Science

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
• Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
• Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms
• Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
• Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
• Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations
• Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
• Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
• Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
• Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• All living organisms have shared characteristics.
• Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
• Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
• Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
• Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
• Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
• Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
• Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
• Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
• Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
• Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a phase change depends upon the changes in total energy.
• Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of matter.
• Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure and properties of substances.
• Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
• Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
• Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
• Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
• Use mathematical representation to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
• Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
• Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects).
• Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the gravitational and electrostatic forces between objects.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Plan and conduct investigations and design solutions to problems by using appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
• Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.
• Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
• Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles
• Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
• Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
• Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
• Develop a model to illustrate the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
• Plan and conduct investigations and design solutions to problems by using appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Plan and conduct investigations and design solutions to problems by using appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
• Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.
• Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
• Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
• Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
• Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
• Develop a model to illustrate the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
• Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
• Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
• Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources that influence human activity.
• Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations and biodiversity.
• Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
• Evaluate the evidence to supporting claims that changes in the environmental conditions may result in: 1)increases in the number of individuals of some species; 2) the emergence of new species over time; 3) the extinction of other species.
• Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
• Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
• Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
• Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
• Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
• Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedback that causes changes to other Earth systems.
• Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
• Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
• Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
• Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.
• Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.
• Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.
• Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
• Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
• Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
• Analyze atmospheric data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate and atmospheric patterns.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Maintain a portfolio of laboratory techniques and reports to demonstrate content mastery and communication skills.
• Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, or unexpected results, to clarify and or seek additional information.
• Plan and conduct investigations to produce data to serve as evidence and determine accuracy of data needed to produce reliable measurements.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
• Use arguments supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
• Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in growth, development and repair of the human body.
• Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence homeostasis in the human body and how in certain situations the body works to maintain homeostasis or to restore stability.
• Construct and revise explanations of scientific processes based upon how biochemistry helps to regulate processes within the human body on a molecular level.
• Plan and conduct an investigation or develop a model to illustrate how food molecules are broken down chemically and mechanically through digestion to provide raw materials and energy for bodily functions.
• Gather and synthesize information that demojavascript:;nstrates sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior (i.e., muscle contraction for movement) or storage as memories.
• Use or develop a model of the structures of the central nervous system that are responsible for the various functions of the body.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Investigate crime scenes carefully, systematically, and scientifically by asking questions that arise from careful observation of evidence to clarify and/or seek additional information.
• Evaluate the claims, evidence and reasoning that the human body, decomposition, and insect populations can be used to establish cause, manner, mechanism and time of death.
• Analyze hair and fiber evidence using various scientific techniques in order to obtain information about a crime
• Process and analyze the basic properties of fingerprints using various techniques to identify or exclude individuals involved in a crime.
• Analyze properties of blood and modeled blood spatter patterns to draw conclusions about the events at a crime scene.
• Analyze mathematical relationships to draw conclusions.
• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure and functions of DNA relate to processing forensic evidence.
• Investigate how DNA evidence is prepared, evaluated and analyzed using various techniques so that individuals can be placed or excluded from the scene of a crime.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based investigations that require application of scientific practices to study concepts thoroughly for deeper understanding.
• Complete laboratory work that focuses on experimental design and analysis of data.
• Further develop skills such as reading, writing of short answers/essays, and solving numerical problems to promote critical thinking.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based investigations that require application of scientific practices to study concepts thoroughly for deeper understanding.
• Laboratory work that focuses on experimental design and analysis of data.
• Further develop skills such as reading, writing of short answers/essays, and solving numerical problems to promote critical thinking.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based investigations that require the application of scientific practices to study concepts thoroughly for deeper understanding.
• Laboratory work that focuses on experimental design and analysis of data.
• Apply calculus-based mathematics to physics topics.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based investigations that require the application of scientific practices to study biological concepts.
• Laboratory work that focuses on quantitative skills and application of mathematical methods.
• Apply mathematical thinking and statistical analysis to science and engineering questions and problems.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based investigations that require the application of scientific practices.
• Laboratory work that focuses on experimental design and analysis of data.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in inquiry-based experimentation and field investigations for a deeper understanding of content.
• Identify and analyze environmental issues, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated and examine alternative solutions for resolving/preventing the issue.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Engage in experimental design by planning and carrying out investigations individually and collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence.
• Select appropriate tools to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate data.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Ask and refine questions that can be empirically tested and that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) work.
• Engage in argument using sufficient evidence and scientific reasoning to defend and critique claims and explanations about the natural and designed world(s) in order to synthesize scientific explanations and develop solutions to problems.
• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources in order to evaluate the merit and validity of claims, methods and designs.
• Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade -offs that account for a range of constraints.
• Ask and refine questions that can be empirically tested and that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) work.
• Plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually, to provide evidence for and to test conceptual, mathematical, physical and empirical models.
• Analyze and interpret data, introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models in order to identify the significant features and patterns in the data.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Ask and refine questions that can be empirically tested and that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) work.
• Engage in argument using sufficient evidence and scientific reasoning to defend and critique claims and explanations about the natural and designed world(s) in order to synthesize scientific explanations and develop solutions to problems.
• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources in order to evaluate the merit and validity of claims, methods and designs.
• Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade -offs that account for a range of constraints.
• Ask and refine questions that can be empirically tested and that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) work.
• Plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually, to provide evidence for and to test conceptual, mathematical, physical and empirical models.
• Analyze and interpret data, introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models in order to identify the significant features and patterns in the data.

Course Details

Expected Course Outcomes

• Ask and refine questions that can be empirically tested and that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) work.
• Engage in argument using sufficient evidence and scientific reasoning to defend and critique claims and explanations about the natural and designed world(s) in order to synthesize scientific explanations and develop solutions to problems.
• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources in order to evaluate the merit and validity of claims, methods and designs.
• Analyze and interpret data, introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models in order to identify the significant features and patterns in the data.
• Construct scientific explanations and design solutions to problems that are supported by multiple and independent student-generated sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.