Science Department Instructional Priorities List 2008-2009

9^th Grade

1. Identify the basic parts of an atom (standards 4.HS.1 and 4.HS.2)
2. Identify the basic structure of atoms (standards 4.HS.1 and 4.HS.2)
3. Evaluate possible models for a given characteristic of matter (standards 4.HS.2 and 4.HS.4)
4. Draw a conclusion about chemical charges based on given data  (standards 4.HS.4)
5. Identify a phenomenon that requires the use of air pressure (standard 7.HS.1)
6. Infer the type of geological changes caused by natural events (standard 8.HS.2)
7. Analyze models of events in the environment (standard 9.HS.2)
8. Identify a cause of ocean productivity in a given area (standard 9.HS.2)

10^th Grade

1. Biological sciences
   1. Draw conclusions from given evidence of change
   2. Evaluate experimental design
   3. Apply an understanding of how to refine experimental design
   4. Apply an understanding of biomes
   5. Recognize the genetic relationship between generations
   6. Apply an understanding of the genetic relationship between generations

1. Physical sciences
   1. Draw conclusions from given evidence of change
   2. Evaluate experimental design
   3. Apply an understanding of how to refine experimental design
   4. Apply an understanding of biomes
   5. Apply an understanding of the physical properties of matter

11^th Grade

1. Make an inference by comparing abiotic and biotic parts of an ecosystem
2. Identify the role of an organism in an ecosystem
3. Identify a method of communicating data
4. Use models to recognize changes due to tectonic motions

12^th Grade

1. Apply an understanding of characteristics of matter
2. Identify the variables and controls in a given experiment
3. Identify basic atomic particles
4. Apply understanding of organisms changes to environmental pressures
5. Draw a conclusion from data of changes in a population
6. Use models to recognize changes due to tectonic motions
7. Identify chemical formulas
8. Identify the genotype of an organism