SC11.1: Science is a dynamic process; concepts and processes in life systems, earth and space systems, and physical systems are best learned through inquiry and investigation. Students develop an understanding of scientific content through inquiry within the context of these unifying concepts and processes:

SC11.1.2: Molecular Basis of Heredity: Demonstrate an understanding that organisms ensure species continuity by passing genetic information from parent to offspring. Utilize genetic information to make predictions about possible offspring. Apply concepts of molecular biology (DNA and genes) to recent discoveries.

DNA Analysis
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

SC11.1.3: Biological Evolution: Explain how species evolve over time. Understand that evolution is the consequence of various interactions, including the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes, and the ensuing selection by the environment of those offspring better able to survive and leave additional offspring. Discuss natural selection and that its evolutionary consequences provide a scientific explanation for the great diversity of organisms as evidenced by the fossil record. Examine how different species are related by descent from common ancestors. Explain how organisms are classified based on similarities that reflect their evolutionary relationships, with species being the most fundamental unit of classification.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

SC11.1.4: Interdependence of Organisms: Investigate the interrelationships and interdependence of organisms, including the ecosystem concept, energy flow, competition for resources, and human effects on the environment.

Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors
Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors
Food Chain
Pond Ecosystem

SC11.1.5: Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems: Describe the need of living systems for a continuous input of energy to maintain chemical and physical stability. Explain the unidirectional flow of energy and organic matter through a series of trophic levels in living systems. Investigate the distribution and abundance of organisms in ecosystems, which are limited by the availability of matter and energy and the ability of the living system to recycle materials.

Food Chain
Forest Ecosystem

SC11.1.7: Geochemical Cycles: Describe the Earth as a closed system and demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the following systems: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere. Explain the role of energy in each of these systems, such as weather patterns, global climate, weathering, and plate tectonics.

Carbon Cycle

SC11.1.10: Structure and Properties of Matter: Describe the atomic structure of matter, including subatomic particles, their properties, and interactions. Recognize that elements are organized into groups in the periodic table based on their outermost electrons and these groups have similar properties. Explain chemical bonding in terms of the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms. Describe physical states of matter and phase changes. Differentiate between chemical and physical properties, and chemical and physical changes.

Chemical Changes
Covalent Bonds
Electron Configuration
Element Builder
Ionic Bonds
Phase Changes

SC11.1.11: Chemical Reactions: Recognize that chemical reactions take place all around us. Realize that chemical reactions may release or consume energy, occur at different rates. Identify the factors that affect reaction rates. and result in the formation of different substances.

Chemical Changes
Chemical Equations
Collision Theory
Equilibrium and Concentration

SC11.1.12: Conservation of Energy and Increase in Disorder: Demonstrate and understanding of the laws of conservation of mass and energy within the context of physical and chemical changes. Realize the tendency for systems to increase in disorder.

Chemical Changes
Chemical Equations
Energy Conversion in a System

SC11.1.13: Energy and Matter: Demonstrate an understanding of types of energy, energy transfer and transformations, and the relationship between mass and energy.

Energy Conversion in a System
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects

SC11.1.14: Force and Motion: Develop a conceptual understanding of Newton?s Laws of Motion, gravity, electricity, and magnetism.

Atwood Machine
Electromagnetic Induction
Fan Cart Physics
Magnetic Induction