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- High School AKS Standards
AKS Standards
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- Overview of the Curriculum -- Kindergarten through Grade 8
- Specialized Programs and Services (K-12)
- AKS Standards by Grade Level (K-8)
- High School AKS Standards
- The AKS by Subject -- Grades K-12
High School Science
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High School Science -- Biology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to illustrate the organization of interacting systems within single celled and multi-celled organisms
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the mechanisms through which populations evolve
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explore the theory of evolution
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how genetic engineering techniques can manipulate DNA and lead to advancements in society
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how changes in the environment have contributed to speciation and biodiversity
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the role of cellular transport in maintaining homeostasis
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the role of the cell cycle in maintaining genetic continuity
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding processes that result in heritable genetic variation
- ask questions to investigate and provide explanations on the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the energy exchange of organisms, examining their function in the cycling of matter and the flow of energy in ecosystems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one another and their environment
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells
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High School Science -- Chemistry
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the use of the modern atomic theory and periodic law to explain the characteristics of atoms and elements
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties that describe solutions and the nature of acids and bases
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the chemical and physical properties of matter resulting from the ability of atoms to form bonds
- plan and carry out appropriate safety practices for equipment used for all classroom laboratory and field experiences
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how the Law of Conservation of Matter is used to determine chemical composition in compounds and chemical reactions
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the Kinetic Molecular Theory to model atomic and molecular motion in chemical and physical processes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how to refine the design of a chemical system by applying engineering principles to manipulate the factors that affect a chemical reaction
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High School Science -- Physics
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the relationship between distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration as functions of time for one-dimensional motion
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the importance of Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum in predicting the behavior of physical systems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about nuclear changes of matter and related technological applications
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about electrical and magnetic force interactions
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and applications of mechanical waves and sound
- plan and carry out investigations, using lenses and mirrors, to identify the behavior of light
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the importance of law of conservation of energy in predicting the behavior of physical systems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about electrical circuits
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify the force or force component responsible for causing an object to move along a circular path
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and applications of electromagnetic waves
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about electrical force interactions
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how forces affect the motion of objects
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the relationship between distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration as functions of time for two-dimensional motion
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High School Science -- Physical Science
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the properties of solutions
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the relationships among force, mass, and motion
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the properties of waves
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how atoms bond to form stable compounds
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the Law of Conservation of Mass/Law of Conservation of Matter
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the phases of matter as they relate to atomic and molecular motion
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from the Periodic Table to explain the relative properties of elements based on patterns of atomic structure
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the properties of and relationships between electricity and magnetism
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain transformations and flow of energy within a system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the changes in nuclear structure as a result of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay
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High School Science -- Advanced Genetics
A - Characteristics of Science
- communicate scientific information, ideas, and arguments clearly
- apply computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing conclusions
- apply standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations
- design and conduct scientific investigations
- read scientific materials to establish context for subject matter, to develop vocabulary, and to be aware of current research
- use technology to collect, observe, measure, and analyze data and report findings
- discuss the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science and exhibit these traits in efforts to understand how the world works
- use valid critical assumptions to draw conclusions
B - Academic Knowledge
- explain recombinant DNA technology
- identify genetic changes, including DNA mutation and repair, human genetic diseases, and the detection of mutations
- understand genes and their functions
- explain the regulation of gene expression in bacteria, bacteriophages, and eukaryotes
- explain Mendelian genetics
- examine the ethical and legal issues arising from the application of bioengineering
- explain gene expression
- explain the genetics of populations, including genotypic frequencies and allelic frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg, variation in natural populations, and forces that change gene frequencies
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High School Science -- Advanced Physics and Robotics
A - Characteristics of Science
- develop reasonable conclusions based on data collected (GPS)
- write clear, coherent laboratory reports related to scientific investigations (GPS)
- identify, develop and investigate questions/problems that can be answered through scientific inquiry
- follow correct procedures for use of scientific apparatus (GPS)
- develop and use systematic procedures for recording and organizing information (GPS)
- read grade-level appropriate text (both informational and fictional) from a variety of genres and modes of discourse (GPS)
- determine the source of large disparities between estimated and calculated results (GPS)
B - Mathematical Skills
- apply mathematical skills and processes to analyze and solve scientific problems
C - Content Knowledge
- build electric circuits and will use Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws to explore the relationships between concepts such as current, voltage, resistance, capacitance and electrical power
- investigate fluid power systems (pneumatic and hydraulic) and apply the scientific laws that govern each
- explain the history of robotics along with the significant technology that has resulted over the last 2,000 years
- collaborate as a team to optimize a design solution that involves the engineering design process in which solutions are systematically tested and refined
- explore the relationships between work, power, torque, and kinetic energy (using narrative and mathematical descriptions) and be able to apply these relationships to realistic situations
- use a text-based programming language such as RobotC required to control robotic systems
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High School Science -- Anatomy and Physiology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the reproductive system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the muscular system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the function of cardiovascular and respiratory system in the transport and exchange of materials throughout the body
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate the interdependence of the systems of the body
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate the relationship between anatomical structure and physiological processes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the endocrine system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the digestive system and the excretory system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the nervous system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the structure and function of the skeletal system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the function of integumentary system
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High School Science -- Astronomy
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about cosmology and our place in the universe
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about physical characteristics of stars
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about Earth and the moon system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the gas giants
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the methods of observing the universe
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about stellar evolution
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about physical characteristics of the sun
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the Milky Way and other galaxies
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the terrestrial planets
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about non-planetary solar system objects
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High School Science -- Bioengineering/Scientific Research III
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on applying technologies used in the life science industry
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the bioengineering field and its application in society
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the development and delivery of biotechnology and bioengineering to the marketplace
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how basic chemistry concepts affect living organisms
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on employing the use of Standard Laboratory Operating Procedures (SLOP) throughout the course
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about career opportunities in the field of bioscience
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information focused on the ethical and legal issues arising from the application of bioengineering
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High School Science -- Chemistry II
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties of biochemical molecules
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how thermodynamically favored reactions are more likely to take place
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the use of the modern atomic theory to explain the characteristics of atoms and molecules
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the Kinetic Molecular Theory to model atomic and molecular motion in chemical and physical processes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the chemical and physical properties of matter resulting from the ability of atoms to form bonds
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties that describe solutions and the nature of acids and bases
- plan and carry out appropriate safety practices for equipment used for all classroom laboratory and field experiences
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High School Science -- Earth Systems
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the composition and formation of Earth systems, including Earth's place in the solar system
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explore the actions of water, wind, ice, and gravity as they relate to landscape change
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how life on Earth responds to and shapes Earth's systems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to understand how plate tectonics create certain geologic features, landforms, Earth materials, and geologic hazards
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to understand how rock relationships and fossils are used to reconstruct Earth's past
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the interaction of solar energy and Earth's systems to produce weather and climate
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High School Science -- Ecology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the impact of humans to global ecosystems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how succession occurs following a disturbance to an ecosystem
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate how organisms interact as individuals and as populations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explore how populations grow in predictable patterns
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate how matter cycles in and out of an ecosystem
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding threats to biodiversity worldwide
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how air and water quality affect ecosystems on a global level
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify and describe Earth’s major aquatic and terrestrial biomes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate how the stability of an ecosystem depends on energy flow
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information for how biotic and abiotic factors interact to affect the distribution of species and the diversity of life on Earth
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the impact of continued human population growth on the demand for Earth's resources
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High School Science -- Environmental Science
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the use and conservation of the various forms of energy resources
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze human impact on water
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze human impact on the conservation of biodiversity
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how humans impact land resources and construct explanations of the potential effects of habitat destruction, erosion, pollution and depletion of soil fertility as a result of human activities
- obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the effects of human population growth, activities, and technology on global ecosystems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to construct explanations of stability and change in Earth's ecosystems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze human impact on the atmosphere
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High School Science -- Epidemiology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze associations and causations of health and disease
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to understand and analyze the disease process
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the types and uses of analytical epidemiology and study designs
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify and formulate hypotheses about patterns of health and disease
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about health-related messages in the media to make informed public health decisions and life goals
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High School Science -- Forensic Science
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding trace evidence
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding physical evidence used in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information identifying and analyzing the use of serology in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how forensic science is the application of science to the law
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the role of ballistics, fingerprints and other impressions evidence in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information used to investigate how document examiners analyze questioned documents involved in forensic investigation
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information identifying and analyzing the use of DNA in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information used to investigate evidence involving arson and explosives
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the proper techniques to search, isolate, collect, and record physical and trace evidence at a crime scene
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information as it pertains to cybercrimes in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information identifying and analyzing the use of toxins and drugs in forensic investigations
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding how the body is used as evidence, including the use of models to determine time of death
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High School Science -- Meteorology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about energy transfer and its role in precipitation, cloud formation, and air mass formation
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and composition of Earth's atmosphere and the processes that cause weather
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about climate and climate change
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the relationship between weather and society
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the science of weather forecasting
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High School Science -- Microbiology
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how to identify and control variables in order to maintain pure bacterial cultures
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate proper microscopic techniques when preparing microscope slides
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate the role of microorganisms play to water quality and waste- water treatment
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate disease terminology
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding major industrial processes involving foods
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information showing the impact of the invention of the microscope on the field of microbiology
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about common microbial diseases
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the different methods of food- processing and storage and how these processes might relate to microbial growth
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about cellular differences that are used in the classification of microbes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the molecular mechanisms involved in gene expression in microbes
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information in order to investigate the germ theory
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effectiveness of physical and chemical agents on controlling bacterial growth
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about different aseptic techniques
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to discriminate between abiogenisis and biogenesis
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate the role of microorganisms in agriculture
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the societal and economic impact of viruses
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the characteristics of viruses
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High School Science -- Oceanography
A - Content
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the identification and characteristics of marine organisms found in the pelagic and benthic ocean
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the chemical characteristics of seawater (pH, density, and dissolved oxygen)
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate data on atmosphere's greenhouse effect and implications of this effect for the future
- obtain, evaluate, communicate information regarding the characteristics of a wave and relate those characteristics to ocean phenomena
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding different types of marine sediments
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the cycling of matter and the flow of energy among organisms in marine ecosystems
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding models that explain the origin of Earth and oceans
- obtain, evaluate, and communication information regarding the properties of water
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding light and sound movement through water
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the interaction of the atmosphere and seawater
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the theory of global plate tectonics
- obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how nonliving components of marine habitats determine the biological diversity of coastal water, estuaries, lagoons and marginal seas
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High School Science -- Science Research I
A - Content
- construct explanations regarding the relationship between structure and function in living systems at a variety of organizational levels, and recognize living systems' dependence on natural selection
- engage in inquiry by asking or responding to biological oriented challenges and problems, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, developing solutions based on evidence, connecting solutions to scientific knowledge, and communicating solutions
- develop and use models to explain and illustrate with examples how living systems interact with the biotic and abiotic environment
- construct explanations regarding how various organisms grow, develop, and differentiate during their lifetimes based on an interplay between genetics and their environment
- engage in scientific inquiry in biology topics by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations
- analyze and interpret data to demonstrate if a hypothesis is supported by the data, or if a proposed engineering solution is viable
- plan and carry out investigations to test a biological hypothesis or evaluate a solution to a biological problem
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High School Science -- Science Research II
A - Content
- analyze and interpret data to demonstrate if a hypothesis is supported by the data, or if a proposed engineering solution is viable
- plan and carry out an investigation to gather evidence to compare the physical and chemical properties at the macroscopic scale to infer the strength of intermolecular and intramolecular forces; the investigation may include melting point, state of matter, solubility, viscosity, and conductivity
- plan and carry out an investigation to calculate the amount of heat absorbed or released by chemical or physical processes
- plan and carry out investigations to test a chemistry-based hypothesis or evaluate a solution to a chemistry problem
- engage in scientific inquiry in chemistry topics by asking or responding to scientifically oriented questions, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations
- plan and carry out an investigation to determine and use data to justify that a new chemical has formed by identifying indicators of a chemical reaction (i.e., precipitate formation, gas evolution, color change, water production, and changes in energy to system)
- plan and carry out an investigation to evaluate the factors that affect the rate at which a solute (i.e., solid or gas) dissolves in a specific solvent
- plan and carry out an investigation to explore acid-base neutralization
- construct explanations to demonstrate an understanding of atomic and molecular structure to explain the properties of matter, and predict outcomes of chemical and nuclear reactions
- plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate the conceptual principle of limiting reactants
- engage in inquiry by asking or responding to chemistry oriented challenges and problems, collecting and analyzing data, giving priority to evidence, developing solutions based on evidence, connecting solutions to scientific knowledge, and communicating solutions
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High School Science -- Scientific Research IV
A - Characteristics of Science
- communicate scientific information, ideas, and arguments clearly
- apply computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing conclusions
- design and conduct scientific investigations
- use technology to collect, observe, measure, and analyze data and report findings
- apply standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations
- read scientific materials to establish context for subject matter, to develop vocabulary, and to be aware of current research
- use valid critical assumptions to draw conclusions
B - Academic Knowledge
- conduct a complete, research-based scientific investigation including obtaining and documenting accurate data, performing data analysis, critiquing and modifying experimental protocols, and report findings
- use collaborative skills to inquire and explore research and career opportunities in science
- clearly communicate the results and conclusions of a research-based scientific investigation
- explore the scope of funding, professional development, and collaboration within the scientific research community
- using knowledge obtained from scientific literature, design an ethical research-based experimental project that investigates questions or problems that can be answered through scientific inquiry
- read credible, peer-reviewed scientific literature to recognize and understand the elements of ethical scientific research; develop vocabulary and subject-related content knowledge; and become familiar with current research in the field, as well as the implications of the research