1 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices.
1.A demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards; and
1.B practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.
2 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and field investigations.
2.A plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology;
3 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists.
3.A analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;
4 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry.
4.A use appropriate tools, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other necessary equipment to collect, record, and analyze information; and
4.B use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.
5 Matter and energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties.
5.A describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud;
10.C identify the role of the oceans in the formation of weather systems such as hurricanes.
11 Organisms and environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems.
11.A investigate how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic factors such as food and abiotic factors such as quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition;
11.B explore how short- and long-term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations; and