Standard 1:  Understands and applies principles of scientific inquiry

Interval Benchmark 1: Use 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:

Distinguishes between hypothesis, observation and conclusion.

b:

Identifies the purpose or hypothesis of an experiment

c:

Recognizes the control in an experiment.

d:

Identifies the relationship between variables.

e:

Identifies flaws in experimental design.

f:

Selects best procedure.

g:

Understands how to manipulate variable to investigate new question.

Interval Benchmark 3: Reads and interprets scientific information.

a:

Interprets symbols and data from a table.

b:

Makes inferences.

c.:

Selects best evidence.

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

a:

Evaluates hypothesis.

b:

Summarizes results.

c.:

Makes predictions.

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

a:

Understands measurements of length in the Metric System.

b:

Understands measurements of termperature.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Understands basic characteristics of life.

a:

Knows basic cell theory.

b:

Knows how all living things grow.

c:

Knows physical requirements for growth and survival.

Interval Benchmark 2: Knows the structures and and functions of living organisms.

a:

Knows general human body organization.

b:

Identifies seed plant structures and their function.

c:

Understands interactions between living organisms.

Interval Benchmark 3: Describes the life and reproductive cycles of living 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:

Recognizes how specific adaptations can help an organism survive in its environment.

b:

Identifies evidence of an organism's change over time.

c:

Knows how species adaptations are related to their roles in ecosystems.

d:

Understands the importance of ecological relationships and survival.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Recognizes the surface of the Earth is constantly changing due to forces of nature.

a:

Understands how water flow affect the characteristics of a stream.

b:

Understands the relationship between the size of a body of water and waves it produces.

c:

Knows physical and chemical differences of various bodies of water.

d:

Knows physical characteristics of common minerals.

Interval Benchmark 2: Demonstrates knowledge of weather systems.

a:

Knows how the attributes of weather affects temperature perception.

b:

Knows that the Earth's surface absorbs and reflects sunlight.

c:

Understands the role of the water cycle in cloud formation.

d:

Knows that attributes of the environment have an effect on temperature.

e:

Knows conservation methods that lessen the effects of soil erosion.

Interval Benchmark 3: Interprets components of Earth history.

a:

Applies information from rock layer or soil profiles.

b:

Explains how scientists use fossils.

Interval Benchmark 4: Understands features of the universe.

a:

Understands characteristics of stars.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Understands properties of basic forces.

a:

Understands and applies the properties of friction.

b:

Understands the properties of gravity.

c:

Understands the basic principles of simple machines.

d:

Understands how electricity and magnetism are related.

Interval Benchmark 3: Understands properties of energy waves (light, heat, sound, water.

a:

Understands how heat and electricity are conducted through objects.

b:

Understands how insulators work.

c:

Explains how heat applied to matter affects its physical properties.

d:

Understands properties of light waves.

e:

Knows the range and properties of the electromagnetic spectrum.