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National Science Education Standard (NSES) includes seven strands of standards for grades 9-12. Each strand has underlying concepts and processes as well as associated teaching standards. The complete set of standards, concepts, processes and teaching standards can be found at: http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/html

Specific standards are included with each lesson in the Building Performance Matters (BPM) unit. While the standards associated with each lesson are the primary standards for that lesson, other standards may be applicable. The seven content strands and standards are:

Science as Inquiry

Content Standard A: All students should develop:

  • Abilities to do scientific inquiry
  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications
  • Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence
  • Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models
  • Communicate and defend a scientific argument
  • Understandings about scientific inquiry

Physical Science

Content Standard B: All students should develop an understanding of

  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure and properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motion and forces
  • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder
  • Interactions of energy and matter

Life Science

Content Strand C: All students should develop an understanding of

  • The cell
  • Molecular basis or heredity
  • Biological evolution
  • Interdependence of organisms
  • Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
  • Behavior of organisms

Earth and Space Science

Content Strand D: All students should develop an understanding of

  • Energy in the earth system
  • Geochemical cycles
  • Origin and evolution of the earth system
  • Origin and evolution of the universe

Science and Technology

Content Standard E: All students should develop

  • Abilities of technological design
  • Identify a problem or design an opportunity
  • Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions
  • Implement a proposed solution
  • Evaluate the solution and its consequences
  • Communicate the problem, process, and solution
  • Understanding about science and technology

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Content Standard F: All students should develop understanding of

  • Personal and community health
  • Population growth
  • Natural resources
  • Environmental quality
  • Natural and human-induced hazards
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global changes

History and Nature of Science

Content Standard G: All students should develop understanding of

  • Science as a human endeavor
  • Nature of scientific knowledge
  • Historical perspectives
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