| PUSD Standards for Science DRAFT 9-12 Grade Level Standards THE NATURE OF SCIENCE The main body of scientific knowledge is stable and grows by being changed slowly and having its boundaries extended gradually. Scientific Inquiry Scientific inquiry is a process of gaining knowledge and understanding of the basic laws which govern the universe. Scientific Endeavor Important contributions to the advancement of science are made by different kinds of people, in different cultures, at different times.
Technology includes the development and use of instruments, methods and processes that extend the ability of people to understand and change the world. UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES Systems A system is a collection of things and processes and the interactions among them. The properties of a system are different from those of its parts. Models
SCIENTIFIC SKILLS Critical Response
Recognizes that the use or misuse of supporting evidence, the language used, and the logic of the argument presented are important considerations in judging how seriously to take a claim or proposition. Tool Usage Identifies and manipulates appropriate tools. Model Development and Application Constructs and uses models (physical, mathematical, and conceptual) to describe and predict aspects of a system that are not readily apparent. Problem Solving
Communication Communicates ideas problems, processes, and solutions. CONTENT LIVING ENVIRONMENT Origin of Life Biological life is a set of complex processes. It has been shown that each of these processes could have arisen separately during the initial conditions that originated on earth. Diversity of Life There are patterns of similarities and differences in living things. Heredity and Genetics DNA is the code of life.
DNA provides for both the continuity of traits from one generation to the next and the variation that in time can lead to differences within a species and to entirely new species. Cells All living things are made up of cells. Cells are the basic units in which life processes occur. Evolution of Life The basic idea of biological evolution is that species have changed over time and developed from earlier distinctly different species.
Development The growth and development of every life form occurs in a specific sequence. Basic Functions Multicellular organisms are composed of specialized cells grouped to perform specific functions. All living organisms have essential requirements for life: obtaining food and deriving energy from it, protection, internal coordination and stability, and reproduction Human Identity The ability to use language, develop and use technologies, and create art distinguishes human beings from other species. Although people may vary in appearance and behavior, the variations are minor when compared with the internal similarity of all human beings.
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