Forensic Science
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Year at a Glance
The science standards for high science school build upon the foundation for students to work as scientists by asking testable questions, collecting and analyzing different types of evidence, and by providing rationale for their interpretations through reasoning and/or argumentation. Mastery of these standards will result in students deepening their understanding of science through an application and development of scientific knowledge to the solution of practical problems.
Life Science: Students in high school life science courses will develop an understanding of key concepts that help them make sense of life science. The ideas are building upon students’ science understanding of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts from earlier grades. There are five life science topics in high school: 1) Structure and Function, 2) Inheritance and Variation of Traits. These include the most fundamental concepts in life science, but are intended to leave room for expanded study in upper-level high school courses. Students may encounter these standards across a variety of courses including, but not limited to Biology, Anatomy, Environmental Science and Forensic Science.
Teacher Resources
Expectations for Students in Life Science
Understand that DNA codes for the complex hierarchical organization of systems that enable life's functions and that growth and division of cells in complex organisms occurs by mitosis, which differentiates specific cell types.
Recognize that organisms use matter and energy to live and grow, and that organisms interact with the living and nonliving components of the environment to obtain matter and energy. Explain how matter and energy which are necessary for life, are conserved as they move through ecosystems.
Understand how a complex set of interactions determine how ecosystems respond to disturbances, and how organisms interact in groups to benefit the species.
Understand how the characteristics of one generation are dependent upon the genetic information inherited from previous generations, and that variation between individuals results from genetic and environmental factors.
Understand how evidence of common ancestry and diversity between species can be determined by examining variations including genetic, anatomical and physiological differences, and that genetic variation among organisms affects survival and reproduction.
Recognize that environment influences survival and reproduction of organisms over multiple generations, and that as humans, we have complex interactions with ecosystems and have the ability to influence biodiversity on the planet.
When Studying Life Science You May Find Students:
When Studying Life Science You May Find Students:
Analyzing and interpreting data on genes; demonstrating how DNA processes are the same in all organisms; developing, communicating, and justifying an explanation of how cells form specialized tissues.
Using a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
Planning and conducting an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
Developing an explanation that shows how ecosystems follow the laws of conservation of matter and energy; analyzing how energy flows through trophic levels (food webs); describing how various cycles work (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water).
Using mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
Evaluating 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.
Multilingual Learner Language Expectations
From the moment you ask where, why, and how? You are a scientist!
It is always a good reminder for both students and teachers, that we are all scientist! Below are some resources to share with your students about what a scientist looks like, what a scientist does and the importance of contributing to the world's collective science knowledge. The world needs science, and science needs YOU!
The Stories & Science of Real World Scientist
An interactive for inclusive Science and STEM education, this project aims to give young students real-life STEM role models.
Science & STEM Careers Portal - Explore Hundreds of STEM Fields
Encourage students to prepare for their future career success with Career Profile videos and student activations focusing on the STEM skills, knowledge, and interests needed to pursue exciting careers in the STEM industry. It’s never too early for students to plan their career path--help inspire the future workforce today. Explore More
IF/THEN STEM Initiative
The IF/THEN Initiative is committed to showing young girls exactly what a scientist looks like. IF/THEN seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. Explore More
DoDSTEM
Scientists and engineers work across a wide range of career pathways throughout the STEM fields including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, robotics, computer science and more. Explore the different types of STEM careers here and see what kind of opportunities might ignite your curiosity! Select a Topic to learn about STEM careers
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