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 quesion.

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 temperature.

	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 disease affect living organisms.

c:

Understands how living organisms obtain food.

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

a:

Knows basic functions of human systems

b:

Knows the importance of blood in maintaining homeostasis.

c:

Understands the importance of water in maintaining homeostasis.

d:

Identifies seed plant structures and their function.

e:

Understands interactions between living organisms.

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

a:

Understands the relationship between survival and number of offspring.

b:

Understands basic Mendelian genetics.

c:

Describes natural and mechanical methods of pollination.

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 the relationship between environmental conditions and the development of glaciers.

d:

Knows indicators of volcanic eruptions.

e:

Knows physical characteristics of common minerals.

Interval Benchmark 2: Demonstrates knowledge of weather systems.

a:

Knows attributes of common severe weather phenomena.

b:

Understands the role of the water cycle in cloud formation.

c:

Understands the impact of conservation and recycling on our environment.

d:

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.

Interval Benchmark 4: Understands features of the universe.

a:

Understands characteristics of stars.

b:

Understands stars as a non-renewable energy source.

c:

Describes astronomical features during an eclipse.

d:

Understands how the Sun creates shadows on Earth.

	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:

c:

Understands how a fluid affects the weight of an object immersed in it.

Interval Benchmark 2: Understands how forces and motion are related.

a:

Understands the difference between forward and backward motion.

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

a:

Understands and applies measures of electric current.

b:

Understands how insulators work.

c:

Understands how sound is conducted through objects.

d:

Knows how light interacts with another medium.

e:

Knows the range and properties of the electromagnetic spectrum.