DCI.PHS.1: Nature of Matter

(Framing Text): To actively develop scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic skills, this standard develops basic ideas about the characteristics and structure of matter. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. All matter is made up of small particles called atoms. Matter can exist as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.

PHS.1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of matter.

PHS.1.1: Use contextual evidence to describe particle theory of matter. Examine the particle properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

Temperature and Particle Motion

PHS.1.6: Use mathematical and computational analysis to solve density problems. Manipulate the density formula to determine density, volume, or mass or use dimensional analysis to solve problems.

Density Laboratory

DCI.PHS.3: Periodic Table

(Framing Text): The organization of the periodic table allows scientists to obtain information and develop an understanding of concepts of atomic interactions. Developing scientific investigations increases logical reasoning and deduction skills to present the nature of science in the context of key scientific concepts.

PHS.3: Students will analyze the organization of the periodic table of elements to predict atomic interactions.

PHS.3.3: Using naming conventions for binary compounds, write the compound name from the formula, and write balanced formulas from the name (e.g., carbon dioxide - CO₂, sodium chloride - NaCl, iron III oxide- Fe₂O₃, and calcium bromide - CaBr₂).

Chemical Equations

DCI.PHS.4: The Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy

(Framing Text): The law of conservation of matter and energy states that matter and energy can be transformed in different ways, but the total amount of mass and energy will be conserved. These concepts should be investigated and further developed in the classroom.

PHS.4: Students will analyze changes in matter and the relationship of these changes to the law of conservation of matter and energy.

PHS.4.2: Design and conduct investigations to produce evidence that mass is conserved in chemical reactions (e.g., vinegar and baking soda in a Ziploc© bag).

Chemical Changes

PHS.4.3: Apply the concept of conservation of matter to balancing simple chemical equations.

Balancing Chemical Equations
Chemical Equations

PHS.4.4: Use mathematical and computational analysis to examine evidence that mass is conserved in chemical reactions using simple stoichiometry problems (1:1 mole ratio) or atomic masses to demonstrate the conservation of mass with a balanced equation.

Chemical Equations
Limiting Reactants

DCI.PHS.5: Newton’s Laws of Motion

(Framing Text): Kinematics (contact forces) describe the motion of objects using words, diagrams, numbers, graphs, and equations. The goal of any study of kinematics is to develop scientific models to describe and explain the motion of real-world objects. Newton's laws of motion are an example of a tool that can aid in the explanation of motion.

PHS.5: Students will analyze the scientific principles of motion, force, and work.

PHS.5.2: Design and conduct an investigation to study the motion of an object using properties such as displacement, time of motion, velocity, and acceleration.

Free-Fall Laboratory

PHS.5.3: Collect, organize, and interpret graphical data using correct metric units to determine the average speed of an object.

Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs - Metric

PHS.5.4: Use mathematical and computational analyses to show the relationships among force, mass, and acceleration (i.e., Newton’s second law).

Atwood Machine
Fan Cart Physics
Free-Fall Laboratory

PHS.5.5: Design and construct an investigation using probe systems and/or online simulations to observe relationships between force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma).

Atwood Machine

PHS.5.6: Use an engineering design process and mathematical analysis to design and construct models to demonstrate the law of conservation of momentum (e.g., roller coasters, bicycle helmets, bumper systems).

2D Collisions
Air Track

DCI.PHS.6: Waves

(Framing Text): Waves are everywhere in nature. Understanding of the physical world is not complete until we understand the nature, properties, and behaviors of waves. Students have experienced transverse and horizontal waves in their everyday lives. The exploration of waves in greater depth will allow students to conceptualize these waves. The goal is to develop various models of waves and apply those models to understanding wave interactions.

PHS.6: Students will explore the characteristics of waves.

PHS.6.1: Use models to analyze and describe examples of mechanical waves’ properties (e.g., wavelength, frequency, speed, amplitude, rarefaction, and compression).

Ripple Tank

DCI.PHS.7: Energy

(Framing Text): Concepts about different energy forms and energy transformations continue to be expanded and explored in greater depth, leading to the development of more mathematical applications. Focus should be on students actively developing scientific investigations, reasoning, and logic skills.

PHS.7: Students will examine different forms of energy and energy transformations.

PHS.7.2: Use scientific investigations to explore the transformation of energy from one type to another (e.g., potential to kinetic energy, and mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, radiant, and nuclear energy interactions).

Energy Conversion in a System
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects

PHS.7.4: Conduct investigations to provide evidence of the conservation of energy as energy is converted from one form of energy to another (e.g., wind to electric, chemical to thermal, mechanical to thermal, and potential to kinetic).

Air Track
Energy of a Pendulum
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Roller Coaster Physics