Minnesota Academic Content Standards and Benchmarks (Performance Standards) (Grades 6-8) GRADE 6 I. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE A. Scientific World View The student will understand that science is a way of knowing about the world that is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review. 1. The student will distinguish between scientific evidence and personal opinion. 2. The student will explain why scientists often repeat investigations to be sure of the results. SE/TE: 8-11, 19, 48, 57, 86, 98, 110, 113-114, 122, 124, 132, 148, 155, 176, 178, 200, 204, 209, 224-225, 246, 255, 264, 266, 270, 286-287, 291, 308, 310, 317, 322, 344, 352-353, 361, 370, 375, 390, 392, 397, 410, 426, 432, 456, 462, 468, 470, 477-478, 487, 492, 510, 512, 514, 518, 521, 532, 546, 548, 550, 559-560, 566-567, 576, 578, 596, 602-603, 605, 612, 617, 622, 629, 634, 636, 641, 658, 666, 670-671, 680, 684-685, 708, 728, 730, 747, 754, 760, 774 TR: Unit 1; Chapter Project Student Worksheet 88, Transparency ES1, Performance Assessment Teacher Notes 353, Transparency ES50; Unit 4; Lab Worksheet: Heating Earth s Surface, Lab Worksheet: Sunny Rays and Angles; Unit 5; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Traveling Into Space, Transparency Into Space ES220, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 9, 19, 86, 117, 236, 379, 622 TR: Lab Worksheet: Testing Rock Flooring 1
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 3. The student will recognize that scientists assume that the laws of nature are the same everywhere and that they are understandable and predictable. 4. The student will define scientific facts, laws and theories. SE/TE: 12-13, 12, 22-23, 30, 34, 49, 59, 62, 70-71, 74-75, 79, 86, 90, 100, 102, 104, 106, 109, 117, 120, 126, 135, 147, 151-152, 154-155, 158-162, 166, 183, 186, 190, 196, 203, 206, 208, 216, 223, 228, 242-243, 245, 254, 259, 262, 267, 269-274, 281, 287, 289-290, 298, 323, 325, 359, 367, 374, 378, 384, 411-413, 419, 430, 442, 447, 453, 461, 466, 477, 497, 515-516, 518-519, 520, 522, 532, 541-542, 545, 550, 563, 566, 577, 593, 597, 601, 610, 633, 639, 659, 662, 665, 669, 672, 696, 703-704, 740, 759, 761, 764, 766, 776, 779 TR: Unit 7; Section Summary: Convection and the Mantle, Review and Reinforce: Convection and the Mantle, Enrich: Convection and the Mantle; Unit 2; Section Summary: Energy Conservation, Review and Reinforce: Energy Conservation; Unit 5; Transparency ES209 SE/TE: 7, 11-12, 18, 20, 22, 26, 30, 34, 62, 73, 131, 135, 143, 147, 150, 154, 162, 168, 173, 175, 193, 205, 208, 248, 257, 306, 316, 318, 321, 326, 350, 367, 378, 403, 430, 435, 441, 447, 461, 466, 489, 527, 538, 545, 551, 554, 556, 558, 570, 574, 585, 587, 610, 618, 624, 643, 661, 669, 705, 734, 736-737, 740, 750, 755-756, 759, 763, 766, 773, 782 TR: Unit 4; Transparency ES172, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Storms, Transparency ES187, Student Edition on Audio CD B. Scientific Inquiry The student will understand that scientific inquiry is used in systematic ways to investigate the natural world. 1. The student will identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation and those that cannot. SE/TE: 5-6, 10, 19, 76, 79-80, 87, 94, 97, 110, 112, 114, 117, 120, 136, 200, 209, 225, 247, 255, 262, 266, 270-271, 287, 289, 296, 334, 361, 411, 425, 448, 502, 514, 533, 547, 560, 566, 578, 610, 613, 641,647, 666, 680, 696, 729 TR: Unit 2; Lab Worksheet: Sand Hills, Transparency ES89 2
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 2. The student will distinguish among observation, prediction and inference. 3. The student will use appropriate tools and Système International (SI) units for measuring length, time, mass, volume and temperature with suitable precision and accuracy. SE/TE: 8, 12-13, 22-23, 30, 34, 39, 48-49, 56, 58-59, 62, 65-66, 69-71, 74-75, 77-79, 84-86, 90, 94, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106-109, 111, 113-114, 117, 120, 126, 128, 131-132, 135, 138, 141, 145, 147, 151-152, 154-155, 158-162, 164, 166, 169, 178, 182-184, 186, 190, 196, 203, 206, 208-210, 212, 216-217, 220, 223, 225, 228, 239, 242-243, 245, 250, 254-256, 259, 262, 267, 269-274, 281-283, 287-288, 289-290, 298, 300-301, 306, 313, 316, 321-323, 325-326, 345, 350, 353-354, 358-359, 362-363, 367, 374, 378, 384, 391, 398, 401, 404, 411-413, 419, 423, 425, 430, 434, 437, 442-443, 447-448, 453, 456, 461, 463, 466, 471, 477, 482, 492, 495, 496-497, 502, 511, 515-516, 518-519, 520-521, 522, 528, 531-532, 538, 541-542, 545, 549-550, 557, 560, 563, 565-567, 569, 574, 577, 586, 593, 595, 597-598, 601, 605, 610, 614, 617, 620, 623, 628, 633, 637, 639-640, 650, 659, 662, 665, 667, 669, 672, 679, 685, 693, 696, 703-706, 712, 714, 716, 725, 727, 735, 740, 743-744, 746, 752, 759, 761, 764, 766, 771, 776, 779, 782 TR: Unit 7; Skills Lab: Gelatin Volcanoes; Unit 2; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Renewable Sources of Energy, Student Edition on Audio CD; Unit 3; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Exploring the ocean; Unit 4; Section Summary: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere, Enrich: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere SE/TE: 5, 33, 41, 65, 70, 75-76, 90, 104, 127, 134, 175, 177, 182, 204, 208, 270, 288, 346-347, 379, 451, 453, 455, 458, 460, 517, 520, 522-527, 532-533, 542, 545, 549-550, 559, 561-562, 579-580, 613, 615-617, 624-627, 643-645, 650, 659, 667, 682, 699, 707, 714-716, 735, 753, 756, 758-759, 763-766, 778 TR: Unit 5; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Is There Life Beyond Earth?, Lives of Stars 3
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 4. The student will present and explain data and findings from controlled experiments using multiple representations including tables, graphs, physical models and demonstrations. SE/TE: 5, 10, 15, 17, 25, 33, 37, 42, 46, 48, 51, 54, 57, 59, 65, 71, 75, 84, 86-87, 90, 100, 111, 113, 123, 125, 129-130, 136, 138, 142, 144-145, 149, 151-153, 155, 161, 164-168, 174, 176, 181, 185-186, 188, 190, 200-203, 207-208, 211-213, 217-219, 225, 240, 242, 244, 246, 249, 251-252, 265, 267-268, 271, 274, 276, 278-283, 289, 290, 293-294, 298, 303, 309, 312-313, 315, 319-320, 324, 327, 330, 337-339, 346-347, 353, 356, 359, 363-364, 373-374, 399, 407-408, 413, 415-416, 422, 433-436, 438-441, 445-446, 449, 452, 455, 459, 461, 463, 469, 472, 477, 480, 482-484, 486, 488, 494, 497, 518, 520-521, 523, 526, 530, 532-533, 541, 546-547, 550, 552, 555, 580, 583, 588, 591, 597, 601, 604-605, 613, 616, 622-623, 626, 630, 634-635, 638-639, 644, 660, 663, 669, 673-674, 676, 679, 687, 699, 702-703, 708-709, 711, 715, 723-724, 729, 737, 747, 748, 754-755, 757-758, 767 TR: Unit 7; Transparency ES67; Unit 2; Transparencies ES98, ES99, Section Summary: The Relative Age of Rocks, Review and Reinforce: The Relative Age of Rocks, Enrich: The Relative Age of Rocks C. Scientific Enterprise The student will know that science and technology are human efforts that both influence and are influenced by society. 1. The student will describe the types of questions asked, the products, and the methods of investigation used to distinguish science from technology. SE/TE: 4-6, 10, 25, 40, 43, 52, 57, 70-71, 76, 79-80, 100, 130, 136, 153, 161, 174, 184-185, 192, 207, 244, 262, 264-265, 284, 289, 296, 325, 334, 337, 359, 368-369, 380, 413, 421, 424-425, 432-433, 446, 448, 450, 454-455, 494, 498, 502, 526-527, 534, 540-541, 549, 558-560, 562, 566, 601, 606, 610, 620, 639, 641, 647, 668, 692-693, 696, 704, 718, 726, 751, 772, 776 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: Layers of the Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Layers of the Atmosphere, Enrich: Layers of the Atmosphere 4
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 2. The student will explain why scientists may work in teams or work alone, can collaborate and, at times, compete. SE/TE: 12, 22, 30, 38, 46-47, 55, 58, 65-66, 68, 70-71, 74, 76, 80, 86, 90, 100, 104, 110, 127, 131, 149, 158, 171, 181, 184, 191, 209, 221, 223, 227, 245, 250, 262, 276, 281, 295, 302, 306, 316, 319, 321, 332-333, 336, 342, 360, 365, 383-384, 391, 403, 407, 409, 420, 423, 430, 442, 448, 453, 461, 466, 482, 516, 521, 527, 538, 545, 551, 558, 566, 571, 577-578, 585, 605, 617, 621, 624, 633, 640, 645, 647, 650,659, 662, 665, 675, 677, 683, 691, 696,699, 705, 710, 717, 722, 724, 727, 733, 740, 750, 759, 766, 782 TR: Unit 4; Transparencies ES179, Section Summary: Global Changes in the Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Global Changes in the Atmosphere, Enrich: Global Changes in the Atmosphere II. PHYSICAL SCIENCE A. Structure of Matter The student will understand that matter is made of small particles and this explains the properties of matter. 1. The student will know that there are more than 100 different elements with unique properties. 2. The student will use evidence to explain that matter is made of small particles called atoms or molecules which are too small to see. 3. The student will know that the mass of a substance remains constant whether it is together, in parts or in a different state. 4. The student will describe the states of matter in terms of the space between particles. 5. The student will distinguish between volume, mass and density. 6. The student will use the characteristic properties of density, melting point, boiling point and solubility to identify and distinguish mixtures and pure substances. SE/TE: 205, 230-231, 324-325 TR: Unit 7; Transparencies ES64; Unit 2; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Radioactive Dating, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 14, 324, 778-779 TR: Unit 5; Section Summary: The Expanding Universe, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 517, 667, 763-766, 778-779 TR: Unit 5; Transparencies ES243 SE/TE: 778-779 TR: Unit 5; Section Summary: The Expanding Universe, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 70, 134, 153, 288, 450-452, 460, 517, 520, 667, 682, 763-766, 778 TR: Unit 4; Transparency ES159 SE/TE: 70, 77-79, 134, 153, 451, 460, 516-517, 520, 682 TR: Unit 4; Transparency ES159 5
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 7. The student will know that atoms are the smallest unit of an element that maintains the characteristics of the element. SE/TE: 205, 324-325 TR: Unit 2; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Radioactive Dating, Student Edition on Audio CD B. Chemical Reactions The student will differentiate between chemical and physical changes. 1. The student will define chemical and physical changes. 2. The student will observe that substances react chemically with other substances to form new substances with different characteristic properties. 3. The student will give examples and classify substances as mixtures or pure substances. SE/TE: 76-80, 206, 230-231, 550-551 SE/TE: 67-69, 205, 354 TR: Unit 7; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Properties of Minerals, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 76-80 TR: Transparency ES22, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: How Minerals Form, Student Edition on Audio CD C. Energy Transformations The student will understand that energy exists in many forms and can be transferred in many ways. 1. The student will compare and contrast heat, chemical, mechanical and electrical energy and identify transformations of energy from one form to another in everyday situations. 2. The student will recognize that heat is transferred by convection, conduction and radiation from warmer objects to cooler ones until both reach the same temperature. 3. The student will demonstrate that visible light from the sun or reflected by objects may be made up of a mixture of many different colors of light. SE/TE: 8-11, 14-15, 132-133, 206, 222-223, 286-296, 331, 354-360, 362, 366-374, 435, 442-444, 446-447, 525, 542-545, 550-551, 639, 645-646, 707, 745-747, 776, 778 TR: Unit 3; Section Summary: Tides, Review and Reinforce: Tides, Enrich: Tides SE/TE: 15, 132-136, 525, 542-545, 548, 550-551, 553, 555, 646, 745-747, 550-551, 745, 747, 776 TR: Unit 4; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Energy and Earth s Atmosphere, Transparency ES167, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 542-545, 555, 639, 645, 707-710, 745, 754-755 TR: Unit 4; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Energy and Earth s Atmosphere, Transparency ES167, Student Edition on Audio CD 6
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 4. The student will recognize the relationship between light and heat. 5. The student will describe waves in terms of speed, frequency and wave length. 6. The student will recognize that vibrations such as sound and earthquakes move in waves and that waves move at different speeds in different materials. SE/TE: 15, 110, 132, 542-551, 639, 645, 707, 745-747, 753 SE/TE: 142, 436-438, 473, 685, 745 SE/TE: 126, 162-177, 179, 188, 436-438, 444, 542-543 745 TR: Unit 4; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Energy and Earth s Atmosphere, Transparency ES167, Student Edition on Audio CD D. Motion The student will describe the motion of objects. 1. The student will use a frame of reference to describe the position, speed, and acceleration of an object. 2. The student will measure and graph the positions and speed of an object. 3. The student will recognize that unbalanced forces acting on an object change the object s speed and/or direction. SE/TE: 286-287, 668-669, 684-687 TR: Unit 5; Transparency ES212, Section Summary: Gravity and Motion, Review and Reinforce: Gravity and Motion, Enrich: Gravity and Motion SE/TE: 442-445, 668-669, 685 TR: Unit 3; Transparency ES 138, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Tides, Student Edition on Audio CD; Unit 5; Transparency ES212, Section Summary: Gravity and Motion, Review and Reinforce: Gravity and Motion, Enrich: Gravity and Motion SE/TE: 15, 442-445, 666-667, 685 E. Forces of Nature The student will understand that a variety of forces govern the structure and motion of objects in the universe. 1. The student will know that electric currents and magnets can exert a force on certain objects and each other. 2. The student will know that there are positive and negative charges and that like charges repel one another and opposite charges attract. SE/TE: 8-11, 15, 131, 135, 230-231, 446-447, 666-667, 685 SE/TE: 230-231, 446-447, 745-747 TR: Unit 3; Section Summary: Tides, Review and Reinforce, Enrich 7
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) GRADE 7 I. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE A. Scientific World View The student will understand that science is a way of knowing about the world that is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review. 1. The student will recognize how scientific knowledge is subject to change as new evidence becomes available, or as new theories cause scientists to look at old observations differently. 2. The student will explain natural phenomena by using appropriate physical, conceptual and mathematical models. SE/TE: 7, 11-12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 34, 39, 48, 56, 62, 65-66, 69, 73, 77-78, 81, 86, 90, 94-95, 98, 102, 104, 107, 111, 113-114, 120, 128, 131-132, 135, 137, 141, 143, 145, 147, 150, 154-155, 162, 168-169, 173, 175, 178, 184, 193, 201, 203, 205, 208-210, 212, 217, 220, 225, 248, 255-256, 257, 269, 277, 282-283, 293, 301, 306, 313, 316, 318, 321-322, 326, 350, 353-354, 358, 363, 367, 378, 391, 398, 401, 403-404, 411, 425, 430, 434-435, 437, 441, 447-448, 456, 461, 463, 466, 482, 486, 489, 492, 497, 511, 521, 527-528, 532, 538, 545, 551, 554, 556-557, 558, 560, 565, 567, 569-571, 574, 585-586, 587, 598, 605, 610, 614, 617-618, 623-624, 628, 643, 647, 659, 661, 669, 679, 681, 685, 688, 693, 704-706, 712, 714, 721, 724, 731, 734, 736-737, 740, 743-744, 746, 750, 752, 755-756, 759, 763, 766, 771, 773, 782; Unit 2; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Renewable Sources of Energy, Student Edition on Audio CD; Unit 3; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Exploring the ocean SE/TE: 10, 40, 47, 57, 62, 70-71, 74, 90, 100, 130, 153-154, 158, 174, 207, 244, 289, 325-326, 337, 350, 359, 413, 421, 423, 430, 446, 450, 453, 466, 494, 526, 549, 551, 562, 574, 601, 620-621, 639, 650, 668, 704, 726-727, 740, 772-773, 776, 782 TR: Unit 5; Section Summary: The Outer Planets, Review and reinforce, Enrich 8
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) B. Scientific Inquiry The student will design and conduct scientific investigations. 1. The student will formulate a testable hypothesis based on prior knowledge. 2. The student will recognize that a variable is a condition that may influence the outcome of an investigation and know the importance of manipulating one variable at a time. 3. The student will write a specific step-by-step procedure for a scientific investigation. 4. The student will explain how classroom scientific investigations relate to established scientific principles. SE/TE: 19, 76, 79, 87, 114, 117, 120, 200, 209, 225, 247, 255, 262, 266, 270-271, 287, 289, 306, 343, 345, 361, 411, 416, 441, 514-515, 533, 547, 560, 578, 595, 613, 621, 664, 666, 680, 729 TR: Unit 2; Lab Worksheet: Sand Hills, Transparency ES89 SE/TE: 18, 30, 72, 79, 90, 131, 135, 147, 154, 158, 161, 163, 168, 188, 191, 195, 203, 216, 222, 228, 245, 252, 259, 269, 281, 290, 295, 297, 300, 306, 316, 322, 333, 337, 345, 350, 374, 384, 395, 417, 430, 441, 450, 453, 456, 461, 466, 481, 485, 489, 493, 502, 520, 538, 552, 558, 568, 571, 574, 585, 595, 610, 616, 621, 633, 647, 650, 659, 662, 665, 677, 683, 710, 733, 737, 766, 779, 782 SE/TE: 19, 75, 85, 87, 117, 140, 208, 379, 411, 455, 463, 533, 547, 623, 729 SE/TE: 11-12, 18, 22, 26, 30, 59, 62, 73, 117, 123, 131, 135, 143, 147,149, 161, 173, 175, 191, 193, 208, 257, 306, 318, 321, 326, 350, 367, 378, 403, 430, 435, 441, 447, 461, 466, 489, 527, 533, 538,545, 551, 556, 558-559, 570, 574, 585, 587, 610, 618, 635, 643, 659, 661, 669, 689, 705, 736-737, 740, 743, 750, 755-756, 759, 763, 766, 773, 782 TR: Unit 3; Transparency ES142; Unit 5; Section Summary: Is There Life Beyond Earth, Review and Reinforce, Enrich C. Scientific Enterprise The student will know that science and technology are human efforts that both influence, and are influenced by, society. 1. The student will give examples of the development of technology influencing scientific knowledge, and investigation and scientific knowledge influencing the development of technology. SE/TE: 4-5, 25, 43, 52, 161, 184-185, 192, 264-265, 284, 368-369, 380, 424, 432-433, 454-455, 498, 534, 540-541, 558-559, 606-607, 692-693, 718, 751 9
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) D. Historic Perspectives The student will understand how scientific discovery, culture, societal norms and technology have influenced one another in different time periods. 1. The student will cite examples of individuals throughout history who made discoveries and contributions in science and technology. 2. The student will cite examples of how culture influences scientific and technological advances. SE/TE: 6-7, 13, 34-35, 70-71, 137-143, 150, 471-472, 524, 624, 680-681, 683, 688-689, 702, 704, 718, 722, 724-725, 730, 744, 758, 765, 775-776 TR: Unit 5; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Earth s Moon, Student Edition Audio CD SE/TE: 4-5, 25, 43, 52, 136-140, 150-159, 161, 184-185, 192, 264-265, 284, 327-329, 334-344, 368-369, 380, 424, 432-433, 454-455, 498, 534, 540-541, 558-559, 606, 692-693, 700-705, 718, 744-751 IV. LIFE SCIENCE A. Cells The student will understand that all organisms are composed of cells that carry on the many functions needed to sustain life. 1. The student will know that cells are the fundamental units of life. 2. The student will distinguish between singlecellular and multi-cellular organisms. 3. The student will distinguish between plant and animal cells. 4. The student will recognize that cells repeatedly divide for growth and repair. 5. The student will recognize that cells convert energy from food for the production of molecules necessary for life, and for life processes including cell growth and cell division. 6. The student will recognize that specialized cells in multi-cellular organisms perform specialized functions. SE/TE: 332-333 TR: Unit 2; Section Summary: Early Earth, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 243,252-254, 314, 333, 336, 338-341,451, 479-480, 488-489, 734, 737, 769, 479-480 SE/TE: 248-249, 332-333 TR: Unit 2; Section Summary: Early Earth, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 248-249, 252-253, 343 SE/TE: 336-337 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES108 10
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) B. Diversity of Organisms The student will understand that living systems, at every level of organization, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. 1. The student will explain that individuals are composed of specialized cells, tissues, organs and organ systems that perform specialized functions. 2. The student will recognize that an organism s body plan and its ability to regulate its internal environment enable it to make or find food, grow and reproduce in a constantly changing environment. 3. The student will recognize that behavioral responses of organisms may be determined by heredity and past experience. 4. The student will use and create dichotomous keys. 5. The student will use the characteristics of an organism to identify the kingdom to which it belongs. SE/TE: 310-316, 330-334 TR: Unit 2; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Early Earth, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 248-249, 252-253, 259, 343, 403, 460, 484, 487, 489 TR: Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: How Soil Forms, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 336-337 SE/TE: 40-41, 49 SE/TE: 479-480 TR: Unit 3; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Ocean Habitats, transparency ES150 C. Interdependence of Life The student will understand that within ecosystems, complex interactions exist between organisms and the physical environment. 1. The student will provide examples of the potentially irreversible effects of human activity on ecosystems. 2. The student will define a population as all individuals of a species that exist together at a given place and time. 3. The student will define an ecosystem as all populations living together and the physical factors with which they interact. 4. The student will explain the factors that affect the number and types of organisms an ecosystem can support, including available resources, abiotic and biotic factors and disease. SE/TE: 107-110, 248-255, 419, 470-477, 481, 495, 528-531 SE/TE: 107-110, 248-255, 470-477, 490-500 SE/TE: 107-110, 248-255, 470-477, 490-5000, 778-788 SE/TE: 107-110, 248-255, 421-422, 470-477 11
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) D. Heredity The student will understand that heredity information is contained in genes which are inherited through both sexual and asexual reproduction. 1. The student will recognize that inherited traits result from information contained in genes, which are located on chromosomes of each cell. 2. The student will recognize that each gene carries a single unit of information and can influence more than one trait. 3. The student will explain how inherited traits can be determined by one or many genes. 4. The student will comprehend that interactions with the environment affect some inherited traits. 5. The student will comprehend that reproduction is essential for the continuation of a species. 6. The student will compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction. E. Biological Populations Change Over Time The student will understand how biological evolution provides a scientific explanation for the fossil record of ancient life forms, as well as for the striking similarities observed among the diverse species of living organisms. 1. The student will recognize extinction is a common event. 2. The student will describe how the fossil record documents the appearance and diversification of many life forms. 3. The student will explain how biological adaptations in structure, function and behavior enhance the reproductive success and survival of a species in a particular environment. SE/TE: 316, 337, 342-343 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES108 SE/TE: 107-110, 138-139, 248-255, 314-316, 345 470-477, 490-500 SE/TE: 310-316, 330-333, 490-500 12
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 4. The student will recognize that scientific evidence can be used to infer common ancestry among some organisms. 5. The student will explain how diversity of species develops through gradual processes over generations. SE/TE: 138-139, 310-321, 323, 325, 333-334, 637-638, 734-735 SE/TE: 107-110, 138-139, 248-255, 314-316, 345 470-477, 490-500 TR: Unit 3; Section Summary: Resources from the ocean, Review and Reinforce, Enrich: F. Flow of Matter and Energy The student will understand how the flow of energy and the recycling of matter contribute to a stable ecosystem. 1. The student will know that plants use the energy in light to make sugars out of carbon dioxide and water. 2. The student will explain how energy is transferred through food chains and food webs in an ecosystem. 3. The student will explain how the amount of useable energy available to organisms decreases as it passes through a food chain and/or food web. 4. The student will know that the total amount of matter in a closed system remains the same as it is transferred between organisms and the physical environment even though its location or form changes. 5. The student will compare and contrast predator/prey, parasite/host and producer/consumer/decomposer relationships. SE/TE: 14-15, 243, 296, 331-334, 378, 435, 446-447, 451, 514, 542-545, 549, 639, 643-645, 707, 713-716, 778 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES106 SE/TE: 354-355, 446, 480, 488-489 SE/TE: 354-355, 446, 480, 488-489 SE/TE: 66-72, 76-80, 223, 323-327, 542-551 SE/TE: 253, 480 G. Human Organism The student will understand human body systems and their relationship to disease. 1. The student will recognize that disease can be caused by genetics, infection by other organisms, exposure to environmental factors or a combination of these. 2. The student will identify risks associated with natural, chemical and biological hazards. SE/TE: 317, 345, 419-422, 481, 495, 528-531, 534-535 SE/TE: 356, 365, 418-419, 425, 481, 494-496, 528-535, 588, 643-645 TR: Unit 4; Transparency ES164 13
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 3. The student will describe the structure and function of systems for digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, excretion, movement, control and coordination and for protection from disease, in the human organism. SE/TE: 14-15, 528-531 GRADE 8 I. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE A. Scientific World View The student will understand that science is a way of knowing about the world that is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review. 1. The student will explain and give examples of how science can be used to make informed ethical decisions by identifying likely consequences of particular actions. SE/TE: 5, 19, 22, 27, 30, 45, 70-71, 75, 87, 90, 104, 107, 113, 117, 120, 123, 140, 146, 149, 150, 155, 158, 177, 183, 185, 196, 199, 205, 225, 228, 238, 244, 246-247, 251, 268, 271, 274, 283, 306, 316, 322, 326, 350, 353, 359-360, 366, 369, 379, 384, 395, 411, 419, 425, 430, 447, 454, 458, 462, 466, 489, 494, 496, 502, 515-516, 521, 532, 546-547, 552, 559, 562, 596-597, 604-605, 610, 623, 634, 646, 650, 659, 668, 679, 693, 696, 700, 704-705, 736-737, 740, 762, 776 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES115; Unit 4; Lab Worksheet: How Clean is the Air?; Unit 5; Transparency ES212, Transparency ES243 14
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 2. The student will explain the development, usefulness and limitations of scientific models in the explanation and prediction of natural phenomena. SE/TE: 5, 13, 15, 22-23, 30, 33, 37, 42, 49, 54, 59, 62, 65, 70-71, 74-75, 79, 84, 86, 90, 100, 102, 104, 106, 109, 111, 117, 120, 123, 126, 135, 138, 142, 145, 147, 149, 151-154, 155, 158, 161-162, 165-168, 181, 183, 185-186, 188, 190, 196, 203, 206, 208, 212-213, 216-217, 219, 223, 225, 228, 240, 242-243, 245, 254, 259, 262, 265, 267-269, 273-274, 280-283, 287, 289-290, 293-294, 298, 303, 309, 312-313, 315, 319-320, 324, 327, 330, 333, 336, 346-347, 359, 364, 367, 374, 378, 407-408, 411-413, 419, 422, 430, 433-436, 439-442, 447, 453, 455, 461, 463, 466, 469, 472, 477, 482, 484, 486, 488, 497, 515-516, 518, 520, 522, 530, 532, 541-542, 545, 550, 552, 555, 563, 566, 577, 583, 588, 591, 593, 597, 601, 610, 616, 623, 633, 638-639, 659-660, 662, 665, 669, 672, 674, 676, 679, 687, 696, 699, 702-704, 708, 715, 723-724, 729, 740, 748, 754-755, 759, 766-767, 776, 779 TR: Unit 5; Section Summary: The Outer Planets, Review and reinforce, Enrich 15
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) B. Scientific Inquiry The student will understand that scientific inquiry is used by scientists to investigate the natural world in systematic ways. 1. The student will know that scientific investigations involve the common elements of systematic observations, the careful collection of relevant evidence, logical reasoning and innovation in developing hypotheses and explanations. 2. The student will describe how scientists can conduct investigations in a simple system and make generalizations to more complex systems. SE/TE: 22, 24, 27, 30, 39, 48, 65-66, 69, 77, 81, 86, 90, 94-95, 98, 102, 104, 107, 111, 113-114, 115, 120, 128, 132, 137, 140-141, 145, 155, 158, 169, 178, 184-185, 201, 203, 209-210, 212, 217, 220, 225, 255-256, 268-269, 277, 282-283, 293, 301, 306, 313, 322, 326, 350, 353-354, 358, 360, 363, 384, 391, 395, 398, 401, 404, 411, 419, 425, 434, 437, 448, 456, 463, 486, 492, 496-497, 511, 521, 528, 532, 544-545, 557, 560, 565, 567, 569, 571, 586, 598, 605, 610, 614, 617, 623, 628, 647, 659, 679, 681, 685, 688, 696, 704, 706, 712, 721, 724, 731, 743-744, 746, 752, 771 TR: Unit 7; Skills Lab: Gelatin Volcanoes; Unit 2; Lab Worksheet: Sand Hills, Transparency ES89, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Renewable Sources of Energy, Student Edition on Audio CD; Unit 3; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: Exploring the ocean; Unit 4; Section Summary: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere, Enrich: Energy in Earth s Atmosphere SE/TE: 19, 22, 27,30, 75-76, 85, 87, 117, 140, 158, 183, 185, 196, 200, 208, 228, 262, 268, 306, 316, 326, 350, 360, 366, 379, 384, 395, 411, 419, 447, 455, 463, 489, 496, 502, 515, 533, 544, 547, 552, 610, 613, 623, 659, 668, 696, 729, 737, 740 3. The student will use multiple skills to design and conduct scientific investigations. 16
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 1. The student will specify variables to be changed, controlled and measured. 2. The student will use sufficient trials and adequate sample size to ensure reliable data. 3. The student will use appropriate technology and mathematics skills to access, gather, store, retrieve and organize data. SE/TE: 9, 18-19, 30, 79, 87, 90, 117, 131, 135, 147, 154, 158, 161, 163, 168, 188, 191, 195, 203, 216, 223, 228, 237, 245, 252, 259, 269, 281, 283, 290, 295, 297, 300, 306, 316, 322, 333, 337, 345, 350, 374, 379,384, 395, 417, 430, 441, 450, 456, 552-453, 461, 466, 481, 485, 489, 502, 520, 538, 558, 568, 571, 574, 585, 595, 610, 616, 621, 623, 633, 647, 650, 659, 662, 665, 677, 683, 710, 733, 737, 766, 779, 782 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: What Causes Climate, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 10, 30, 57, 72, 75, 86, 90, 117, 130, 177, 204-205, 247, 270-271, 289, 322, 353, 359, 384, 413, 421, 430, 444, 446, 494, 511, 513, 521, 526, 533, 547, 550, 559, 562, 597, 601, 603, 610, 623, 634, 639, 650, 659, 704-705, 708, 711, 740, 761 SE/TE: 4-5, 10, 25, 30, 40, 43, 47, 52, 57, 62, 70-72, 74-75, 86, 90, 100, 117, 130, 153-154, 158, 161, 174, 177, 184-185, 192, 204-205, 207, 244, 247, 264-265, 270-271, 284, 289, 322, 325-326, 337, 350, 353, 359, 368-369, 380, 384, 413, 421, 423-424, 430, 432-433, 444, 446, 450, 453-455, 466, 494, 498, 511, 513, 521, 526, 533-534, 540-541, 547, 549, 550-551, 558-559, 562, 574, 597, 601, 603, 606, 610, 620-621, 623, 634, 639, 650, 659, 668, 692-693, 704-705, 708, 711, 718, 727, 740, 751, 761, 772-773, 776, 782 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: Layers of the Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Layers of the Atmosphere, Enrich: Layers of the Atmosphere 17
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) C. Scientific Enterprise The student will know that science and technology are human efforts that both influence and are influenced by civilizations and cultures worldwide. 1. The student will evaluate the credibility and validity of scientific and technological information from various sources. SE/TE: 4-5, 10, 12, 22, 25, 30, 38, 40, 43, 46-47, 52, 55, 57-58, 62, 70-72, 74-75, 86, 90, 100, 117, 127, 130-131, 153-154, 158, 161, 174, 177, 181, 184-185, 191-192, 204-205, 207, 221, 223, 227, 244-245, 247, 262, 264-265, 270-271, 284, 289, 295, 302, 306, 316, 321-322, 325-326, 332, 337, 342, 350, 353, 359-360, 365, 368-369, 380, 383-384, 403, 407, 409, 413, 421, 423-424, 430, 432-433, 444, 446, 450, 453-455, 461, 466, 482, 494, 498, 511, 513, 521, 526-527, 533-534, 538, 540-541, 545, 547, 549, 550-551, 558-559, 562, 566, 571, 574, 585, 597, 601, 603, 606, 610, 620-621, 623, 633-634, 639-640, 650, 659, 665, 668, 677, 683, 691-693, 696, 704-705, 708,710-711, 718, 722, 727, 733, 740, 750-751, 759, 761, 766, 772-773, 776, 782 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: Layers of the Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Layers of the Atmosphere, Enrich: Layers of the Atmosphere; Unit 5; Section Summary: Star Systems and Galaxies, Review and Reinforce, Enrich D. Historic Perspectives The student will understand how scientific discovery, culture, societal norms and technology have influenced one another in different time periods. 1. The student will relate personal experiences in scientific investigation to the experiences of scientists throughout history. SE/TE: 4-7, 13, 25, 34-35, 43, 52, 70-71, 133-143, 150-159, 161, 184-185, 192, 264-265, 284, 327-329, 334-344, 368-369, 380, 424, 4322-433, 454-455, 471-472, 498, 524, 534, 540-541, 558-559, 606, 624, 680-681, 683, 688-689, 692-693, 700-705, 718, 722, 724-725, 730, 744-751, 758, 765, 775-776 TR: Unit 5; Section Summary: Observing the Solar System, Review and Reinforce, Enrich 18
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 2. The student will cite examples of how science and technology contributed to changes in agriculture, manufacturing, sanitation, medicine, warfare, transportation, information processing or communication. SE/TE: 4-5, 25, 43, 52, 161, 184-185, 192, 264-265, 284, 368-369, 380, 424, 432-433, 454-455, 498, 534, 540-541, 558-559, 606, 692-693, 718, 751 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: Layers of the Atmosphere, Review and Reinforce: Layers of the Atmosphere, Enrich: Layers of the Atmosphere; Unit 5; Section Summary: Star Systems and Galaxies, Review and Reinforce, Enrich III. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE A. Earth Structure and Processes The student will identify Earth s composition, structure and processes. 1. The student will explain how earthquakes, volcanoes, sea-floor spreading and mountain building are evidence of the movement of crustal plates. 2. The student will describe how features on the Earth s surface are created and constantly changing through a combination of slow and rapid processes of weathering, erosion, sediment deposition, landslides, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. 3. The student will describe the various processes and interactions of the rock cycle. 4. The student will interpret successive layers of sedimentary rocks and their fossils to document the age and history of the Earth. 5. The student will recognize that constructive and destructive Earth processes can affect the evidence of Earth s history. SE/TE: 39-47, 128-129, 136-147, 150-154, 162-168, 187, 200-203, 218-219, 239, 319, 331, 332, 400, 616, 618, 712-713 TR: Unit 7; Section Summary: Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics, Review and Reinforce, Enrich SE/TE: 6-7, 102-106, 124-126, 153, 162-169, 172, 174, 178-182, 187, 200, 209-216, 217-223, 238-245, 250, 258, 266-269, 272-281, 287-290, 293-294, 297-299, 301-303, 310-318, 332-333, 440-441, 639 TR: Unit 2; Section Summary: Fossils, Review and Reinforce, Enrich, Transparency ES96 SE/TE: 94-101, 107-112, 114-116, 238-245, 248-250, 319, 318, 324, 326, 405 SE/TE: 97, 102-106, 111, 115-116, 138-139, 267, 276-277, 294, 299, 303, 310-318, 320-321, 325-326, 333-334, 345, 637-638, 734-735 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES97, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: The Relative Age of Rocks, Student Edition on Audio CD SE/TE: 15, 39-47, 124-131, 153, 162-168, 172-174, 178-183, 187, 216, 266-269, 315, 327-329, 330-333, 392-395, 457, 545, 620, 639, 661-665, 668, 712-713, 735 19
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) 6. The student will classify and identify rocks and minerals using characteristics including but not limited to density, hardness and streak. SE/TE: 66-74, 76-79, 80-85, 94-101, 110-112, 115-116, 119, 126, 238-245, 244, 248, 310-312, 318-321, 324, 326, 421, 494, 496-499 TR: Unit 2; Transparency ES97, Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: The Relative Age of Rocks, Student Edition on Audio CD; Unit 3; Section Summary: Resources from the Ocean, Review and Reinforce, Enrich 7. The student will investigate the impact humans have on the environment. 1. The student will identify and research an environmental issue and evaluate its impact. B. The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate The student will investigate how the atmosphere interacts with the Earth system. 1. The student will define radiation, conduction and convection and explain their effects on weather and climate. 2. The student will identify the forces that create currents and layers in the Earth s atmosphere and water systems. 3. The student will describe the effect of Earth s rotation on the winds and ocean currents. 4. The student will collect and use data to predict the weather. 5. The student will identify the composition and structures of the atmosphere. 6. The student will describe climate changes that have occurred over time. SE/TE: 15, 133-135, 542-543, 548, 550-551, 553, 614, 618-619745-747, 776 TR: Unit 4; Section Summary: Heat Transfer, Review and Reinforce, Enrich, Transparency ES170 SE/TE: 126-131, 134-135, 331-333, 392-393, 413, 439, 456-461, 522-527, 550-551, 553, 555, 560-561, 617, 642, 712-713, 735 TR: unit 3; Transparency ES122 SE/TE: 301-303, 457, 456-461, 552-558, 553, 581, 584, 617-618, 620, 639, 642, 661-662, 670, 725 SE/TE: 459, 495, 512, 519, 581-585, 598-607, 614 TR: Unit 4; Lab Worksheet: Reading a Weather Map SE/TE: 14-15, 332-333, 512-517, 519, 522-527, 544, 553, 555, 560-566, 584-585, 599, 602, 641-647, 708, 713-716, 720-721, 724-725 TR: Unit 5; Guided Reading and Study Worksheet: the Inner Planers, Transparencies, ES227, ES230 SE/TE: 139, 244-245, 250-251, 315, 337, 344, 458, 615-619, 625, 636-647 20
Minnesota Academic Content Standards and, (Grades 6-8) C. The Universe The student will compare objects in the solar system and explain their interactions with the Earth. 1. The student will recognize that the sun is the principal energy source for the solar system and that this energy is transferred in the form of radiation. 2. The student will explain how the combination of the Earth's tilted axis and revolution around the sun causes the progression of seasons and weather patterns. 3. The student will compare and contrast the planets, taking into account their composition, mass and distance from the sun and recognize the conditions that have allowed life to flourish on Earth. 4. The student will use the predictability of the motions of the Earth, and sun to explain the length of day, length of year, phases of the moon, eclipses, tides and shadows. SE/TE: 15, 133, 525, 542-545, 550-551, 639, 645-646, 700-705, 707, 712-719, 745, 747, 777 SE/TE: 598-607, 620-621, 661-665, 670-671, 706 SE/TE: 701, 703-705, 712-719, 721-727, 769, 777 TR: Unit 5; Transparency ES229, ES230 SE/TE: 15, 39, 41, 131, 135, 331, 442-447, 660-671, 673, 676-677, 680-683, 689, 708, 718-719, 733 TR: Unit 5; Transparency ES218 C. The Universe The student will describe the composition and structure of the universe. 1. The student will recognize that the universe consists of many billions of galaxies, each containing many billions of stars and that there are vast distances that separate these galaxies and stars from one another. 2. 2. The student will recognize that the sun is a medium-sized star and is the closest star to Earth. It is the central and largest body in the solar system and is one of billions of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. SE/TE: 752-759, 762-766, 768-771, 774-776, 778 TR: Unit 5; Transparency ES246 SE/TE: 392, 444, 542-545, 555, 639, 645, 706-710, 753, 755, 763, 767, 771, 773 TR: Unit 5; Transparency ES224 Reference: http://education.state.mn.us/html/intro_standards_science.htm 21