Standard 1:  Understands and applies principles of scientific inquiry

Interval Benchmark 1: Uses scientific reasoning to answer questions or solve problems.

a:

Recognizes a problem or asks a question.

b:

Considers many different explanations.

c:

Tests and re-tests the validity of the most promising solution.

d:

Evaluates solution through collaboration and confirmation of others.

e:

Communicates findings.

f:

Understands that science is subject to change.

Interval Benchmark 2: Analyzes scientific procedures and investigations.

a:

Identifies the purpose of an experiment.

b:

Recognizes the control in an experiment.

c:

Identifies variable(s).

d:

Selects best procedure.

Interval Benchmark 3: Reads and interprets scientific information.

a:

Interprets symbols and data from a table.

b:

Select best evidence.

Interval Benchmark 4: Develops new thinking based on experimental data.

a:

Summarizes results.

b:

Uses results of an investigation to make a new hypothesis or develop explanations of phenomena.

Interval Benchmark 5: Reads accurately and chooses appropriate tools for scientific investigations.

a:

Understands measurements of time.

b:

Understands metric measurements of length, volume and mass.

c:

Understands measurements of temperature.

	Standard 2:  Understands and applies the basic concepts of life science

Interval Benchmark 1: Knows characteristics of human growth and development.

a:

Knows the basic organization of the human body.

Interval Benchmark 2: Explains characteristics and functions of living things.

a:

Identifies types of living things.

b:

Identifies major plant parts and their functions.

Interval Benchmark 3: Describes life cycles of familiar organisms.

a:

Knows how plant seeds are dispersed.

b:

Knows life cycle of common insects.

Interval Benchmark 4: Explains how plant and animal adaptations relate to survival and extinction.

a:

Understands animal migration and its purposes.

b:

Understands how environmental factors impact plant and animal growth and survival.

	Standard 3:  Understands and applies the basic concepts of Earth science

Interval Benchmark 1: Describes features and composition of the Earth.

b:

Identifies and describes the features of the layers of the Earth.

Interval Benchmark 2: Identifies factors and conditions that influence weather and weathering.

a:

Understands basic conservation practices for land, water, and air.

b:

Understands water moves through the earth, oceans, and atmosphere in the water cycle.

c:

Knows how the attributes of weather affects temperature perception and comfort.

Interval Benchmark 3: Identifies components of Earth history.

a:

Explains the use of fossils in science.

Interval Benchmark 4: Recognizes the relationship between Earth, its moon (lunar characteristics) and the Solar System.

a:

Describes the effects of the planetary position in relathionship to the Sun.

b:

Understands the characteristics of stars.

	Standard 4:  Understands and applies the basic concepts of physical science

Interval Benchmark 1: Investigates properties of electricity and magnetism.

a:

Understands the properties of electricity and magnetism.

Interval Benchmark 2: Recognizes forces acting on objects.

a:

Understands and applies the properties of friction.

b:

Understands the properties of gravity.

Interval Benchmark 3: Identifies characteristics of various forms of energy.

a:

Distinguishes between conductors and insulators.

b:

Understands the transfer of heat energy between objects.

Interval Benchmark 4: Knows and describes properties of matter.

a:

Understands changes in state of matter.