Integrated Science IV

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will design and conduct scientific investigations Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations Use appropriate tools, technology, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data Organize and maintain a journal showing all phases of investigations Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence and logic Use mathematics to explain, interpret, and improve investigations and communications Construct logical relationships between evidence and explanations Identify and analyze alternative explanations, models, and predictions Demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry Use fair test procedures
Students will communicate scientific procedures and explanations Demonstrate effective methods to organize and display scientific concepts Present investigative procedures and results to others verbally, graphically, and in writing Communicate science concepts accurately and clearly, using scientific vocabulary

B. PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Students will investigate the structure and properties of matter Examine the interaction of light and matter (examples: refraction, reflection, and absorption) Explain in detail how objects are seen Investigate the ability of different media to transmit sound Classify and compare the parts of an atom Describe the properties of an atom in terms of constituent parts Differentiate between fusion and fission Relate the physical properties of elements and compounds to specific interactions among ions, atoms, and molecules Compare solids, liquids, and gases Differentiate between organic and inorganic compounds
Students will investigate the transfer and conservation of energy Demonstrate energy conservation and chemical reactions Describe how chemical reactions release and consume energy Conduct investigations that separate the electro-magnetic spectrum into its components, comparing wave lengths and energy Explain the properties and characteristics of sounds with regard to frequency, waves, wave lengths, resonance, vibration, volume, pitch, and intensity

C. LIFE SCIENCE

Students will understand the molecular basis of heredity Describe the components and structure of DNA Explain how changes in DNA lead to variations
Students will understand ecosystems Analyze both biotic and abiotic features of an ecosystem and explain their interrelationships Explain the flow of energy through the selected ecosystem Describe chemical cycles in the biosphere, their relationships to each other, and their relationships to living things
Students will analyze environmental adaptations Evaluate special adaptations of plants and animals to different biomes Identify adaptations of organisms to specific niches Describe ecological succession

D. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Students will critique theories concerning the origin and evolution of the Earth system Compare past conditions on Earth with those of today Analyze different scientific theories that explain the origin and evolution of the Earth
Students will understand current theories concerning the origin and evolution of the universe Analyze different scientific theories that explain the formation of the universe Describe and relate the formation of stars, galaxies, and clusters to the visible mass in the universe Compare the contributions of space explorations to the understanding of the universe
Students will understand the characteristics and actions of oceans and marine organisms Identify the physical properties and chemical composition of ocean water Explain the major patterns of oceanic circulation Describe tides and the factors that determine their characteristics Compare the adaptations of various marine organisms to their environments Evaluate man's influence on the marine environment
Students will investigate the history and development of the land around and beneath the sea Compare coastal features Distinguish between islands and reefs Interpret sea floor typography Investigate resources found in the oceans (examples: aquaculture, mineral deposits, food, petroleum)
Students will understand factors affecting weather and climate Investigate the dynamic processes that influence global climate (examples: cloud cover, Earth's rotation, features such as mountain ranges and oceans) Design and maintain a computerized weather station to forecast local and global weather phenomena

E. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will demonstrate abilities in technological design Design and construct a new solution to an identified problem (examples: seismograph, weather instruments, water filters, receiving dish, optical instruments ) Determine the effectiveness of the solution Design and conduct an investigation to determine the quality of commercial products (examples: aspirin, antacids, sound apparatus)
Students will understand about science and technology Determine how science and technology are interrelated Compare the intended benefits and unintended consequences of a technology Explain constraints in technological designs (examples: strength of materials, costs, design flaws, safety factors, availability of materials, aesthetics)

F. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Students will practice safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaged in science activities Describe health problems related to light and sound (examples: electromagnetic fields, noise pollution) Analyze the use of personal safety devices (examples: hearing protectors, sun glasses, UV filters)
Students will evaluate the factors affecting environmental quality Establish criteria for environmental quality Analyze factors that impact on the quality of the environment (examples: population growth, consumption of resources, culture)
Students will understand the availability and consumption of natural resources Distinguish between nonrenewable versus renewable natural resources Analyze how human consumption depletes nonrenewable resources and places stress on renewable resources
Students will evaluate risks and benefits of natural and other hazards Identify and describe the risks associated with natural, chemical, and social hazards Discuss the benefits and risks associated with social decisions related to natural, chemical, and social hazards Evaluate human actions that have created hazards and environmental degradation (examples: wetlands, shore erosion)

G. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students will investigate examples of science as a human endeavor Cite examples of how scientific endeavor involves teamwork Examine the ethical traditions of scientists Investigate contributions from scientists representing different cultures and genders Research a selected scientific career (examples: costs, required professional preparation, job opportunities, responsibilities)
Students will explain the nature of scientific knowledge Explain how science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing Analyze criteria used by scientists in their research and publications
Students will understand important historical events of science Describe the efforts of scientists, valued in their societies, who have contributed to scientific knowledge Explain how the center of scientific research has shifted between cultures and continents over time. Investigate how scientific and technological advances have made long lasting contributions to society (examples: atomic theory, germ theory, formation of galaxies)