinetic theory and forces of attraction between particles. Key concepts include |
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* pressure, temperature, and volume;
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* vapor pressure;
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* partial pressures;
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* phase changes;
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* molar heats of fusion and vaporization;
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* specific heat capacity;
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* solutions; and
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* colligative properties.
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CH.6 The student will investigate and understand how basic chemical principles relate to other areas of chemistry. Key concepts include |
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* organic and biochemistry;
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* nuclear chemistry; and
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* environmental chemistry.
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