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 findgs.

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, hypothesis or research question of an experiment.

c:

Identifies the rationale for a procedure.

d:

Identifies the relationship between variables.

e:

Identifies flaws in experimental design.

f:

Selects best procedure.

g:

Judges the appropriateness of a procedure.

h:

Understands weakness of procedure.

Interval Benchmark 3: Reads and interprets scientific information.

a:

Interprets symbols and data from a table and graph.

b:

Makes inferences.

c:

Evaluates adequacy of information.

d:

Selects best evidence.

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

a:

Identifies consequences of change.

b:

Draws conclusion from data.

c:

Extends conclusion.

d:

Makes prediction.

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

a:

Understands rate measurements.

b:

Understands Metric measurements of length.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Describes characteristics and the structure and function of cells, organs, and systems in the human body.

a:

Knows the relationships between systems of the human body.

b:

Identifies the characteristic properties of cells.

c:

Evaluates the affects of events on learning.

d:

Recognizes factors that influence memory.

e:

Identifies interactions and relathionships among organs and systems.

f:

Understands blood interactions.

Interval Benchmark 2: Knows the organization and essential processes of living things.

a:

Identifies organism requirements for life.

b:

Evaluates factors and relationships between photosynthesis and transpiration.

c:

Recognizes the relationship between humidity and transpiration.

d:

Understands and applies factors that effect plant growth.

e:

Recognizes the affect of chemicals on various tissues.

Interval Benchmark 3: Understands the processes of genetic continuity and diversity.

a:

Applies principles of embryology.

b:

Understands the purpose, process, and interactions of reproductive cells.

c:

Understands and applies the laws of heredity.

Interval Benchmark 4: Analyzes the interactions of living things with their environment.

a:

Recognizes types of animal behavior.

b:

Recognizes physical and biological factors that change populations.

c:

Evaluates animal competition from physical variations and influences.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Explains the composition and structure of the Earth.

a:

Applies the properties of rocks and soil types to the movement of materials.

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

Interval Benchmark 1: Applies characteristic properties of forces.

a:

Understands the forces associated with simple machines.

Interval Benchmark 2: Relates constancy and change to the laws of motion.

a:

Applies the properties of fluids.

b:

Evaluates the factors that influence the flow of one material through another.

c:

Analyzes the relationship between energy and motion in vibrating objects.

d:

Identifies the period of an object in motion.

e:

Evaluates the factors that affect an object in motion.

Interval Benchmark 3: Describes the nature of energy and its transformations.

a:

Understands the principle of reflection.

b:

Understands the factors that effect gravitational potential energy.

c:

Applies the principles of energy transfer.

d:

Predicts the consequences of nuclear reactions.

e:

Applies the relationship between heat transfer and temperature changes.

Interval Benchmark 4: Explains the properties, structure, and physical and chemical transformations of matter.

a:

Knows the relationship between temperature and solubility.

b:

Applies the principles of density.

c:

Identifies evidence of chemical and physical changes.

d:

Understands the interaction of acids and bases.