Essential Standards (Click each standard to open the corresponding Proficiency Scale)

SCI 8.1 ETS 1.1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

SCI 8.2 ETS 1.3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

SCI 8.3 ESS 1.1: Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.

SCI 8.4 ESS 1.2: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and solar systems.

SCI 8.5 ESS 1.3: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

SCI 8.6 PS 2.1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects

SCI 8.7 PS 2.2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in the object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

SCI 8.8 PS 2.5: Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

SCI 8.9 LS 3.1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects on the structure and function of the organism.

SCI 8.10 ESS 3.4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human populations and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.

SCI 8.11 PS 4.2: Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

SCI 8.12 LS 4.2: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.

SCI 8.13 LS 4.4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.

SCI 8.14 LS 4.6: Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.