North Carolina Science Standards Alignment
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Stile unit
Grade
Strand
Standard
Sub-Standard
Objectives
Elements and Compounds
6
Matter and its Interactions
PS.6.1 Understand the structure, states, and physical properties of matter.
PS.6.1.1
Use models to illustrate that matter is made of atoms and elements, and are distinguished from each other by the types of atoms that compose them.
Heat
6
Matter and its Interactions
PS.6.1 Understand the structure, states, and physical properties of matter.
PS.6.1.2
Use models to explain the relationship between changes in thermal energy in a substance and the motion of its particles (including phase changes).
States of Matter
6
Matter and its Interactions
PS.6.1 Understand the structure, states, and physical properties of matter.
PS.6.1.3
Carry out investigations to compare the physical properties of pure substances that are independent of the amount of matter present including density, melting point, boiling point and solubility to properties that are dependent on the amount of matter present to include volume, mass and weight.
Heat
6
Energy
PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.1
Use models to compare the directional transfer of heat energy of matter through convection, radiation, and conduction.
Heat
6
Energy
PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.2
Use models to explain how the transfer of heat and resulting change of temperature impacts the behavior of matter to include expansion, and contraction.
Heat
6
Energy
PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.3
Carry out investigations to compare the transfer of thermal energy in insulated and non-insulated materials (examples could include insulated box, solar cooker, or styrofoam cup).
Heat
6
Energy
PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.4
Engage in argument from evidence to classify materials as conductors and insulators of energy (both thermal and electrical).
Electrical Circuits
6
Energy
PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.5
Carry out investigations to explain the transfer of electrical energy in electrical circuits, to include how a circuit requires a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass.
Waves
6
Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
PS.6.3 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in seismic, electromagnetic (including visible light), and sound waves.
PS.6.3.1
Use models of a simple wave to explain wave properties in seismic, light, and sound waves that include: waves having a repeating pattern with a specific amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy of the wave.
Waves
6
Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
PS.6.3 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in seismic, electromagnetic (including visible light), and sound waves.
PS.6.3.2
Carry out investigations to conclude the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum (including visible light) and sight.
Waves
6
Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
PS.6.3 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in seismic, electromagnetic (including visible light), and sound waves.
PS.6.3.3
Carry out investigations to conclude the relationship between sound waves (including rate of vibration, the medium through which vibrations travel) and hearing.
Waves
6
Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
PS.6.3 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in seismic, electromagnetic (including visible light), and sound waves.
PS.6.3.4
Use models to explain that various waves (seismic, sound, electromagnetic, including visible light) are reflected, absorbed or transmitted through various materials.
Plants
6
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.6.1 Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
LS.6.1.1
Use models to explain how the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration work together to meet the needs of plants.
Plants
6
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.6.1 Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
LS.6.1.2
Construct an explanation to compare how vascular and nonvascular plants obtain, transport, and use nutrients and water necessary for survival.
Plants
6
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.6.1 Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
LS.6.1.3
Use models to summarize structural adaptations, processes, and responses that flowering plants use for defense, survival and reproduction.
Food Chains and Food Webs
6
Ecosystems - Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.6.2.1
Use models to summarize how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce sugars (photosynthesis) and is transferred to consumers and decomposers.
Food Chains and Food Webs
6
Ecosystems - Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.6.2.2
Analyze and interpret data to predict how the abiotic factors (such as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil quality) and biotic factors affect the ability of organisms to grow and survive in different biomes (freshwater, marine, temperate forest, rainforest, grassland, desert, taiga, tundra).
Our Place in Space
6
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
ESS.6.1.1
Use models to explain how the relative motion and relative position of the Sun, Earth and moon affect the seasons, tides, phases of the moon, and eclipses.
Our Place in Space
6
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
ESS.6.1.2
Analyze and interpret data to compare the planets in our solar system in terms of: size and gravitational force relative to Earth, surface and atmospheric features, relative distance from the sun, and ability to support life.
Our Place in Space
6
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
ESS.6.1.3
Use models to explain how the gravitational forces of the Sun and planets impact the structure of our solar system.
Our Place in Space
6
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
ESS.6.1.4
Analyze and interpret data from historical and ongoing space exploration to illustrate the size and scale of the components of our solar system, galaxy, and universe.
Active Earth
6
Earth’s Systems
Understand the lithosphere and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the earth over time.
ESS.6.2.1
Use models to summarize the structure of the earth, including the layers, the mantle and core based on the relative position, composition and density.
Active Earth
6
Earth’s Systems
Understand the lithosphere and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the earth over time.
ESS.6.2.2
Construct an explanation to illustrate how the movement of lithospheric plates can create geologic landforms and cause major geologic events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Active Earth
6
Earth’s Systems
Understand the lithosphere and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the earth over time.
ESS.6.2.3
Use models to explain the rock cycle and its relationship to the formation of soil (including how different types of soil come from different types of rocks).
Resources
6
Earth and Human Activity
Understand the reciprocal relationship between the lithosphere and humans.
ESS.6.3.1
Engage in argument from evidence to explain that the good health of humans and the environment requires: monitoring of the lithosphere, maintaining soil quality and stewardship.
Resources
6
Earth and Human Activity
Understand the reciprocal relationship between the lithosphere and humans.
ESS.6.3.2
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare the implications of sustainable and unsustainable land use practices (including agriculture and deforestation) and the importance of stewardship.
Kinematics
7
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
PS.7.1 Understand motion, the effects of forces on motion, and the graphical representations of motion.
PS.7.1.1
Construct an explanation to summarize the motion of an object by its position, direction of motion, and speed in respect to some other object.
Forces
7
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
PS.7.1 Understand motion, the effects of forces on motion, and the graphical representations of motion.
PS.7.1.2
Use models to illustrate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces acting on an object (including friction, gravity, and magnetism).
Kinematics
7
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
PS.7.1 Understand motion, the effects of forces on motion, and the graphical representations of motion.
PS.7.1.3
Analyze and interpret graphical data to summarize the motion of an object to show a change in position over a period of time.
Kinematics
7
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
PS.7.1 Understand motion, the effects of forces on motion, and the graphical representations of motion.
PS.7.1.4
Analyze and interpret graphical data to summarize the motion of an object to show a change in distance over a period of time for constant speed and variable motion.
Energy
7
Energy
PS.7.2 Understand forms of energy, energy transfer and transformation, and conservation in mechanical systems.
PS.7.2.1
Construct an explanation to summarize how kinetic and potential energy contribute to the mechanical energy of an object.
Energy
7
Energy
PS.7.2 Understand forms of energy, energy transfer and transformation, and conservation in mechanical systems.
PS.7.2.2
Engage in argument from evidence to explain how energy can be transformed from one form to another, specifically potential energy and kinetic energy (models could include roller coasters, pendulums, or cars on ramps as examples).
Energy
7
Energy
PS.7.2 Understand forms of energy, energy transfer and transformation, and conservation in mechanical systems.
PS.7.2.3
Carry out investigations to conclude that energy can be transferred from one system to another when two objects push or pull on each other over a distance (work) in a mechanical system using qualitative data.
Forces
7
Energy
PS.7.2 Understand forms of energy, energy transfer and transformation, and conservation in mechanical systems.
PS.7.2.4
Carry out investigations to compare the efficiency of simple machines in relation to their advantages for particular purposes (to include inclined planes, pulleys, levers and wheel and axles) using qualitative data.
Cells
7
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.7.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
LS.7.1.1
Construct an explanation to conclude how the structures of single-celled organisms carry out all of the basic functions of life including: Euglena, Amoeba, Paramecium, Volvox.
Cells
7
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.7.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
LS.7.1.2
Use models to explain how the relevant structures within cells (including cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles) function to support the life of plant, animal, and bacterial cells.
Cells
7
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.7.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
LS.7.1.3
Use models to explain how the hierarchical organization of multicellular organisms from cells to tissues to organs to systems to organisms functions to support life.
Cells
7
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.7.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
LS.7.1.4
Construct an explanation to summarize how the major systems of the human body interact with each other to support life (including digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, excretion, nervous).
Genetics
7
Heredity- Inheritance and Variation of Traits
LS.7.2 Understand the relationship of the mechanisms of reproduction, patterns of inheritance, and potential variation among offspring.
LS.7.2.1
Construct an explanation supported with scientific evidence to summarize the role of genes on chromosomes as inherited cellular structures which contribute to an organism's traits (not to include the structure of DNA).
Genetics
7
Heredity- Inheritance and Variation of Traits
LS.7.2 Understand the relationship of the mechanisms of reproduction, patterns of inheritance, and potential variation among offspring.
LS.7.2.2
Use models to explain how asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information while sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation (not to include specific phases of mitosis and meiosis).
Genetics
7
Heredity- Inheritance and Variation of Traits
LS.7.2 Understand the relationship of the mechanisms of reproduction, patterns of inheritance, and potential variation among offspring.
LS.7.2.3
Use models (Punnett squares) to infer and predict patterns of the inheritance of single genetic traits from parent to offspring (including dominant and recessive traits).
Earth Systems
7
Earth’s Systems
ESS.7.1 Understand the atmosphere and how the cycling of water relates to Earth’s weather and climate.
ESS.7.1.1
Analyze and interpret data to compare the composition, properties and structure of Earth’s atmosphere to include: mixtures of gases and differences in temperature and pressure within layers.
Earth Systems
7
Earth’s Systems
ESS.7.1 Understand the atmosphere and how the cycling of water relates to Earth’s weather and climate.
ESS.7.1.2
Use models to explain how the energy of the Sun and Earth’s gravity drive the cycling of water, including changes of state, as it moves through multiple pathways in Earth’s systems and relates to weather patterns on Earth.
Earth Systems
7
Earth’s Systems
ESS.7.1 Understand the atmosphere and how the cycling of water relates to Earth’s weather and climate.
ESS.7.1.3
Analyze and interpret data to explain the relationship between the movement of air masses, high and low pressure systems, frontal boundaries and weather conditions that may result.
Earth Systems
7
Earth’s Systems
ESS.7.1 Understand the atmosphere and how the cycling of water relates to Earth’s weather and climate.
ESS.7.1.4
Use models to predict weather conditions based on observations (including clouds, air masses, fronts), measurements (wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity and air pressure), weather maps, satellites and radar.
Earth Systems
7
Earth’s Systems
ESS.7.1 Understand the atmosphere and how the cycling of water relates to Earth’s weather and climate.
ESS.7.1.5
Use models to explain the influence of convection, global winds, and the jet stream on weather and climatic conditions.
Climate Change
7
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.7.2 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the atmosphere and humans.
ESS.7.2.1
Engage in argument from evidence to explain that the good health of humans and environment requires: monitoring of the atmosphere, maintaining air quality and stewardship.
Climate Change
7
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.7.2 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the atmosphere and humans.
ESS.7.2.2
Analyze and interpret data to explain how changes in the structure and composition of the atmosphere affects the greenhouse effect and global temperatures.
Climate Change
7
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.7.2 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the atmosphere and humans.
ESS.7.2.3
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the impacts on humans and mitigation strategies of potentially hazardous environmental factors (including air quality index, UV index, Heat Index, Wildfires) and storms (hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods).
The Periodic Table
8
Matter and its Interactions
PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.1
Construct an explanation to classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures based on how the atoms are arranged in various substances.
The Periodic Table
8
Matter and its Interactions
PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.2
Use models to illustrate the structure of atoms in terms of the protons, electrons, and neutrons (using the location, charges and comparative size of these subatomic particles), without consideration of isotopes, ions, and energy levels.
The Periodic Table
8
Matter and its Interactions
PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.3
Analyze and interpret data to explain how the physical properties of elements and their reactivity have been used to produce the current model of the Periodic Table of Elements.
Physical and Chemical Change
8
Matter and its Interactions
PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.4
Construct an explanation to classify changes in matter as physical changes (including changes in size, shape, and state) or chemical changes that are the result of a chemical reaction (including changes in energy, color, formation of a gas or precipitate).
Chemical Reactions
8
Matter and its Interactions
PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.5
Use models to illustrate how atoms are rearranged during a chemical reaction so that balanced chemical equations support the Law of Conservation of Mass (in both open and closed systems).
The Immune System
8
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.8.1 Understand the hazards caused by agents of diseases that affect living organisms.
LS.8.1.1
Construct an explanation to compare the basic characteristics of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites relating to the spread, treatment and prevention of disease.
The Immune System
8
From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes
LS.8.1 Understand the hazards caused by agents of diseases that affect living organisms.
LS.8.1.2
Analyze and interpret data to explain the difference between epidemic and pandemic as it relates to the spread, treatment and prevention of disease.
Ecosystems
8
Ecosystems- Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
LS.8.2 Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.8.2.1
Carry out investigations to explain how changing biotic and abiotic factors such as food, water, shelter, and space affect populations in an ecosystem.
Ecosystems
8
Ecosystems- Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
LS.8.2 Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.8.2.2
Construct an explanation to summarize the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers including the positive and negative consequences of such interactions including: coexistence and cooperation, competition (predator/prey), parasitism, and mutualism.
Ecosystems
8
Ecosystems- Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
LS.8.2 Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.8.2.3
Construct an explanation to summarize how food provides the energy and the building materials required for the growth and survival of all organisms (to include plants).
Ecosystems
8
Ecosystems- Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
LS.8.2 Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.8.2.4
Use models to explain how the flow of energy within food webs is interconnected with the cycling of matter (water and carbon).
Evolution
8
Biological Evolution- Unity and Diversity
LS.8.3 Understand the evolution of organisms over time based on evidence and processes.
LS.8.3.1
Analyze and interpret data to infer evolutionary relationships by using evidence drawn from fossils and comparative anatomy.
Evolution
8
Biological Evolution- Unity and Diversity
LS.8.3 Understand the evolution of organisms over time based on evidence and processes.
LS.8.3.2
Use models to explain the process of natural selection, in which genetic variations in a population affect individuals’ likelihood of surviving and reproducing in its environment.
Human impacts on ecosystems
8
Earth’s Place in the Universe
ESS.8.1 Understand the history of Earth and its life forms based on evidence of change recorded in fossil records and landforms.
ESS.8.1.1
Analyze and interpret data to conclude the relative age of Earth and relative age of rocks and fossils from index fossils and ordering of rock layers.
Human impacts on ecosystems
8
Earth’s Place in the Universe
ESS.8.1 Understand the history of Earth and its life forms based on evidence of change recorded in fossil records and landforms.
ESS.8.1.2
Engage in argument from evidence to explain the use of fossils, composition of sedimentary rocks, faults, and igneous rock formations found in rock layers as evidence of the history of the Earth and its life forms.
The Water Cycle
8
Earth’s Systems
ESS.8.2 Understand the hydrosphere including freshwater, estuarine, ocean systems.
ESS.8.2.1
Use models to explain the structure of the hydrosphere including: water distribution on earth, local river basins, estuaries, and water availability.
The Water Cycle
8
Earth’s Systems
ESS.8.2 Understand the hydrosphere including freshwater, estuarine, ocean systems.
ESS.8.2.2
Use models to explain how temperature and salinity drive major ocean currents and how these currents impact climate, ecosystems, and the distribution of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms.
The Water Cycle
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.3 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the hydrosphere and humans.
ESS.8.3.1
Analyze and interpret data to predict the safety and potability of water supplies in North Carolina based on physical and biological factors, including: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates and phosphates, turbidity, and bio-indicators.
The Water Cycle
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.3 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the hydrosphere and humans.
ESS.8.3.2
Engage in argument from evidence to explain that the good health of humans and the environment requires: monitoring of the hydrosphere, water quality standards, methods of water treatment, maintaining safe water quality, and stewardship.
Energy Conservation
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.4 Understand the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
ESS.8.4.1
Construct an explanation to classify the primary sources of energy as either renewable (Geothermal, Biomass, Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric) or nonrenewable (Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Nuclear).
Energy Conservation
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.4 Understand the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
ESS.8.4.2
Engage in argument from evidence to explain the environmental consequences of the various methods of obtaining, transforming, and distributing energy.
Energy Conservation
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.4 Understand the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
ESS.8.4.3
Analyze and interpret data to illustrate the relationship between human activities and global temperatures since industrialization.
Energy Conservation
8
Earth and Human Activity
ESS.8.4 Understand the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
ESS.8.4.4
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare the long term implications of the use of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and the importance of stewardship and conservation.
