High School Physics - 2005

Strand	Content Knowledge and skills	Benchmarks
Unifying Concepts of science
Understand concepts and processes of evidence, models, and explanation.	Know that observations and data are evidence on which to base scientific explanations	Ø Conduct scientific investigations using proper safety procedures.
	Use models to explain how things work	Ø Given a model of an atom, explain its parts and how they interact. Ø Create a model to explain the orbital configuration for some basic elements
	Develop scientific explanations based on scientific knowledge, logic, and analysis.	Ø Analyze the results of an experiment, create a conclusion Ø Open ended essay question on worksheets or tests
Understand constancy, change, and measurement	Identify constancy in some concepts in science that do not change with time such as the speed of light.	Ø Use the speed of light to calculate distance
	Recognize that change occurs in and among systems and change can be measured.	Ø Measure the mass change in a conservation of mass lab. Ø Calculate Cp values for the transfer of heat
	Measure in both the metric and customary system.	Ø Measure in metric during a lab and convert to English.
Understand the theory that evolution is a process that relates to the gradual changes in the universe and of equilibrium as a physical state	Know that equilibrium is a physical state in which forces and changes occur in opposite and offsetting directions.	Ø Demonstrate Newton’s first law in a lab
Concepts of Scientific Inquiry
Understand scientific inquiry and develop critical thinking skills	Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.	Ø Create your own lab procedures for industry style labs
	Design and conduct scientific investigations.	Ø Plan and conduct scientific investigations using proper safety procedures.
	Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communication.	Ø Use a database to display results of an experiment. Ø Use graphing calculators and data probes to graph real time pH and temperature calculations.
	Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence.	Ø Given the results of an experiment list possible sources of error. Ø Create a model to demonstrate the results of a lab.
	Communicate and defend a scientific argument.	Ø Write conclusion to a lab defending your results to the head of a company.
	Know the differences among observations, hypotheses, and theories	Ø Define observation, hypothesis, and theory. Ø Using an essay written by a scientist, interact with concepts of the scientific method.
Concepts of Physical Science
Understand the concepts of motion and forces	Know that Gravitational force and electrical force are universal forces	Ø Calculate problems using standard formulas for gravity and electricity
	Know that objects change their motion when a net force is applied	Ø Build a tennis ball launcher and solve associated problems
	Understand that moving electrical charges produce magnetic forces; and moving magnets produce electrical forces	Ø Build a working electric motor
Understand that the total energy in the universe is constant	Understand that energy can be transferred but it not be created or destroyed	Ø Design and conduct an experiment that tests the law of conservation of energy
	Know that energy can be classified as either potential energy, kinetic energy, or energy contained by a field.	Ø Describe the difference between kinetic and potential energy with examples of both.
	Know that heat is evidenced by random motion and the vibrations of atoms, molecules, and ions	Ø Observe the physical changes in milk as it’s heated on a microscope slide.
	Know that energy is transferred by various types of waves and by electrons flowing through matter	Ø Explain the basic properties of the electromagnetic spectrum
Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems
Understand the relationship between matter, energy, and organization. Trace matter as it cycles and energy as it flows through and between living systems and the environment	Know that all matter tends toward more disorganized states	Ø explain entropy giving at least one example.
Technology
Science and technology and develop the abilities of technological design and application	Recognize that science and technology are pursued for different purposes and that scientific inquiry is driven by a desire to understand the natural world and technological design is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems.	Ø On a test describe the difference between science and technology
	Know that critical thinking, creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are all required in the work of science and engineering.	Ø Demonstrate these skills through labs, presentations, and/or projects.
	Use available technology to assist in solving problems.	Ø Use computer software to develop reports and to communicate scientific information.
	Know the elements of technological design, which include the following: - Identify a problem or design an opportunity - Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions; - Implement a proposed solution - Evaluate the solution and its consequences - Communicate the problem, process, and solution	Ø Build a mouse trap car for speed or distance and communicate your design plan to others
History of Science
Understand the major significance of major scientific milestones	Understand the social and economic impact of historical scientific events	Ø On a work sheet, test, or presentation, explain how a branch of science has affected our economy. Ø Investigate the ethics of discovery
	Understand the contributions of notable scientists.	Ø Type a paper on the day in the life of a well known scientist
Interdisciplinary Concepts
Understand that interpersonal relationships are important in scientific endeavors	Know the importance of working in interdisciplinary teams to solve scientific problems.	Ø Compete in a science fair or science competition Ø Work in cooperative lab groups to solve a problem or answer a question
Understand technical communication	Read for information	Ø Throughout the school year read the science textbook to obtain information Ø Read one non-fiction book outside of class that has do with a science subject
	Write and articulate scientific information	Ø Through labs and presentations, communicate results or information.