Connecticut Science Curriculum Framework -- Performance Standards Grades 5-8

• conduct scientific investigations which generally involve the collection of relevant evidence, the use of logical reasoning and creativity in devising hypotheses and explanations to make sense of the evidence;

• identify and control variables in experiments;

• evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments or data;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• recognize that a variety of experimental designs and strategies can be developed to answer the same question;

• use appropriate technology as a tool in problem solving;

• accept the open-endedness of scientific inquiry and that scientific findings are not always definite or complete;

• use scientific knowledge and ways of thinking in personal decision making.
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

CONTENT STANDARD 2: History Of Science

Students will learn the evolution of scientific thought, how science has influenced culture and society, and how groups from many countries have contributed to the history of science.

• recognize important contributions to the advancement of science, mathematics and technology that have been made by men and women in different cultures at different times;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• understand that scientific discoveries are influenced by technological demands, competition, controversy, world events, personalities and societal issues;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• recognize that, throughout history, scientists and engineers have been considered valued contributors to society;

• recognize that, throughout history, it has been difficult for scientific innovators to break through the preconceptions of their time to reach conclusions which today seem obvious.
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

CONTENT STANDARD 3: Living Things And Their Environments

Students will understand that all organisms in the biosphere are linked to each other and to their physical environments by the transfer and transformation of matter and energy.

• describe the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem and provide specific examples of each;
  • Ecosystems = Organized Energy Exchange
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2a.asp
    
  • Energy and Organisms AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2.asp
    
  • Communities: Relationships Among Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9b.asp
    

• explain the need for sunlight and other abiotic factors, such as water and air, in an ecosystem;
  • Abiotic Factors AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/5.asp
    
  • The Living Earth
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/11.asp
    

• explain that while matter is recycled in an ecosystem, there is a one-way flow of energy in ecosystems;
  • Metabolism
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1b.asp
    
  • Energy and Organisms AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    

• explain that the number and variety of organisms and populations are dependent on the resources and physical factors of their environments;
  • Response to Environment
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1e.asp
    
  • Abiotic Factors AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/5.asp
    
  • Adaptation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1b.asp
    
  • Biomes
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9a.asp
    
  • Communities: Relationships Among Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9b.asp
    
  • Populations: Relationships within Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9c.asp
    
  • Ecological Succession
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9d.asp
    
  • Destruction of Habitat
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10b.asp
    
  • Alien Invasion: Non-Native Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10c.asp
    
  • Extinction and Loss of Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10d.asp
    
  • Ocean Resources
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4g.asp
    
  • Lakes, Swamps, and Marshes
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5a.asp
    
  • The Living Earth AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/11.asp
    

• explain how both organisms and ecosystems can change if the physical conditions of an ecosystem change (e.g., a pond dries, a forest is destroyed by fire).
  • Environmental Conditions
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/5c.asp
    
  • Adaptation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1b.asp
    
  • Biomes
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9a.asp
    
  • Communities: Relationships Among Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9b.asp
    
  • Populations: Relationships within Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9c.asp
    
  • Ecological Succession
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/9d.asp
    
  • Destruction of Habitat
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10b.asp
    
  • Alien Invasion: Non-Native Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10c.asp
    
  • Extinction and Loss of Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10d.asp
    
  • Ocean Resources
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4g.asp
    
  • Lakes, Swamps, and Marshes
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5a.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 4: Units Of Structure And Function

Students will understand that living things share common materials and structures which perform basic life functions.

• identify similarities and differences that characterize different types of cells (e.g., plant, animal muscle, nerve, bone);
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • The Cell Cycle: From Yeast to You
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/7c.asp
    
  • Human Biology AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8.asp
    

• recognize that basic life processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration, occur at the cellular level;
  • Organization of Living Things
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1a.asp
    
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    

• recognize that tissues and organs in multicellular organisms are made of specialized groups of cells which work together to perform specific functions;
  • Organization of Living Things
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1a.asp
    
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Protists, Fungi, and the Origin of Multicellularity AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/3.asp
    
  • Plants: Energy Converters AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/4.asp
    
  • Invertebrate Animals: Rulers of the Animal Kingdom AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/5.asp
    
  • Vertebrate Animals AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/6.asp
    
  • Mammals 'R' Us AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/7.asp
    
  • Human Biology AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8.asp
    

• understand that cells divide for growth, replacement, repair and reproduction;
  • Reproduction
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1c.asp
    
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Growth and Reproduction AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/7.asp
    

• understand that, while most living things are composed of cells, there are other things such as viruses that are difficult to identify as living or non-living.
  • Bacteria and Viruses
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/2.asp
    
  • Are Viruses Alive?
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/2c.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 5: Relationships Of Structure And Function

Students will understand the classification and physiology of the great diversity of organisms and identify relationships of structure and function.

• describe the major distinctions among the kingdoms of living things (e.g., prokaryotic/eukaryotic, nucleated/non-nucleated, heterotrophic/autotrophic);
  • Ecosystems = Organized Energy Exchange
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2a.asp
    
  • The Cell: Down to Basics
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Taxonomy AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/10.asp
    

• describe ways in which internal and external structures, organ systems and body plans contribute to organisms being able to carry out life functions or processes (e.g., reproduction, response to stimuli, production and/or digestion of food, and production of energy, circulation, excretion, homeostasis);
  • What Is Life? AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1.asp
    
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    
  • Bacteria and Viruses AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/2.asp
    
  • Protists, Fungi, and the Origin of Multicellularity AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/3.asp
    
  • Plants: Energy Converters AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/4.asp
    
  • Invertebrate Animals: Rulers of the Animal Kingdom AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/5.asp
    
  • Vertebrate Animals AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/6.asp
    
  • Mammals 'R' Us AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/7.asp
    
  • Human Biology AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8.asp
    

• describe and analyze ways in which scientists determine the relatedness of organisms;
  • Taxonomy AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/10.asp
    

• explain the effects of disease on the inability of organisms to carry out essential life functions;
  • Genetic Disorders: A Molecular Approach
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/9d.asp
    
  • The Immune System
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8f.asp
    

• understand the complementary nature of structure and function;
  • The Cell: Down to Basics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    
  • Chromosomes
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/7a.asp
    
  • DNA Upclose and Personal AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/9.asp
    
  • Bacteria and Viruses
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/2.asp
    
  • Protists, Fungi, and the Origin of Multicellularity
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/3.asp
    
  • Plants: Energy Converters
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/4.asp
    
  • Invertebrate Animals: Rulers of the Animal Kingdom
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/5.asp
    
  • Vertebrate Animals
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/6.asp
    
  • Mammals 'R' Us
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/7.asp
    
  • Human Biology
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8.asp
    

• describe how different life functions (e.g., digestion, reproduction) are carried out by different organisms.
  • What Is Life? AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1.asp
    
  • Growth and Reproduction AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/7.asp
    
  • Bacteria and Viruses
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/2.asp
    
  • Protists, Fungi, and the Origin of Multicellularity
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/3.asp
    
  • Plants: Energy Converters
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/4.asp
    
  • Invertebrate Animals: Rulers of the Animal Kingdom
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/5.asp
    
  • Vertebrate Animals
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/6.asp
    
  • Mammals 'R' Us
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/7.asp
    
  • Human Biology
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/8.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 6: Cycles Of Life

Students will recognize patterns and products of genetics and evolution.

• understand that each organism carries a set of instructions (genes) for specifying the components and functions of the organism;
  • Reproduction
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1c.asp
    
  • The Nucleus
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/4c.asp
    
  • Growth and Reproduction AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/7.asp
    
  • Genetics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/8.asp
    
  • DNA Upclose and Personal AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/9.asp
    

• explain that differences between parents and offspring can accumulate in successive generations so that descendants are very different from their ancestors;
  • Genetics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/8.asp
    
  • Evolution: Populations in Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1.asp
    

• recognize that individual organisms with certain traits are more likely than others to survive and have offspring;
  • Evolution: Populations in Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1.asp
    

• understand that the extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and the species is not able to adapt to the changes;
  • Adaptation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1b.asp
    
  • Adaptation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1b.asp
    
  • Speciation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1d.asp
    
  • Alien Invasion: Non-Native Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10c.asp
    
  • Extinction and Loss of Species
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/10d.asp
    
  • Middle to Recent History
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10e.asp
    

• understand that the basic idea of biological evolution is that the Earth's present-day species developed from earlier species;
  • Evolution: Populations in Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1.asp
    

• know that the many thousands of layers of sedimentary rock provide evidence for the history of the Earth and its changing life forms.
  • Geologic Timetable
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif72/1e.asp
    
  • Geologic History AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 7: The Earth

Students will understand the processes and forces that shape the structure and composition of the Earth.

• describe how sediments of sand and smaller particles (sometimes containing the remains of organisms) are buried and are cemented together by dissolved minerals and compacted to form solid rock again;
  • The Rock Cycle
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7.asp
    
  • Sedimentary Rocks: Layered Storytellers
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7b.asp
    

• explain how rock buried deep enough may be reformed by pressure and heat into different kinds of rocks and minerals;
  • The Rock Cycle
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7.asp
    
  • Metamorphism: Changed Rocks
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7c.asp
    

• recognize that some useful minerals are scarce and some exist in great quantities, but the ability to recover them is just as important as their abundance;
  • Gems and Precious Metals
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6d.asp
    
  • Mineral Uses
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6e.asp
    

• recognize that the movement of heat and materials within the Earth causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions;
  • The Mantle
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1c.asp
    
  • Earthquakes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/3.asp
    
  • Volcanoes: Part 1 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/4.asp
    
  • Volcanoes: Part 2 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/5.asp
    

• describe the formation and movement of glaciers;
  • Glaciers
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9b.asp
    

• use maps (e.g., topographic, hydrographic, highway) to identify land features and their locations;

• recognize that some changes in the Earth's surface, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, are abrupt, while other changes happen very slowly (e.g., uplift and wearing down of mountains);
  • Earthquakes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/3.asp
    
  • Volcanoes: Part 1 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/4.asp
    
  • Volcanoes: Part 2 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/5.asp
    
  • Weathering and Soils AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8.asp
    
  • Surface Processes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9.asp
    

• explain how human activities (such as reducing the amount of forest cover, increasing the amount and variety of chemicals released into the atmosphere, and waste disposal) have altered the Earth's land, oceans and atmosphere.
  • Runoff
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3g.asp
    
  • Groundwater
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3e.asp
    
  • Ocean Resources
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4g.asp
    
  • Rivers and Streams
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5b.asp
    
  • Surface Water Systems and Society
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5e.asp
    
  • Climatic Change
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7d.asp
    
  • Our Role in Earth's Future AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/12.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 8: Water

Students will understand the water cycle, including energy transfers, the distribution and characteristics of water, and its influences on human activity.

• recognize how the cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere plays an important role in determining climatic patterns and is responsible for constantly changing the phase and location of water;
  • The Water Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
    
  • Surface Water Systems AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5.asp
    
  • Earth's Climate
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7.asp
    
  • Precipitation Factors
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7c.asp
    
  • Moisture
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8d.asp
    
  • Wild and Woolly Weather AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/10.asp
    

• recognize that water falling to Earth flows over the surface as runoff and collects in ocean basins, rivers, lakes, icecaps and underground;
  • The Water Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
    
  • Surface Water Systems AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5.asp
    
  • Rivers
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9c.asp
    

• recognize that water stored underground (subsurface) and water stored above ground (surface) form a continuum, each supplying water to the other.
  • Groundwater
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3e.asp
    
  • Groundwater
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5c.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 9: The Earth's Atmosphere

Students will understand the composition and structure of the atmosphere, including energy transfers, the nature of weather and climate, and the effect of the atmosphere on human activity.

• describe air as a mixture of gases, including water vapor and other liquid and solid particles;
  • Gas Exchange
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/5b.asp
    
  • Evaporation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3a.asp
    
  • Transport
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3c.asp
    
  • Atmospheric Structure and Composition AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/6.asp
    
  • Under Pressure
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8a.asp
    

• recognize that air exerts pressure and expands and contracts in relation to temperature;
  • Under Pressure
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8a.asp
    

• explain wind as a function of the unequal heating of the Earth's surface;
  • Wind
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8c.asp
    

• know that water changes form as a function of energy transfer;
  • The Water Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
    
  • Moisture
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8d.asp
    

• infer that water vapor condenses out of cooling air;
  • Condensation
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3b.asp
    

• create simple weather instruments to measure air pressure and humidity;
  • How's the Weather? AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8.asp
    Students can use the links from the unit above to help achieve this standard.
    

• identify sources of thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms, and describe their impact on human activities;
  • Wild and Woolly Weather AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/10.asp
    

• infer that our atmosphere is dynamic and has patterns of weather systems;
  • Atmospheric Structure and Composition AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/6.asp
    
  • How's the Weather? AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8.asp
    
  • Wild and Woolly Weather AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/10.asp
    

• recognize that high pressure areas are usually associated with clear, dry weather and low pressure areas are often associated with precipitation;
  • Under Pressure
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8a.asp
    

• describe and explain the reasons for the distribution of climates around the world.
  • The Reasons for Seasons
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2d.asp
    
  • Earth's Climate AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 10: The Universe

Students will understand that the Earth is a unique, dynamic member of the solar system, located in a galaxy within a changing universe.

• understand that, to people living on the Earth, the 24-hour period of rotation of the Earth makes it seem as though the sun, moon, planets and stars are orbiting the Earth once a day;
  • The Spin We're In
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2a.asp
    
  • Night and Day
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2b.asp
    

• recognize that the sun is a medium-sized star located near the edge of a disk-shaped galaxy of stars, that the universe contains many millions of galaxies, and that each galaxy contains many billions of stars;
  • Earth Within the Solar System
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1.asp
    
  • Here Comes the Sun
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1c.asp
    

• describe the solar system as consisting of nine planets, different in size, composition and surface features, which all revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits;
  • Earth's Location and its Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1b.asp
    

• understand that the moon's orbit around the Earth changes how much of the lighted portion of the moon can be seen from the Earth;
  • Fly Me to the Moon
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1e.asp
    

• realize that the planets change their positions against the background of stars;

• recognize that the mutual gravitational attraction of the Earth, moon and sun produces the ocean's tides;
  • Tidal Force
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2c.asp
    

• understand that many artificial satellites now orbit the Earth and are used for a variety of purposes.
  • Earth Within the Solar System AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1.asp
    
  • Current Events
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4c.asp
    
  • Earth's Climate AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7.asp
    
  • El Niņo
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9d.asp
    Students can use the links from the focus areas listed above to help achieve this standard.
    

CONTENT STANDARD 11: Structure Of Matter

Students will know the characteristic properties of matter and the relationship of these properties to structure and composition.

• use physical and chemical properties to classify and describe matter in terms of elements, compounds, mixtures, atoms and molecules;

• show that, while the quantity of matter is conserved, changes in matter can result in the formation of new materials;

• demonstrate that the kinetic molecular model of matter is useful in describing the structure and properties of solids, liquids and gases;

• recognize that all matter is made up atoms which are too small to be seen directly through the microscope, but that indirect evidence can be used to construct a useful model of the atom;

• recognize that atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion and that as the temperature of a substance increases, the average energy of motion also increases;

• show how features such as the temperature and acidity of a solution can influence reaction rates;

• give examples which show that changes in pressure, temperature or volume of a gas sample result in predictable changes in either or both of the other properties;

• demonstrate that some properties (such as mass and volume) depend on the amount of material and some properties (such as density, melting point and boiling point) are independent of the amount of material.

CONTENT STANDARD 12: Energy

Students will know that energy is conserved, transferred, transformed, and appears in different forms.

• recognize that energy can neither be created nor destroyed;
  • Energy and Organisms
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2.asp
    

• identify energy transformations that occur in various systems (e.g., biological, mechanical, geological) and recognize that heat is a by product of energy transformations;
  • Energy and Organisms AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    
  • Here Comes the Sun
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1c.asp
    
  • The Water Cycle
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
    
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    

• demonstrate that heat can be transferred by convection, conduction and radiation;
  • Ocean Basins
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4e.asp
    
  • Troposphere: All Mixed Up
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/6b.asp
    
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    
  • Earth's History: Pangaea to the Present
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2b.asp
    
  • Plate Boundaries
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2c.asp
    
  • Subduction Zone
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/5a.asp
    

• recognize that energy exists in many forms (e.g., light, heat, chemical, electrical and mechanical) and that energy can be transformed from one form to another;
  • Oceanography
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4.asp
    
  • The Water Cycle
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
    
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    
  • What Makes a Quake
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/3a.asp
    
  • Metabolism
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/1b.asp
    
  • Energy and Organisms
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2.asp
    
  • Energy Transformations
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/2d.asp
    
  • Energy for Life AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6.asp
    

• understand that all physical changes, including changes of state, require energy;

• recognize that the sun produces energy in a range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum;
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    

• compare and contrast different forms of energy in terms of their wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    

CONTENT STANDARD 13: Interaction Of Matter And Energy

Students will know that interactions between matter and energy can produce changes in a system, although the total quantities of matter and energy are unchanged.

• identify evidence that waves (e.g., light, sound, radiant) can transfer energy between two points;
  • Solar Effects
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
    
  • Photosynthesis
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/6b.asp
    

• demonstrate that objects have inertia and momentum;

• recognize that the motion of one object can be described by measuring its position, direction and speed relative to another object;

• illustrate that changes in the speed and direction of an object are due to forces which have magnitude and direction;

• recognize that electric currents and magnets can exert a force on each other;

• understand that a complete circuit is necessary in order for electric current to flow.

CONTENT STANDARD 14: Science And Technology

Students will understand the relationships among mathematics, science and technology and the way they affect and are affected by society.

• investigate and describe human uses of renewable and nonrenewable resources (e.g., forests, fossil fuels);
  • Surface Water Systems and Society
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5e.asp
    
  • Climatic Change
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7d.asp
    
  • Natural Resources: Use and Re-Use
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/12b.asp
    

• explain interrelationships between science and technology ( e.g., building a bridge, designing a better running shoe);
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the links from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• describe how the use of technology can contribute to the solution of an individual or community problem (e.g., using oxygenated fuels to help reduce air pollution);
  • Ocean Resources
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4g.asp
    
  • Surface Water Systems and Society
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5e.asp
    
  • Humans and Soil
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8d.asp
    
  • Pollution Solutions
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/12d.asp
    

• recognize that science and technology cannot solve every problem faced by society;

• describe how people use science and technology in their professions;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• identify and analyze ways in which advances in science and technology have affected each other and society;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• analyze how the introduction of new technology has affected or could affect human activity (e.g., invention of the telescope, applications of modern telecommunications and bioengineering);
  • Human Genetics
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/8d.asp
    
  • Pollution Solutions
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/12d.asp
    

• recognize that technological innovations (e.g., the automobile) may produce unanticipated problems of their own;

• apply their knowledge and understanding of chemical and physical interactions to explain present and anticipated technologies (e.g., lasers, ultrasound, superconducting materials, photocopy machines);

• recognize that issues related to science, technology and society often are complex and involve risk/benefit trade-offs;

  Students can use the links from Beyond Books Science programs to help achieve this standard.
  

• understand that scientific advances may be misused and developed into technologies that have negative consequences;

  Students can use the links from Beyond Books Science programs to help achieve this standard.
  

• identify technological advances that are reported in the media;
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the links from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.
    

• understand that engineers, architects and others who engage in design and technology use scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
  • Earth Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/index.asp
    
  • Earth Science: Part 2 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/index.asp
    
  • Life Science: Part 1 PROGRAM
    http://www.beyondbooks.com/lif71/index.asp
    Students can use the content from Beyond Books science programs to help achieve this standard.