Unit 1: Elements and Compounds (8/12-8/22)
Matter and energy. The student knows the differences between elements and compounds. The student is expected to:
5A: know that an element is a pure substance represented by a chemical symbol and that a compound is a pure substance represented by a chemical formula;
5B: recognize that a limited number of elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and the atmosphere; and
5C: identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change.
Unit 2: Physical Properties and Classification of Matter (8/23-10/29)
Matter and energy. The student knows matter has physical properties that can be used for classification. The student is expected to:
6A: compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties such as luster, conductivity, or malleability;
6B: calculate density to identify an unknown substance; and
6C: test the physical properties of minerals, including hardness, color, luster, and streak.
Unit 3: Law of Conservation of Energy (11/1-12/1)
Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that the Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it just changes form. The student is expected to:
9A: investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation;
9B: verify through investigations that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all the substances attain the same temperature such as an ice cube melting; and
9C: demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy.
Unit 4: Earth's Energy Resources (12/2-12/14)
Matter and energy. The student knows that some of Earth's energy resources are available on a nearly perpetual basis, while others can be renewed over a relatively short period of time. Some energy resources, once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable. The student is expected to:
7A: research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources.
Unit 5: Force, Motion, and Energy (1/6-2/24)
Force, motion, and energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to:
8A: compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy;
8B: identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces;
8C: calculate average speed using distance and time measurements;
8D: measure and graph changes in motion; and
8E: investigate how much inclined planes can be used to change the amount of force to move and object.
Unit 6: Structure and Processes of the Earth (2/25-4/1)
Earth and space. The student understands the structure of the Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to:
10A: build a model to illustrate the compositional and mechanical layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere;
10B: classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation;
10C: identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American; and
10D: describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basin formation, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.
Unit 7: Organisms and Environments (4/4-5/9)
Organisms and environments. The student knows all organisms are classified into domains and kingdoms. Organisms within these taxonomic groups share similar characteristics that allow them to interact with the living and nonliving parts of their ecosystem. The student is expected to:
12A: understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells;
12B: recognize that the presence of a nucleus is a key factor used to determine whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic;
12C: recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains;
12D: identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms;
12E: describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact; and
12F: diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem, including organism, population, community, and ecosystem.
Unit 8: Earth and Space (5/10-5/26)
Earth and space. The student understands the organization of our solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The student is expected to:
11A: describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;
11B: understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system; and
11C: describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.