Principles of Science Pacing, Alignment & Resource Guide - 2017-18
Every science lesson should include a process skills standard AND a content standard. Additionally, investigations should be conducted to practice multiple process skills EACH nine weeks.
Process Skills Standards
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which
LS.1 a) data are organized into tables showing repeated trials and means;
LS.1 b) a classification system is developed based on multiple attributes;
LS.1 c) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and probeware are used to gather data;
LS.1 d) models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena;
LS.1 e) sources of experimental error are identified;
LS.1 f) dependent variables, independent variables, and constants are identified;
LS.1 g) variables are controlled to test hypotheses and trials are repeated;
LS.1 h) data are organized, communicated through graphical representation, interpreted, and used to make predictions;
LS.1 i) patterns are identified in data and are interpreted and evaluated; and
LS.1 j) current applications are used to reinforce life science concepts.
PS.1 a) chemicals and equipment are used safely;
PS.1 b) length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately measured;
PS.1 c) conversions are made among metric units, applying appropriate prefixes;
PS.1 d) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, probeware, and spring scales are used to gather data;
PS.1 e) numbers are expressed in scientific notation where appropriate;
PS.1 f) independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials are identified;
PS.1 g) data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived quantities, and the number of trials are constructed and interpreted;
PS.1 h) data tables for descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central tendency, the range of the data set, and the number of repeated trials are constructed and interpreted;
PS.1 i) frequency distributions, scatterplots, line plots, and histograms are constructed and interpreted;
PS.1 j) valid conclusions are made after analyzing data;
PS.1 k) research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions;
PS.1 l) experimental results are presented in appropriate written form;
PS.1 m) models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena; and
PS.1 n) current applications of physical science concepts are used.