Nevada Content Standards for Science

1.8.1 Description of Motion: Investigate and describe that multiple forces acting on an object along a straight line affect the motion of an object.
• The Notion of Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/3.asp
  
• Newton's Laws of Motion: Movin' On AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/4.asp
  

1.8.2 Gravity: Describe the force (gravity) which makes objects fall and planets move in their orbits.
• Planetary Motion
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  
• Kepler's Laws
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9a.asp
  
• Universal Gravitation
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9b.asp
  

1.8.3 Machines: Investigate and describe that certain physical principles are used in the design and function of simple machines.

1.8.4 Pressure,Density, and Buoyancy: Investigate and describe that buoyancy changes the apparent weight of an object immersed in a fluid.M 2.8.2; M 9.8.3

1.8.5 Electrical and Magnetic Forces: Investigate and explain that electric current produces magnetic forces, and moving magnets produce electric forces in conductors.

1.12.1 Description of Motion: Investigate and describe how changes in motion are based on the laws of motion.
• The Notion of Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/3.asp
  
• Newton's Laws of Motion: Movin' On AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/4.asp
  
• Two Dimensional Kinematics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/5.asp
  
• Momentum AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/6.asp
  
• Work, Energy, and Power AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/7.asp
  
• Circular Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/8.asp
  

1.12.2 Gravity: Explain that the force of attraction that exists between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
• Planetary Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  

1.12.3 Machines: Investigate and describe that the usefulness of a simple machine such as a wheel or axle is based on its function, mechanical advantage, and efficiency.

1.12.4 Pressure, Density, and Buoyancy: Investigate and describe the relationship that exists between force, pressure, and area in general, and between pressure and depth in liquids.

1.12.5 Electrical and Magnetic Forces: Investigate and explain that magnetic forces are related to electric forces and can be thought of as different aspects of a single electromagnetic force. (e.g., electric motors, generators, radios).

Content Standard 2.0: Structure and Properties of Matter

Students understand that materials have distinct properties which depend on the amount of matter present, its chemical composition, and structure.

By the end of Grade 6

2.6.4 Atomic Theory: Explain that all matter is composed of atoms, and atoms are composed of smaller particles.

2.6.6 Investigate Properties and Composition: Describe how elements can combine to form new substances which often have different properties.

2.7.1 Physical Properties: Investigate and describe the differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

2.7.4 Atomic Theory: Describe atomic structure by using various historic models of the atom.

• It's Elementary
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1d.asp
  
• Atoms and Their Structure
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1e.asp
  
• Molecules
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1f.asp
  
• Atomic Properties
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1g.asp
  

2.8.1 Physical Properties: Use simple models to explain observed properties of matter (e.g., use a particle model to account for the states of matter).

2.8.2 Chemical Analysis: Separate substances based on their physical and chemical properties (e.g., color, solubility, chemical reactivity, melting point, boiling point).

2.8.3 Chemical Bonding: Use models or drawings to explain how atoms may join together to form molecules or large groups of molecules.

• Types of Chemical Bonding AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/3.asp
  

2.8.4 Atomic Theory: Explain that all atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Atoms and Their Structure
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1e.asp
  

2.8.5 System of Particles: Explain that liquids, solids, and gases are systems of particles.
• State and Phase Changes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/9.asp
  

2.8.6 Properties and Composition: Explain that various elements combine in a multitude of ways to produce all known living and non-living substances.
• What's the Matter?
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1a.asp
  
• Describing Matter
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1b.asp
  
• Classification of Matter
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1c.asp
  

2.12.1 Physical Properties: Investigate and describe intrinsic (color, odor, density) and extrinsic (e.g., size, mass, volume) physical properties of matter.

2.12.2 Chemical Analysis: Explain that substances can be identified on the basis of specific energies given off or taken in by that substance.

2.12.3 Chemical Bonding: Explain how atoms may bond with one another by transferring or sharing electrons that are farthest from the nucleus.

• Electron Basics
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/2c.asp
  
• More Electron Basics
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/2d.asp
  
• Types of Chemical Bonding AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/3.asp
  

2.12.4 Atomic Theory: Explain that the electromagnetic force between the nucleus and electrons holds the atom together.

2.12.5 System of Particles: Explain the properties of phases of matter in terms of the kinetic molecular theory and forces of attraction between particles.

• State and Phase Changes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/9.asp
  
• It's a Gas! AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/10.asp
  

2.12.6 Properties and Composition: Explain that carbon atoms can bond to one another to form a large variety of structures, including the molecules essential to life.

Content Standard 3.0: Energy and Matter: Interactions and Forms

Students understand that changes in temperature and pressure can alter states of matter. Energy exists in many forms, and one form can change into another.

By the end of Grade 6

3.6.4 Electrical Circuits: Investigate and describe how electrical energy can be transferred through various materials.

3.6.5 Changes in Energy: Investigate and describe how energy exists in different forms (e.g. heat, light, chemical, electrical, and others).

3.7.3 Waves: Investigate and describe that forms of energy can travel in waves (e.g. seismic, light, radio, tv).
• Types of Waves
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/10a.asp
  
• Measuring Sound Waves
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/11a.asp
  
• Applications
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/11d.asp
  

3.8.1 Heat and Temperature: Investigate and describe how heat moves from one object to another at different rates, depending on what the objects are made of and whether they are touching each other.

3.8.2 Changes of State: Investigate and describe how all phase changes are accompanied by changes in energy.

3.8.3 Waves: Investigate and describe how waves transfer energy and move at different speeds in different materials.

• Pickin' Up Good Vibrations AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/10.asp
  

3.8.4 Electrical Circuits: Investigate, create, and describe parallel, series, and combination circuits.

3.8.5 Changes in Energy: Investigate and describe how energy may be transferred into or out of a system or object in many ways and readily changes forms.

• Calculating Kinetic and Potential Energy
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/7d.asp
  

3.8.6 Descriptions of Energy and Order: Identify the energy involved in a particular process as potential (energy of position and stored chemical energy) or kinetic (energy of motion).
• Work, Energy, and Power AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/7.asp
  

3.12.1 Heat and Temperature: Explain that the transformation of energy usually results in some energy in the form of heat, which spreads by radiation, conduction, and sometimes convection into cooler places.

3.12.2 Changes of State: Investigate and describe how pressure may affect changes of state.

• Measuring Waves
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/10b.asp
  
• When Waves Collide
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/10c.asp
  

3.12.3 Waves: Investigate and describe how waves can superimpose on one another, bend around corners, reflect off surfaces, be absorbed by materials they enter, and change direction when entering a new material.
• Pickin' Up Good Vibrations AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/10.asp
  
• Surrounded by Sound AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/11.asp
  

3.12.4 Electrical Circuits: Describe the properties of electrical circuits in terms of moving electrons, conductivity, resistance, and electrical potential energy.

3.12.5 Changes in Energy: Investigate and describe how matter and energy may be changed and energy can be transferred in many ways, but the entire mass-energy budget of the universe remains constant.

• Work, Energy, and Power AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/7.asp
  

3.12.6 Descriptions of Energy and Order: Investigate and describe how systems tend to become less ordered over time.

Content Standard 4.0: Chemical Reaction

Students understand that chemical reactions change substances into different substances.

By the end of Grade 6

4.6.2 Rates of Chemical Reactions: Investigate and describe how chemical reactions may be fast or slow.

4.8.1 Conservation of Matter: Investigate and describe how in chemical reactions, the total mass is conserved and the elements involved do not change into other elements.
• Writing Chemical Equations
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/7b.asp
  
• Balancing Equations
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/7c.asp
  

4.8.2 Rates of Chemical Reactions: Investigate and describe how the rate of a chemical reaction can be influenced by variables such as temperature, pH, and light.

4.8.3 Transformation of Matter and Energy: Investigate and describe how materials may give off heat or light when they react chemically with each other.

4.8.4 Chemical Properties: Predict common properties of elements using the Periodic Table.

• Patterns in Chemistry AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/2.asp
  

4.12.1 Conservation of Matter: Investigate and describe how, in chemical reactions, elements combine in predictable ratios, and the numbers of atoms of each element do not change.
• Atoms and Their Structure
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1e.asp
  
• Molecules
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1f.asp
  

4.12.2 Rates of Chemical Reactions: Investigate and describe how chemical reaction rates depend on conditions in the reacting system, the properties of reacting materials, and the presence of certain rate-regulating chemicals.

4.12.3 Transformation of Matter and Energy: Investigate and describe how chemical reactions may release or consume energy.

• Bond Energy
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/4b.asp
  

4.12.4 Chemical Properties: Relate the chemical properties of an element to the outermost electrons of an element.
• Types of Chemical Bonding AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/3.asp
  
• Models and Shapes of Molecules AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/4.asp
  

Content Standard 5.0: Nuclear Energy and Electromagnetic Energy

Students understand that nuclear energy and electromagnetic energy are produced from both natural and human-made sources in many forms.

By the end of Grade 6

5.6.1 Behaviors of Light: Describe light in terms of simple properties (e.g. color, brightness).

5.8.1 Behaviors of Light: Investigate and describe how light interacts with matter by moving through the matter, being absorbed by matter, or being scattered by the matter.

5.8.2 Nuclear Applications: Describe some applications of radioactive isotopes including using nuclear energy to produce heat.H 10.8.1

5.8.3 Nuclear Wastes: Compare and contrast between high and low level nuclear wastes and their associated hazards.H 10.8.3

5.8.4 Electromagnetic Energy: Investigate and describe how the sun produces energy in a range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum.

5.8.5 Nuclear Structure and Processes: Compare and contrast the nuclear processes that occur in the sun and stars as well as in nuclear reactors.

5.8.6 Nuclear Energy: Explain how nuclear reactions convert small amounts of matter into a relatively large amount of energy.

5.12.1 Behaviors of Light: Predict how light interacts with matter (e.g., reflection and refraction).

5.12.2 Nuclear Applications: Simulate how the predictable rates of nuclear reactions can be used to estimate the age of some materials.

5.12.3 Nuclear Wastes: Describe the different disposal techniques used for high and low level nuclear wastes.

5.12.4 Electromagnetic Energy: Describe electromagnetic waves including a wide range of forms and varying wavelengths.

5.12.5 Nuclear Structure and Processes: Explain how the forces that hold the nucleus of an atom together are usually stronger than other forces that could make the nucleus fly apart.

5.12.6 Nuclear Energy: Explain how energy is released when the nuclei of very heavy atoms (e.g., uranium or plutonium), split into middleweight ones, or when very light nuclei (e.g., hydrogen and helium), combine into heavier ones.

Life Science

9.12.1 Common Ancestry: Investigate and describe the basic idea of the theory of biological evolution is that through genetic and/or environmental influences the Earth's present-day species developed from earlier, distinctly different, but common ancestors.

9.12.2 Natural Selection: Explain the fossil record of ancient life forms by applying the idea of natural selection and its evolutionary consequences.

9.12.3 Adaptation: Simulate and explain how the adaptation of a species can occur over many generations because of the unique characteristics that favor those individuals in an environment.

9.12.4 Evidence for the theory of Evolution: Explain how the classification of species is based on similarities (e.g., structural, genetic, molecular) which indicate evolutionary relationships.

9.12.5 Extinction: Explain how the extinction of species is a common occurrence and fossil records indicate that most species that have lived on the earth no longer exist.

9.12.6 Influences on Evolution: Investigate and describe how the process of evolution is driven by genetic and environmental influences.

9.12.7 Life Origins: Explain how there is evidence that at least a billion years ago, cells with nuclei existed allowing the evolution of increasingly complex multicellular organisms.

Earth and Space Sciences

10.8.1 Rocks and Minerals: Investigate and describe how rocks and minerals have different properties and characteristics.
• Minerals AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6.asp
  
• The Rock Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7.asp
  

10.8.2 Landforms: Investigate and describe how the combination of constructive and destructive forces result in the formation of landforms.
• Mountains
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2d.asp
  
• Surface Processes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9.asp
  

10.8.3 Earth's Structure and Composition: Explain, using models, how the Earth is layered with a crust, both continental and oceanic, hot, convecting mantle, and dense, metallic core.
• Earth's Structure AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1.asp
  

10.8.4 Soil: Investigate and describe how soils have properties of color, texture, and capacity to retain water and provide nutrients for life.
• Weathering and Soils AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8.asp
  
• Groundwater
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3e.asp
  
• Other Biotic Minerals
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/11d.asp
  

10.8.5 Earth's Atmosphere: Explain how the atmosphere is a mixture of particular gases, whose properties vary with elevation.
• Atmospheric Structure and Composition AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/6.asp
  

10.8.6 Geologic Processes and Features: Explain that earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and floods are geologic phenomena.
• Plate Tectonics
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2.asp
  
• Earthquakes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/3.asp
  
• Volcanoes: Part 1 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/4.asp
  
• Mass Wasting
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9a.asp
  
• Rivers
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9c.asp
  

10.12.1 Rocks and Minerals: Investigate and describe how rocks and minerals have different characteristics that reflect their origins and use.
• Minerals AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6.asp
  
• The Rock Cycle
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7.asp
  

10.12.2 Landforms: Investigate and describe how landforms are the result of a combination of constructive and destructive forces resulting from weathering, erosion, and the movement of lithosphere plates.
• Mountains
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2d.asp
  
• Weathering and Soils AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8.asp
  
• Surface Processes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9.asp
  

10.12.3 Earth's Structure and Composition: Explain how there is a relationship between the relative densities and states (phases) of Earth materials and the layering on, in, and above the Earth.
• Earth's Structure AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1.asp
  

10.12.4 Soil: Investigate and describe how soil is derived from weathered rocks and decomposed organic material, and is found in layers.
• Weathering and Soils AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8.asp
  

10.12.5 Earth's Atmosphere: Explain how the composition of the Earth's atmosphere has changed in the past and continues to change.
• There's Something in the Air
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/6a.asp
  

10.12.6 Geologic Processes and Features: Compare and contrast the geologic features of Nevada and local geological features.

Content Standard 11.0: Earth Models

Students understand that the Earth may be represented by a variety of maps and models.

By the end of Grade 6

11.6.3 Models of the Earth: Investigate, design, and use various kinds of maps.

11.8.1 Locating Positions on the Earth: Describe how positions on the Earth's surface can be located using latitude and longitude.

11.8.2 Nevada and the Earth: Compare a variety of map types, and locate Nevada and Nevada features on each.

11.8.3 Models of the Earth: Use a color-coded map to compare and contrast various geological features such as temperature, population density, geology, or precipitation.

11.8.4 Time and Location on the Earth: Identify the time of day in various places throughout the world, given the local time of day.

• Night and Day
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2b.asp
  

11.12.3 Models of the Earth: Investigate, design, and use contour maps.

11.12.4 Time and Location on the Earth: Define location on the Earth in terms of latitude, longitude, and time zones.

Content Standard 12.0: Earth History

Students understand that Earth systems (such as weather and mountain formation) change on variety.

By the end of Grade 8

12.8.1 Change Over Time: Explain how some changes on the Earth's surface are due to slow processes, and others due to rapid processes.
• Plate Tectonics AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2.asp
  
• Earthquakes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/3.asp
  
• Volcanoes: Part 1 AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/4.asp
  
• The Rock Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/7.asp
  
• Weathering and Soils AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/8.asp
  
• Surface Processes AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9.asp
  

12.8.2 Relative Geologic Time and the Fossil Record: Investigate and describe how fossils provide important evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed throughout geologic time.
• Fossils
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10b.asp
  
• History in Rock and Fossils
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10c.asp
  

12.8.3 Geologic Time: Explain how the Earth's processes we observe today are similar to those that occurred in the past.
• Geologic History
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10.asp
  

12.12.1 Change Over Time: Explain how catastrophic events have occurred and greatly influenced Earth's history.

12.12.2 Relative Geologic Time and the Fossil Record: Simulate and explain how relative geologic time can be estimated by observing rock sequences and using fossils to correlate the sequences at various locations.

12.12.3 Geologic Time: Compare and contrast the variety of methods by which geologic time is determined, including radioactive dating.

• Geologic Time Scale
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10a.asp
  

Content Standard 13.0: Cycles of Matter and Energy

Students understand that Earth systems have a variety of cycles through which energy and matter continually flow.

By the end of Grade 8

13.8.1 Earth Energy Sources: Investigate and describe how the sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on Earth's surface (e.g., growth of plants, winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle).
• Here Comes the Sun
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1c.asp
  
• Evaporation
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3a.asp
  
• Current Events
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4c.asp
  
• Temperature Factors
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7b.asp
  

13.8.2 Weather: Explain how global patterns of atmospheric movement, topography, and proximity to bodies of water influence local weather, and seasons are caused by variations in the amount of the sun's energy hitting the surface due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.
• The Reasons for Seasons
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2d.asp
  
• Current Events
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4c.asp
  
• Temperature Factors
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7b.asp
  
• Wind
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8c.asp
  

13.8.3 Water: Explain how water, which covers the majority of the Earth's surface, circulates through the crust, oceans, and atmosphere.
• The Water Cycle AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/3.asp
  
• Surface Water Systems AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5.asp
  
• Current Events
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4c.asp
  

13.8.4 Climate: Simulate and describe how clouds, latitude, altitude, topographical features, and proximity to large bodies of water affect weather and climate.
• Earth's Climate
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7.asp
  

13.8.5 The Nature of Change: Investigate and describe some changes that are reversible and others that are not.

13.8.7 Energy Transfer and Transformation in the Earth System: Explain that the energy that the Earth receives over geologic time approximately equals the energy that it loses.

13.8.8 Earth's Internal Energy: Describe the relationships among geothermal and tectonic processes.

• Earth's Structure AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1.asp
  

13.12.1 Earth Energy Sources: Explain how Earth systems have two major internal sources of energy (decay of radioactive isotopes and the gravitational energy from Earth's original formation) and one major external sources (the sun), all of which create heat.
• Formation of the Earth
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1a.asp
  
• Here Comes the Sun
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1c.asp
  
• Solar Effects
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9b.asp
  

13.12.2 Weather: Explain how uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun forms convection currents within the atmosphere and ocean, producing wind and ocean currents that are modified by the Earth's rotation.
• Current Events
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4c.asp
  
• Temperature Factors
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7b.asp
  
• Temperature
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/8b.asp
  
• Turn and Churn: The Coriolis Effect
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/9a.asp
  

13.12.3 Water: Investigate and describe how water is a solvent, (e.g., how it dissolves minerals and gases as it passes through the water cycle and carries them to oceans and lakes)
• Oceanic Layers and Composition
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4a.asp
  
• Lakes, Swamps, and Marshes
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5a.asp
  
• Karst Topography
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/9d.asp
  
• Other Biotic Minerals
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/11d.asp
  

13.12.4 Climate: Simulate and describe how global climate is determined primarily by energy transfer from the sun at and near the Earth's surface, and fluctuations in solar output may have contributed to large changes in the Earth's climate in the past.

13.12.5 The Nature of Change: Explain how large-scale, long-term equilibrium can accommodate small-scale changes.

13.12.6 Bio-Geochemical Cycles: Investigate and describe how elements necessary for life on Earth pass through both living and non-living cycles in a series of changes that form a global system.

• The Living Earth AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/11.asp
  

13.12.7 Energy Transfer and Transformation in the Earth System: Compare and contrast the relationships between the greenhouse effect and the idea of global warming.
• Climatic Change
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/7d.asp
  

13.12.8 Earth's Internal Energy: Model and explain how the energy that propels the Earth's lithosphere plates is dominantly a result of nuclear processes deep in the Earth.
• The Mantle
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1c.asp
  

Content Standard 14.0: The Solar System and the Universe

Students understand that the Earth is part of a planetary system within the Milky Way Galaxy, which is part of the known universe.

By the end of Grade 8

14.8.1 The Solar System: Investigate and describe the size, composition, and surface features of the planets in our solar system.

14.8.2 Celestial Motion: Investigate and describe how seasons, eclipses, moon phases, and tides are caused by the effects of relative motion and positions of the sun, Earth, and moon.

• Fly Me to the Moon
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1e.asp
  
• Tidal Force
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2c.asp
  
• The Reasons for Seasons
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2d.asp
  

14.8.3 Stars and Galaxies: Explain that billions of galaxies form most of the visible mass in the universe.

14.8.5 Tools and Methods of Astronomy: Explain how various tools (e.g., optical and radio telescopes, unmanned robotic spacecraft) allow us to investigate objects in the sky that are too distant, faint, or bright to observe directly from Earth.

14.8.6 Universality of Physical Laws: Investigate and describe the laws of motion and gravity and their development.

• Planetary Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  

14.12.1 The Solar System: Investigate and describe how the Earth's atmosphere, water, temperature, and composition compare with conditions on other planets.

14.12.2 Celestial Motion: Explain how most objects in the solar system are in regular and predictable motion which explains such phenomena as the day, the year, phases of the moon, and eclipses.

• Earth's Cycles: Rotation and Revolution
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/2.asp
  

14.12.3 Stars and Galaxies: Explain how stars produce energy and elements heavier than hydrogen from nuclear reactions.

14.12.4 Origin of the Universe: Explain that on the basis of scientific evidence, the universe is estimated to be about ten billion years old.

14.12.5 Tools and Methods of Astronomy: Describe how increasingly sophisticated technology (e.g., mathematical models and computer simulations) is used to learn about the universe.

14.12.6 Universality of Physical Laws: Explain that the physical laws, such as laws of Newton, Kepler, thermodynamics, relativity, and quantum physics, appear to apply to all bodies in the universe.

• Planetary Motion AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  

Environmental Sciences

16.8.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources: Investigate and describe the identifying characteristics of renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Natural Resources: Use and Re-Use
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/12b.asp
  

16.8.2 Acquisition and Use of Natural Resources: Explain how some natural resources are limited in their abundance and/or accessible location (e.g. water in the desert).
• Ocean Resources
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/4g.asp
  
• Surface Water Systems and Society
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/5e.asp
  
• Gems and Precious Metals
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6d.asp
  
• Mineral Uses
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6e.asp
  

16.8.3 Traditional and Innovative Uses of Natural Resources: Investigate and describe the location and distribution of various natural resources.

16.8.4 Environmental Consequences of Natural Resource Use: Investigate and describe how organisms alter their local environment through their use of natural resources.

16.8.5 Technology and Human Population: Describe how unintended consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate environmental degradation, and make new resources economical.

16.12.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources: Evaluate the consequences of changing patterns of resources use.

16.12.2 Acquisition and Use of Natural Resources: Investigate and describe the various processes involved in obtaining, using, and recycling materials such as wood products, minerals, food, and manufactured objects.

• Mineral Uses
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/6e.asp
  

16.12.3 Traditional and Innovative Uses of Natural Resources: Investigate and describe the career opportunities associated with the study, exploration, extraction, utilization, protection, and restoration of natural resources.

16.12.4 Environmental Consequences of Natural Resource Use: Analyze and describe the limitations of the Earth's ability to respond to stresses produced by human or natural activities.

16.12.5 Technology and Human Population: Analyze and evaluate the effects that increases in human populations can cause (e.g., resource depletion and environmental degradation).

Content Standard 17.0: Conservation

Students understand that humans have the unique ability to change personal and societal behavior based on ethical considerations regarding other organisms, the planet as a whole and future generations.

By the end of Grade 7

17.7.1 Conservation: Investigate and explain that Nevada has a variety of useful resources.

17.8.1 Conservation: Analyze different conservation options for Nevada's resources.

17.8.2 Systems and Equilibrium: Investigate and describe how in some ecosystems, populations of organisms are in dynamic equilibrium, and in other ecosystems they are not.

17.8.3 The Scientific Nature of Environmental Issues: Evaluate how changes in environments can be beneficial or harmful.

17.8.4 Responsible Behavior: Investigate and describe how actions which might affect Nevada's environment can be evaluated in terms of trade-offs that may have regional, national, or global effects.

17.12.1 Conservation: Analyze and evaluate how consumption patterns, conservation efforts, and cultural or social practices in countries have varying environmental impacts.

17.12.2 Systems and Equilibrium: Investigate and describe how human actions may impact the dynamic equilibrium of global systems (e.g., global warming, ozone depletion).

17.12.3 The Scientific Nature of Environmental Issues: Explain that there is scientific uncertainty regarding many environmental issues.

17.12.4 Responsible Behavior: Evaluate and describe actions which affect the global environment in terms of trade-offs that may have effects on local environments or economics.

The Nature and History of Science

18.7.3 The History of Science and Invention: Investigate and describe how people create models to explain the world as scientific knowledge has increased, and that these models are modified or discarded.
• Evolution of the Solar-Centric Model
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1a.asp
  
• Formation of the Earth
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/1a.asp
  
• Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/2a.asp
  
• Atoms and Their Structure
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1e.asp
  
• Fool's Gold: From Alchemy to Chemistry
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1.asp
  

18.8.1 The Nature of Science: Explain that scientific investigations involve the use of logic, respect for the rules of evidence, openness to criticism, and public reporting of methods and procedures.
• Geologic History
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10.asp
  

18.8.2 Attributes of Scientific Research: Explain that scientific inquiry done in a school setting is similar to what scientists do.

18.8.3 The History of Science and Invention: Explain, using examples, that ancient peoples provided knowledge about the natural world that is still regarded as valid today, even though that knowledge may not have originated by scientific methods.

• The Laws of Physical Science
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/1.asp
  
• The Notion of Motion
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/3.asp
  
• Newton's Laws of Motion: Movin' On
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/4.asp
  
• Planetary Motion
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  
• Geologic History
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear82/10.asp
  

18.8.4 Science as a Collaborative Process: Explain that scientists may work in teams and some may work alone, but all communicate extensively with each other.

18.8.5 Technology: Explain that scientific inquiry and technological design have similarities and differences. Scientists propose explanations for questions about the natural world and engineers propose solutions relating to human problems, needs, and aspirations.

18.8.6 The Dynamic Character of Scientific Knowledge: Explain that scientific knowledge is revised through a process of incorporating new evidence gained through continual investigation.

18.8.7 Scientific Ethics: Identify and describe how science is subject to strengths and limitations related to other human social and intellectual activities.

18.12.1 The Nature of Science: Explain that the scientific way of knowing uses a critique and consensus process (e.g., peer review, openness to criticism, logical argument, skepticism).

18.12.2 Attributes of Scientific Research: Investigate and explain how research emphasis is influenced by economic and public policy.

• Tornadoes
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/10b.asp
  

18.12.3 The History of Science and Invention: Investigate and explain how scientific innovations that were originally challenged are now widely accepted.
• What and How
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/1a.asp
  
• Free Fall: Acceleration Due to Gravity
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/3f.asp
  
• Planetary Motion
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9.asp
  
• Kepler's Laws
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9a.asp
  
• Kepler's Laws
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/9a.asp
  
• Atoms and Their Structure
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1e.asp
  
• Molecules
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/1f.asp
  
• It's a Gas! AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc92/10.asp
  

18.12.4 Science as a Collaborative Process: Explain that scientists work with others to resolve differences in interpretation of observations.

18.12.5 Technology: Explain that technological problems create a demand for new scientific knowledge and new technologies which make it possible for scientists to extend their research in new ways or to undertake entirely new lines of research.

18.12.6 The Dynamic Character of Scientific Knowledge: Explain that scientific knowledge builds on previous information, and rarely are entire theories completely discarded in favor of new ones.

• Evolution of the Solar-Centric Model
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/ear81/1a.asp
  

18.12.7 Scientific Ethics: Explain that scientists have ethical procedures, violations of which have consequences.

Content Standard 19.0: Reasoning and Critical Response Skills

Students understand that many decisions require critical consideration of scientific evidence.

By the end of Grade 6

19.6.3 Analyzing Systems: Investigate and describe the components of systems (including processes or parts).

19.6.4 Critical Analysis: Distinguish between fact and opinion when responding to information.

19.7.3 Analyzing Systems: Identify and describe how the parts of a system relate to one another and/or to other systems.

19.8.1 Evaluating Data: Identify and evaluate critically the use of statistics, data, and graphs.

19.8.2 Analyzing and Evaluating Benefits and Risks: Give examples of human activities with their associated benefits, costs and risks.

19.8.3 Analyzing Systems: Analyze and describe a system for efficiency, optimal function, and possible sources of malfunction.

19.8.4 Critical Analysis: Critically evaluate information to distinguish between fact and opinion when responding to information.

19.12.1 Evaluating Data: Identify and determine the credibility of sources of information based on the techniques used to gather that information.

19.12.2 Analyzing and Evaluating Benefits and Risks: Apply cost benefit and risk analyses in decision-making processes.

19.12.3 Analyzing Systems: Recognize and describe situations in which a system is qualitatively different from the parts which comprise it (e.g., how a population differs from an individual).

19.12.4 Critical Analysis: Distinguish between hypotheses, laws, theories and rules, and explain the level of their limitations.

19.12.5 Critical Evaluation: Determine the limits of generalizations, assumptions, analogies, and models.

Scientific Inquiry: Processes and Skills

20.12.1 Models: Use mathematical symbols and formulas to express relationships that behave in the same ways as the objects or processes under investigation.
• Mathematics: The Language of Physical Science AND ALL FOCUS TOPICS
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2.asp
  

20.12.2 Models and Predictions: Use models to identify and predict cause-effect relationships (e.g., effect of temperature on gas volume, effect of carbon dioxide level on the greenhouse effect).

20.12.3 Systems: Identify and describe how systems are often different from their components. (e.g., aquaria or automobiles)

20.12.4 Statistical Modeling: Compare groups of data, taking into account both percentages and actual numbers.

20.12.5 Risk Analysis: Identify the type of hazard, estimate the extent and consequences of exposure, and determine the options for reducing or eliminating risks.

Content Standard 21.0: Scientific Values and Attitudes

Students understand that science is an active process of systematically examining the natural world.

21.8.1 Scientific Investigations: Explain why it is important to keep honest, clear, and accurate records.

21.8.2 Repeating Scientific Trials: Explain that hypotheses are valuable even if they turn out to be incorrect, if they lead to fruitful investigations.

21.8.3 Generating Multiple Explanations: Describe how different explanations can often be given for the same evidence, and it is not always possible to tell which one is correct.

21.12.1 Scientific Investigations: Demonstrate curiosity, honesty, and skepticism in doing science.

21.12.2 Repeating Scientific Trials:Repeat experimentation for statistical analysis and to produce conclusions that are without bias.

21.12.3 Generating Multiple Explanations: Evaluate multiple explanations for the same evidence.

Content Standard 22.0: Communication Skills

Students understand that a variety of communication methods can be used to share scientific information.

By the end of Grade 8

22.8.1 Writing and Following Instructions: Write clear, step-by-step instructions for a procedure.

22.8.2 Working With Graphical Models: Organize information in tables and graphs and describe the relationships they reveal.

22.8.3 Working With Others: Discuss scientific topics by paraphrasing, asking for clarification or elaboration, and expressing alternative positions using available multimedia resources.

22.12.1 Writing and Following Instructions: Analyze experimental procedures and suggest appropriate revisions for improvement.

22.12.2 Working With Graphical Models: Use tables, charts, and graphs in making arguments and claims in oral and written presentations.

22.12.3 Working With Others: Discuss scientific topics by restating or summarizing accurately what others have said; ask for clarifications or elaborations, and express alternative positions using available multimedia resources.

Content Standard 23.0: Scientific Applications of Mathematics

Students understand that scientific inquiry is enhanced and often communicated by using mathematics.

By the end of Grade 8

23.8.1 Variables: Explain that quantities can vary in proportion to one another. (e.g., the ratio of mass to volume in the calculation of density).
• Formulas and Equations
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2a.asp
  

23.8.2 Computing: State the purpose of each step in a calculation.

23.8.3 Estimating: Estimate probabilities of outcomes in familiar situations.

• Think Like a Scientist
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/1d.asp
  

23.8.4 Working With Measurements: Select and use the appropriate SI unit for a particular measurement (e.g., meters for length, seconds for time, and kilograms for mass).
• Units
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2b.asp
  
• Dimensional Analysis
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2c.asp
  

23.8.5 Evaluating Measurements: Judge whether repeated measurements and computations of quantities are reasonably precise and accurate.

23.8.6 Validity of Samples: Make predictions based on all known data from similar conditions.

23.12.1 Variables: Determine if the correlation between variables is high or low.

23.12.2 Computing: Use algebraic equations when appropriate.

23.12.3 Estimating: Estimate answers to the correct order of magnitude.

23.12.4 Working With Measurements: Use derived quantities, ratios, proportions, and constants.

• Units
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2b.asp
  
• Dimensional Analysis
  http://www.beyondbooks.com/psc91/2c.asp
  

23.12.5 Evaluating Measurements: Trace the source of differences between an estimate and the calculated answer that exceeds agreed-upon standards for precision.

23.12.6 Validity of Samples: Select samples by some random system to avoid bias.

Content Standard 24.0: Laboratory Skills and Safety

Students can appropriately and safely apply the tools and techniques of scientific inquiry.

By the end of Grade 6

24.6.1 Working Safely: Use safety equipment and attire.

24.7.1 Working Safely: Use safety equipment and attire.

24.8.1 Working Safely: Use instruments and laboratory safety equipment properly.

24.8.2 Working With Chemicals: Handle and dispose of chemicals according to established standards.

24.8.3 Using Experimental Apparatus: Choose appropriate common materials for making and repairing simple mechanical constructions.

24.8.4 Recording Data: Keep an organized record of scientific investigations.

24.8.5 Writing and Following Laboratory Procedures and Problem Solving: Use appropriate technology in laboratory procedures for measuring, recording, and analyzing data (e.g., computers, graphing calculators, and probes).

24.8.6 Designing and Conducting Experiments: Design a controlled experiment.

24.12.1 Working Safely: Demonstrate personal responsibility for using safety equipment and observing all safety standards.

24.12.2 Working With Chemicals: Use the information found in materials safety data sheets to handle, store, and dispose of chemicals properly.

24.12.3 Using Experimental Apparatus: Inspect, manipulate, and describe the functions of various parts of technical and scientific equipment.

24.12.4 Recording Data: Maintain a permanent record of procedures, data, analyses, decisions, and understandings of scientific investigations.

24.12.5 Writing and Following Laboratory Procedures and Problem Solving: Write procedures for the investigation of delegated or original scientific problems.

24.12.6 Designing and Conducting Experiments: Carry out an independent scientific investigation.