SCIENCE AS INQUIRY

Develop students' abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry.

• Design and conduct scientific investigations.
  
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
  
• Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence.
  
• Think critically and logically to make the connections between evidence and explanations.
  
• Communicate scientific
  procedures and explanations.
  
• Use mathematics in scientific inquiry.
  
• Understand that different kinds of questions suggest different kinds of scientific investigations; current knowledge guides scientific investigations; mathematics and technology are important scientific tools.
  
• Understand that scientific explanations emphasize evidence.

CONTENT: PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Develop students' understanding of the transfer of heat energy.

• Heat energy is transferred in many ways (radiation, conduction, convection).

• Heat moves in predictable ways, flowing from warmer objects to cooler ones, until both reach the same temperature.
  
• The Sun is a major source of energy for changes on Earth's surface.

CONTENT: EARTH SCIENCE

Develop students' understanding of Earth's atmosphere.

• The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace gases, including carbon dioxide and water vapor. The atmosphere has different properties at different locations.
  
• Clouds, formed by the condensation of water vapor, affect weather and climate.
  
• Global patterns of atmospheric movement include local weather. Oceans have a major effect on climate because water in the oceans holds a large amount of heat.
  
• Water circulates through Earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere in the water cycle.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Develop students' understanding of science and technology.

• Science influences society through its knowledge and worldview.
  
• Scientists work in many different settings.