What does a student learn in StateTennessee,GradeGrade 9,SubjectScience?

Construct an explanation regarding the rapid expansion of the universe based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.

Construct a model using astronomical distances to explain the spatial relationships and physical interactions among planetary systems, stars, multiple-star systems, star clusters, galaxies, and galactic groups in the universe.

Analyze and interpret data about the mass of a star to predict its composition, luminosity, and temperature across its life cycle, including an explanation for how and why it undergoes changes at each stage.

Communicate scientific ideas to explain the nuclear fusion process and how elements with an atomic number greater than helium have been formed in stars, supernova explosions, or exposure to cosmic rays.

Analyze and compare image data from instruments used to study deep space (e.g., visible, infrared, radio, refracting and reflecting telescopes, and spectrophotometer). Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the instrumentation.

Recognize how advances in deep space research instrumentation over the last 30 years have led to new understandings of Earth’s place in the universe and how these advances have benefitted society.

Analyze and interpret data to compare, contrast, and explain the characteristics of objects in the solar system including the sun, planets and their satellites, planetoids, asteroids, and comets. Characteristics include: mass, gravitational attraction, diameter, and composition.

Use mathematical or computational representations to predict motions of the various kinds of objects in our solar system, including planets, satellites, comets, and asteroids, and the influence of gravity, inertia, and collisions on these motions.

Evaluate the evidence for the role of gravitational force and heat production in theories about the origin and formation of Earth. Design a research study to confirm or refute one aspect of such evidence.

Summarize available sources of data within the solar system which provide clues about Earth’s formation. Using engineering principles, design a means to gather more data.

Using the Bohr model of an atom, describe the following features and components of an atom: protons, neutrons, electrons, mass, number and types of particles, structure, and organization.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare historical models of the atom (from Democritus to quantum model) and construct explanations to show how scientific knowledge evolves over time based on scientific evidence.

Illustrate and explain the arrangement of electrons surrounding atoms and ions (electron configurations and orbital notation of a specific electron in an element) and relate the arrangement of electrons with observed periodic trends.

Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of an atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

Use a model to explain the changes of state for solids, liquids, gases, and plasma using the kinetic molecular theory and heat flow considerations.

Use the kinetic molecular theory to explain how molecular motion is related to internal energy, temperature, heat, phase change, and expansion and contraction.

Carry out an investigation to graphically represent the relationship(s) among pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas.

Gather evidence and perform calculations to determine the composition of a compound.

Recognize and communicate examples from everyday life that use radioactive decay processes.

Use the Periodic Table as a model to predict chemical and physical properties of main group elements (e.g. reactivity, number of subatomic particles, valence electrons, electronegativity, ion charge, ionization energy, and atomic radius) based on locations on the periodic table.

Investigate and evaluate the expression for calculating the percentage of a remaining atom (N(t)=N0e-λt) using simulated models, calculations, and/or graphical representations. Define the half-life (t1/2) and decay constant λ. Perform an investigation on probability and calculate halflife from acquired data (does not require use of actual radioactive samples).

Model different representations of atoms (e.g. Lewis Dot Structures, Bohr Models, electron configurations).

Compare and contrast crystalline and amorphous solids with respect to particle arrangement, strength of bonds, melting and boiling points, bulk density, and conductivity; provide examples of each type.

Use data collected from a calorimeter to construct a phase diagram to explain both the constant temperature and linearly changing segments of a graph.

Engage in an argument from evidence to explain physical and chemical changes.

Investigate and use mathematical representations to support Dalton’s law of partial pressures and to compare and contrast diffusion and effusion.

Use a model to predict the relative properties of elements on the periodic table.

Describe three forms of radioactivity in terms of changes in atomic number and mass number in order to write balanced equations for the three forms of radioactive decay.

Use the periodic table and properties of elements to develop an explanation to predict the types of bonds that are formed between atoms.

Predict how elements may combine using the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level.

Obtain data and solve combined and ideal gas law problems and stoichiometry problems at STP and non STP conditions to quantitatively explain the behavior of gases.

Evaluate the components of a substance to write the chemical name and formula using IUPAC criteria, including covalent compounds, ionic compounds, polyatomic ions, and common acids.

Create a model that illustrates the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion in terms of transmutation.

Through experimental data collections, investigate the concept of half-life.

Use the Van der Waal’s equation to support explanations of how real gases deviate from the ideal gas law.

Construct and use a model to show that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction. Symbolically represent this by balancing chemical equations.

Predict the formulas of binary ionic compounds using the periodic table.

Develop, or use, a model to illustrate the claim that atoms and mass are conserved during a chemical reaction (i.e., balancing chemical equations).

Perform stoichiometric calculations involving the following relationships: mole-mole; mass-mass; mole-mass; mole-particle; and mass-particle.

Investigate, describe, and mathematically determine the effect of solute concentration on vapor pressure using Raoult’s Law and of the solute’s van ’t Hoff factor on freezing point depression and boiling point elevation.

Use models to show a qualitative understanding of the concept of percent yield, limiting reactants, and excess reactants in a chemical reaction.

Develop models to show how different types of polymers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and starches, are formed by repetitive combinations of simple subunits by condensation and addition reactions and to show the diverse bonding characteristics of carbon.

Develop, or use, a model to classify a substance as acidic, basic, or neutral by using pH tools and appropriate indicators.

Develop an explanation using the reactants in a chemical reaction to identify reaction type (i.e., synthesis, decomposition, combustion, single replacement, double replacement) and predict products.

Evaluate different organic molecules by naming and drawing the ten simplest linear hydrocarbons and isomers that contain single, double, and/or triple bonds and by identifying and explaining the properties of functional groups.

Conduct investigations and develop models to characterize the behavior of gases (e.g., pressure, volume, temperature).

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how carbon’s structure and function are used and have influenced society.

Develop an explanation for the behavior of gases using the Kinetic Molecular Theory and the Combined Gas Law.

Conduct a qualitative analysis lab to determine the solubility rules. Use solubility rules to identify spectator ions and write net ionic equations for precipitation reactions.

Use the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT) to quantitatively evaluate the relationship among the number of moles, volume, pressure, and temperature for ideal gases.

Analyze oxidation and reduction reactions to identify the substances gaining and losing electrons, distinguish between the cathode and anode, predict reactions, and balance oxidation-reduction reactions in acidic or basic solutions.

Investigate models and explore uses of electrochemistry (batteries and electrochemical cells).

Create models of solutions to describe solutes and solvents, concentration of solutions, and the process of solvation.

Quantitatively analyze solutions to describe concentration using molarity, percent composition, and ppm.

Conduct titrations with standard solutions (monoprotic and diprotic) and an appropriate indicator and/or a pH probe to determine the concentration of an unknown acid or base, and with a weak acid or weak base to determine the Ka or Kb and the pH at the equivalence point.

Demonstrate separation methods such as evaporation, distillation, electrophoresis, and/or chromatography. Construct an argument to justify the use of certain separation methods under different conditions.

Explain common chemical reactions, including those found in biological systems, using qualitative and quantitative information.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify acids and bases as a special class of compounds due to their unique properties.

Create a model of the atomic substructure including electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks, and gluons.

Use models to describe radioactive stability, radioactive decay, fusion, and fission.

Develop and use models to compare alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of mass, charge, and penetrating power. Identify examples of applications of different radiation types in everyday life.

Investigate and evaluate the graphical and mathematical relationship (using either manual graphing or computers) of one-dimensional kinematic parameters (distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration) with respect to an object's position, direction of motion, and time.

Algebraically solve problems involving constant velocity and constant acceleration in one dimension.

Algebraically solve problems involving arc length, angular velocity, and angular acceleration. Relate quantities to tangential magnitudes of translational motion.

Use free-body diagrams to illustrate the contact and non-contact forces acting on an object. Use the diagrams in combination with graphical or component-based vector analysis and with Newton's first and second laws to predict the position of the object on which the forces act in a constant net force scenario.

Describe and mathematically determine the electrostatic interaction between electrically charged particles using Coulomb’s law, 𝐹𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 𝑞1𝑞2 𝑟 2 . Compare and contrast Coulomb’s law and gravitational force, notably with respect to distance.

Gather evidence to defend the claim of Newton's first law of motion by explaining the effect that balanced forces have upon objects that are stationary or are moving at constant velocity.

Using experimental evidence and investigations, determine that Newton’s second law of motion defines force as a change in momentum, F = Δp/Δt.

Plan, conduct, and analyze the results of a controlled investigation to explore the validity of Newton's second law of motion in a system subject to a net unbalanced force, Fnet = ma or Fnet = Δp/Δt.

Investigate, measure, calculate, and analyze the relationship among position, displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.

Use examples of forces between pairs of objects involving gravitation, electrostatic, friction, and normal forces to explain Newton's third law.

Use mathematics and computational thinking to graphically represent how various factors (e.g., position, time, direction of force) affect one-dimensional kinematics parameters (e.g., distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration).

Explore characteristics of rectilinear motion and create distance-time graphs and velocity-time graphs.

Use Newton’s law of universal gravitation, 𝐹 = 𝐺 𝑚1𝑚2 𝑟 2 , to calculate the gravitational forces, mass, or distance separating two objects with mass, given the information about the other quantities.

Develop and apply the impulse-momentum theorem along with scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on an object during a collision (e.g., helmet, seatbelt, parachute).

Use mathematics and computational thinking to solve problems involving constant velocity and constant acceleration in one-dimension.

Explain how Newton’s first law applies to objects at rest and objects moving at a constant velocity.

Using Newton’s second law, analyze the relationship among the net force acting on a body, the mass of the body, and the resulting acceleration through mathematical and graphical methods.

Plan and carry out an investigation to gather evidence, and provide a mathematical explanation, about the relationship among force, mass, and acceleration using F=ma.

Use experimental evidence to demonstrate that air resistance is a velocity dependent drag force that leads to terminal velocity.

Apply Newton’s third law to identify the interacting forces between two bodies.

Use mathematical reasoning and computational thinking to support the claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is conserved when there is no net force on the system.

Develop a model to predict the range of a two-dimensional projectile based upon its starting height, initial velocity, and angle at which it was launched.

Design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on an object during a collision.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that a constant force perpendicular to an object's motion is required for uniform circular motion (F = m v2 / r).

Understand that the two-dimensional movement of an object can be explained as a combination of its horizontal and vertical components of motion.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field.

Analyze the general relationship between net force, acceleration, and motion for an object undergoing uniform circular motion.

Describe the nature and magnitude of frictional forces.

Quantify interactions between objects to show that the total momentum is conserved in both elastic collisions and inelastic collisions.

Determine the impulse required to produce a change in momentum.

Using the law of universal gravitation, predict how gravitational force will change when the distance between two masses changes or the mass of one object changes.

Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the properties of the different types of intermolecular forces in pure substances and in components of a mixture.

Distinguish between mass and weight using SI units.

Make predictions regarding the relative magnitudes of the forces acting within collections of interacting molecules based on the distribution of electrons within the molecules and types of intermolecular forces through which the molecules interact.

Investigate and use mathematical evidence to support that rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular collisions.

Represent the force conditions that exist for a system in equilibrium.

Through the use of force diagrams, explain why objects float or sink in terms of force and density.

Analyze data and mathematically determine rate equations.

Experimentally investigate the buoyant force exerted on floating and submerged objects.

Investigate the parameters of chemical equilibria in the laboratory by A) writing and calculating equilibrium expressions (Kc, Kp, Ksp, Ka, Kb); B) calculating Q and determining the direction the reaction will proceed; and, C) calculating equilibrium concentrations given an equilibrium constant and starting amounts.

Compare and contrast the strength and dissociation of strong and weak acids and bases by calculating the pH and percent ionization of a solution.

Demonstrate the effects of Bernoulli’s principle on fluid motion.

Research, investigate, and mathematically explain buffer systems (characteristics and capacities using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation), including those found in biological systems and polyprotic acids.

Using a variety of data sources, construct an explanation for the impact of climate, latitude, altitude, geology, and hydrology patterns on plant and animal life in various terrestrial biomes.

Construct explanations for patterns relating to climate, flora, and fauna found in major terrestrial biomes (deserts, temperate grasslands, temperate forests, tropical grasslands, tropical forests, taiga, and tundra).

Plan and carry out an ethology investigation of a simple organism. Gather, analyze, and present data in tabular and graphical formats. Draw conclusions based on data and communicate findings.

Research examples of adaptations of organisms in major marine and freshwater ecosystems. Develop an explanation for the formation of these adaptations and predict how the organisms would be affected by environmental disturbances or long-term ecological changes.

Compare innate versus learned behavior. Construct an argument from evidence that shows the value of both types of behavior and their importance to species survival.

Develop an explanation of behavioral and physical adaptations organisms have for life in aquatic habitats with varying chemical and physical features.

Using mathematical models, support arguments regarding the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on carrying capacity for populations within an ecosystem.

Obtain information and construct an explanation to support or oppose an adaptive advantage of social behaviors.

Create a model of an ecosystem depicting the interrelationships among organisms with a variety of niches. Use the model to explain resource needs of these organisms.

Compare and contrast production (photosynthesis, chemosynthesis) and respiratory (aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, consumption, decomposition) processes responsible for the cycling of matter and flow of energy through an ecosystem. Using evidence, construct an argument regarding the importance of homeostasis in maintaining these processes in ecosystems.

Compare patterns of stratification and zonation in various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Construct an argument regarding the importance of these patterns in ecosystem diversity.

Using the laws of conservation of energy, create a model of energy flow through the biosphere. Use the model to explain limitations in energy transfer and the need for ongoing energy input.

Use a mathematical model to explain energy flow through an ecosystem. Using the first and second laws of thermodynamics, construct an explanation for: A) necessity for constant energy input; B) limitations on energy transfer from one trophic level to the next; and, C) limitations on number of trophic levels that can be supported.

Compare pyramids of energy, numbers, and biomass to calculate rates of productivity within food chains and food webs among various biomes. Using mathematics, explain the relationship between biomass and trophic levels.

Evaluate the interdependence among major biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) in an ecosystem and recognize the importance each cycle has in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Examine stability and change within an ecosystem by using a model of succession (primary or secondary) to predict impacts of disruption on an ecosystem.

Use models to explain relationships among biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus).

Create a diagram tracing carbon through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. Use the diagram to construct an explanation for the importance of photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle.

Construct an argument from evidence regarding the importance of the microbial community in nutrient cycling.

Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.

Create, or use, a mathematical model to describe the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another. Explain how the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels affects the relative number of organisms that can be supported at each trophic level and necessitates a constant input of energy from sunlight and inorganic compounds from the environment.

Plan and carry out an investigation measuring species diversity (richness and evenness) and density in a local ecosystem.

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence to describe how the impact of varying levels of disturbance is related to the resilience of an ecosystem.

Obtain information regarding distribution patterns (clumped, uniform, random) and make predictions regarding types of organisms that will exhibit each type.

Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.

Use mathematical models to construct an explanation for population growth patterns and rates observed in ecosystems. Account for both density-dependent and density-independent factors in your explanation.

Analyze data regarding exponential and logistic population growth patterns. Use the data to create mathematical models to make predictions regarding carrying capacity.

Analyze data about the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.

Obtain information regarding survivorship curves and reproductive strategies of various species. Choose one of these strategies and construct an argument regarding its effectiveness.

Compare types of competition and construct an explanation for the importance of niche differentiation in response to competition.

Use a mathematical model to examine predator-prey interactions. Based on the model, construct an argument regarding the importance of predators in maintaining stability of prey populations.

Based on information obtained from research, construct explanations regarding mechanisms by which prey protect themselves from predation (including herbivory).

Use models to explain the impacts of types of symbiosis on the species involved in the relationship.

Carry out an investigation of stability and change within a local ecosystem. Identify signs of succession (primary or secondary). Based on investigation findings, make predictions regarding future changes in this ecosystem.

Plan and carry out an investigation examining kinesis and taxis in a simple organism. Construct and share explanations regarding observations.

Gather information regarding types of learned behaviors (fixed action patterns, imprinting, imitation, habituation, trial-and-error, associative learning – classical conditioning, operant conditioning). Ask questions regarding the importance of these behaviors in species survival.

Construct an explanation for the relationship between sexual selection and sexual dimorphism.

Obtain and evaluate information regarding the relationship between altruistic behavior and kin selection.

Compare and contrast methods for constructing accounts of Earth’s formation, early history, and/or changes in environmental conditions on Earth over time.

Evaluate evidence used to explain the ongoing changes in the Earth's system over geologic time due to interactions among the solid Earth, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Evaluate the geologic evidence (including index fossils, absolute and relative dating methods, superposition, and/or crosscutting relationships) used to infer the age of the Earth. Design a research study to confirm or refute one aspect of such evidence.

Explore the impact of technology on social, political, or economic systems.

Describe the dynamic interplay among engineering, technology, and applied science.

Identify the most appropriate scientific instruments and/or computer programs for different experiments and research, and learn to use, care for, and maintain them, gather data, and analyze results.

Engage in evidence-based arguments through the scientific method of investigation to understand the effective role that scientific discoveries played in the progression of humankind.

Engage in argument from evidence on the role engineering and technology play in a sustainable human society.

Research and communicate information on an environmental science career. Analyze the role of society, engineering, technology, and science in that career.

Construct an explanation based on evidence that the essential functions of life are primarily carried out through the work of proteins that are coded for by genes in DNA, as described by the Central Dogma (i.e., transcription, translation).

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

Investigate the organization of the human body in relation to its ability to accomplish life functions and construct an explanation for the relationship between anatomy and physiology.

Use a model to describe how differentiation in a multicellular organism creates specialized cells that perform diverse functions to work together to meet the needs of the entire organism, including human development

Differentiate the major organ systems of the human body by their anatomy and physiology and engage in argument about defined boundaries due to their functional connectivity.

Create, or use, a model to describe how the process of photosynthesis converts light energy into the stored chemical energy of bonds created by converting CO2 and H2O into sugar and other organic molecules.

Describe the organizational levels of the human body and observe patterns in cell types and tissue types across organ systems.

Construct an explanation based on evidence that matter taken into an organism can be broken down and recombined to make macromolecules necessary for life functions.

Use a human model to differentiate the major body cavities and organs located within them. Describe the model using proper anatomical and directional terminology for body regions, planes, and cavities.

Explain homeostasis and describe how it is accomplished through feedback mechanisms that utilize receptors and effectors.

Create, or use, a model to describe how cellular respiration transforms stored chemical energy of food resulting in a net transfer of energy. Compare aerobic respiration to alternative processes of glucose metabolism.

Construct an explanation from evidence to explain how the integrated functions of the brain in complex animals results in successful interpretation of input and generation of behaviors in response to those inputs.

Describe the anatomical structures of the integumentary system and explain their role in the physiological processes of protection, temperature homeostasis, and sensation.

Diagram a cross-sectional image of skin layers identifying the microscopic components and describe the life cycle of cells that maintain these layers.

Identify major bones within the axial and appendicular divisions, describing their physiological roles in creating a body scaffold, internal organ protection, and anchor points for skeletal muscles participating in movement.

Diagram microscopic bone structures, identifying regions that participate in hematopoiesis and storage of minerals and fat.

Explain the processes of bone formation, growth, and repair.

Differentiate visceral, cardiac, and skeletal muscle tissues based on anatomical criteria and their physiological role in the movement of body parts and/or substances.

Model the gross and microscopic anatomy of skeletal muscle and a muscle fiber and use the model to identify and explain the roles of subcellular structures that participate in the events of muscle fiber contraction and heat generation.

Model the anatomical connections between the skeletal system and muscular system and explain how they generate movement through antagonistic muscle groups.

Describe, in terms of structure and function, the systemic and pulmonary paths of the cardiovascular system.

Prepare and/or use a model of a human heart to explain systole and diastole and the heart’s internal and external control mechanisms involved in producing the heartbeat.

Explain blood pressure in terms of systole and diastole. Describe the factors affecting blood pressure and blood pressure’s role in homeostasis.

Examine the structure (molecular and cellular) of blood constituents and describe their function.

Explain how the anatomy of the respiratory system functions to provide oxygen and carbon dioxide transport mechanisms between the lungs and the circulatory system, considering capillary structures, red blood cell structures, diffusion, and affinity.

Explain the relationship between the integumentary, muscular, and circulatory systems in temperature homeostasis.

Describe the relationship between the structure and function of the lymphatic system.

Differentiate between innate and adaptive immunity, identifying immune cells that play a role in each.

Analyze ABO and Rh blood groups as a basis for blood transfusion and infant incompatibility reactions.

Diagram the progression of lipid transport from the digestive system, through the lymphatic system, and into the cardiovascular circulation.

Model the sequential organization of the alimentary canal and its accessory organs in order to describe the physiological role of each.

Analyze gastrointestinal wall histology and explain the anatomical architecture that supports efficient absorption and transport of molecules into cardiovascular or lymphatic circulation.

Investigate the actions of major digestive enzymes and hormones and identify their sources.

Describe the role of the hepatic portal system in coupling the digestive and cardiovascular systems.

Model the sequential organization of the male and female urinary tracts in order to describe the physiological role of blood filtration and waste excretion from the body.

Identify the parts of a nephron and describe how they assist in homeostatic mechanisms through urine formation.

Using a model, name and locate the major endocrine glands and identify additional organ tissues in the human body that produce hormones. Describe the hormones produced and their physiological effects on other body targets.

Describe the relationship between receptors and ligands and differentiate between steroid and nonsteroid hormones as ligands.

Explain, using examples, the mechanism of negative feedback in hormonal production and control.

Anatomically distinguish between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Explain how their structures and locations are related to their physiological roles.

Model the cellular and subcellular structures of neurons and explain the molecular neurophysiology of membrane potentials and the conduction of information through synaptic transmission.

Identify and describe the types of sensory receptors found in the human body.

Compare and contrast the structures and functions of the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

Model the major parts of the brain and spinal cord, relating each part to its source of sensory information and/or its primary target of regulation.

Explain the structures, functions, and limitations of the human sensory systems (senses): hearing, balance/proprioception, sight, touch, smell, and taste.

Identify and describe the organs of the human male and female reproductive systems that provide the physiological functions of gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis.

Examine the microscopic structures of the human egg and sperm and explain how their structures relate to their functions.

Based on the secretion of hormones, identify the endocrine tissues of the reproductive system and describe their roles in regulation of secondary sex characteristics, the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, fetal development, and parturition.

Trace the major events of human development from fertilization to birth, with a focus on the development of organs and functional organ systems.