Science Academic Content Standards
Benchmarks (K - 2)
A.
Observe constant and changing patterns of objects in the day and night sky.
Benchmarks (3 - 5)
A.
Explain the characteristics, cycles and patterns involving Earth and its place in the Solar System.
Benchmarks (6 - 8)
A.
Describe how the positions and motions of the objects in the universe cause predictable and cyclic events.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 2)
2.
Observe and describe how the Sun, Moon and stars all appear to move slowly across the sky.
3.
Observe and describe how the Moon appears a little different every day but looks nearly the same again about every four weeks.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)
2.
Explain that Earth is one of several planets to orbit the Sun, and that the Moon orbits Earth.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 8)
1.
Describe how objects in the Solar System are in regular and predictable motions that explain such phenomena as days, years, seasons, eclipses, tides and moon cycles.
Benchmarks (K - 2)
B.
Design and conduct a simple investigation to explore a question.
C.
Gather and communicate information from careful observations and simple investigation through a variety of methods.
Benchmarks (3 - 5)
B.
Organize and evaluate observations, measurements and other data to formulate inferences and conclusions.
Benchmarks (6 - 8)
B.
Analyze and interpret data from scientific investigations using appropriate mathematical skills in order to draw valid conclusions.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade Kindergarten)
4.
Use the five senses to make observations about the natural world.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 2)
6.
Recognize that explanations are generated in response to observations, events and phenomena.
10.
Share explanations with others to provide opportunities to ask questions, examine evidence and suggest alternative explanations.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 3)
5.
Record and organize observations (e.g., journals, charts, tables).
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
2.
Analyze a series of events and/or simple daily or seasonal cycles, describe the patterns and infer the next likely occurrence.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)
3.
Use evidence and observations to explain and communicate the results of investigations.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 6)
3.
Distinguish between observation and inference.
Scientific Ways of Knowing
Benchmarks (3 - 5)
A.
Distinguish between fact and opinion and explain how ideas and conclusions change as new knowledge is gained.
B.
Describe different types of investigations and use results and data from investigations to provide the evidence to support explanations and conclusions.
C.
Explain the importance of keeping records of observations and investigations that are accurate and understandable.
Benchmarks (6 - 8)
A.
Use skills of scientific inquiry processes (e.g., hypothesis, record keeping, description, explanation).
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
1.
Differentiate fact from opinion and explain that scientists do not rely on claims or conclusions unless they are backed by observations that can be confirmed.
2.
Record the results and data from an investigation and make a reasonable explanation.
4.
Explain why keeping records of observations and investigations is important.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)
1.
Summarize how conclusions and ideas change as new knowledge is gained.
2.
Develop descriptions, explanations and models using evidence to defend/support findings.
4.
Identify how scientists use different kinds of ongoing investigations depending on the questions they are trying to answer (e.g., observations of things or events in nature, data collection, controlled experiments).
5.
Keep records of investigations and observations that are understandable weeks or months later.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 8)
1.
Identify the difference between description (e.g., observation and summary) and explanation (e.g., inference, prediction, significance, importance).