Science Content

Physical Science

  • Kinetic energy can be distinguished from the various forms of potential energy.

  • Energy changes to and from each type can be tracked through physical or chemical interactions. The relationship between the temperature and the total energy of a system depends on the types, states and amounts of matter.

  • When two objects interact, each one exerts a force on the other than can cause energy to be transferred to and from the object.

  • A simple wave model has a repeating pattern with specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude and mechanical waves need a medium through which they are transmitted. This model can explain many phenomena which include light and sound.

  • A wave model of light is useful to explain how light interacts with objects through a variety of properties.

  • Designed technologies can transmit digital information as wave pulses.


Life Science

  • Heredity explains why offspring resemble, but are not identical to, their parents and is a unifying biological principle. Heredity refers to specific mechanisms by which characteristics or traits are passed from one generation to the next via genes.

  • Genetic variations among individuals in a population give some individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing in their environment.

  • Adaptation by natural selection acting over generations is one important process by which species change over time in response to changes in environmental conditions.


Earth and Space

  • Motion is predictable in both solar systems and galaxies.

  • The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.

  • Complex interactions determine local weather patterns and influence climate, including the role of the ocean.

  • Human activities have altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging it, although changes to environments can have different impacts for different living things.

  • Human activities affect global warming. Decisions to reduce the impact of global warming depend on understanding climate, engineering capabilities, and social dynamics.