Structure of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept B)

Structure of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept B)
All living things are composed of cells. Cells range from very simple to very complex and have structures which perform functions for the organism. Cells and structures can be damaged or fail
because of intrinsic failures or disease.
By the end of the grade band, students know and are able to do By the end of grade band, students know and are able to do By the end of grade band, students know and are able to do
By the end of the grade band:
everything required in earlier grades and: everything required in earlier grades and: everything required in earlier grades and:
Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12
Students understand that living things are Students understand that all life forms, at all
Students understand that living things have
L.12.B
Students understand that living things have composed of cells, which are specialized in levels of organization, use specialized
L.2.B
L.5.B
L.8.B
specialized structures that perform a variety
identifiable characteristics. multicellular organisms to perform a variety structure and similar processes to meet
of life functions.
of life functions. life’s needs.
Students know all organisms are composed of
L.8.B.1
cells, which are the fundamental units of life.
E/S
Students know cells grow, divide, and take in
L.8.B.2
Students know plants and animals have
L.12.B.1
nutrients which they use to provide energy for
L.5.B.1
Students know cell structures and their
structures that enable them to grow, reproduce, cell functions. E/S functions. E/S
and survive. E/S
Cells
Students know some organisms are made of
L.8.B.3
just one cell and that multicellular organisms
L.2.B.1
Students know humans and other animals use can consist of thousands to millions of cells
their senses to know their world. E/S working together. E/S
Students know cells combine to form tissues Students know the human body has a
L.12.B.2
L.8.B.4
that combine to form organs and organ systems specialized anatomy and physiology composed
that are specialized to perform life functions. of an hierarchical arrangement of differentiated
E/S cells. E/S
L.5.B.2
Students know living things have predictable life

cycles. E/S
Students know disease can result from defects
Disease
L.12.B.3
L.8.B.5
Students know disease disrupts the equilibrium
in body systems or from damage caused by
that exists in a healthy organism. E/S
infection. E/S
Life Science 1 6/3/05

Organisms and Their Environment (Life Science Unifying Concept C)
A variety of ecosystems and communities exist on Earth. Ecosystems are dynamic interactions of organisms and their environment. Ecosystems have distinct characteristics and components
that allow certain organisms to thrive. Change in one or more components can affect the entire ecosystem.
Students understand that ecosystems

Students understand that there is a variety display patterns of organization, change,
L.12.C
Students understand that living things live Students understand how living and non-
L.2.C
L.5.C
L.8.C
of ecosystems on Earth and organisms and stability as a result of the interactions
in different places. living components of ecosystems interact.
interact within their ecosystems. and interdependencies among the living and
non-living components of the Earth.
L.2.C.1
L.5.C.1
Students know plants and animals need certain Students know the organization of simple food
Students know how matter and energy are
L.8.C.1
Cycles
resources for energy and growth. E/S webs. E/S
transferred through food webs in an ecosystem.
E/S
Students know organisms interact with each
L.12.C.1
L.5.C.2
Students know relationships of organisms and

other and with the non-living parts of their
L.8.C.2
Students know how to characterize organisms their physical environment E/S
ecosystem. E/S
in any ecosystem by their functions. E/S
L.2.C.2
Students know a habitat includes food, water,

shelter and space. E/S Students know changes to an environment can
L.5.C.3
L.8.C.3
Students will evaluate how changes in
be beneficial or detrimental to different
environments can be beneficial or harmful. E/S
organisms. E/S
Students know how changes in an ecosystem
L.12.C.2
can affect biodiversity and biodiversity’s
contribution to an ecosystem’s stability. E/S
Ecosystems
Students know all organisms, including
L.5.C.4
humans, can cause changes in their

environments. E/S Students know the amount of living matter an
Students know inter-related factors affect the
L.12.C.3
L.2.C.3
L.8.C.4
Students know living things are found almost environment can support is limited by the
number and type of organisms an ecosystem
everywhere in the world. E/S availability of matter, energy, and the ability of
can support. E/S
the ecosystem to recycle materials. E/S
Students know plants and animals have Students know the unique geologic, hydrologic,
L.12.C.4
L.5.C.5
adaptations allowing them to survive in specific climatic, and biological characteristics of

ecosystems. E/S Nevada’s bioregions. E/S

Diversity of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept D)
Evidence suggests that living things change over periods of time. These changes can be attributed to genetic and/or environmental influences. This process of change over time is called
biological evolution. The diversity of life on Earth is classified using objective characteristics. Scientific classification uses a hierarchy of groups and subgroups based on similarities that
reflect evolutionary relationships.
Students understand that living things can Students understand that life forms change
L.12.D
Students understand that there are many Students understand biological evolution
L.2.D
L.5.D
L.8.D
be classified according to physical over time, contributing to the variety of
kinds of living things on Earth. and diversity of life.
characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. organisms found on the Earth.
Students know species can be identified and
L.12.D.1
L.2.D.1
L.8.D.1
Students know organisms can be classified
classified based upon their characteristics.
based on evolutionary relationships. E/S
(8.8.6) E/S
Evolution
Students know plants and animals can be Students know animals and plants can be
L.5.D.1
sorted by observable characteristics and classified according to their observable

behaviors. E/S characteristics. E/S Students know similarity of DNA sequences
L.12.D.2
gives evidence of relationships between
organisms. E/S
Students know the fossil record gives evidence
L.12.D.3
for natural selection and its evolutionary
Students know fossils provide evidence of how consequences. E/S
L.5.D.2
L.8.D.2
Students know fossils are evidence of past life.
life and environmental conditions have changed
E/S
throughout geologic time. E/S
L.12.D.4
Natural Selection
Students know the extinction of species can be
a natural process. E/S
L.2.D.2
Students know some plants and animals are

extinct. E/S
L.12.D.5
Students know biological evolution explains
Students know differences among individuals diversity of life. E/S
Students know an organism’s behavior is based
L.5.D.3
L.8.D.3
within a species give them advantages and/or
on both experience and on the species’
disadvantages in surviving and reproducing.
evolutionary history. E/S
L.12.D.6
E/S Students know the concepts of natural and
artificial selection. E/S

Scientific Inquiry (Nature of Science Unifying Concept A)
Scientific inquiry is the process by which humans systematically examine the natural world. Scientific inquiry is a human endeavor and involves observation, reasoning, insight, energy, skill,
and creativity. Scientific inquiry is used to formulate and test explanations of nature through observation, experiments, and theoretical or mathematical models. Scientific explanations and
evidence are constantly reviewed and examined by others. Questioning, response to criticism and open communication are integral to the process of science.
K-2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students understand that science involves Students understand that scientific
Students understand that science is an Students understand that a variety of
N.12.A
asking and answering questions and knowledge requires critical consideration of
N.2.A
N.5.A
N.8.A
active process of systematically examining communication methods can be used to
comparing the answers to what scientists verifiable evidence obtained from inquiry
the natural world. share scientific information.
know about the world. and appropriate investigations.
Students know scientific progress is made by
N.5.A.1
conducting careful investigations, recording
Using Data
data, and communicating the results in an Students know how to identify and critically Students know tables, charts, illustrations and
N.12.A.1
N.8.A.1
accurate method. E/S evaluate information in data, tables, and graphs can be used in making arguments and
Students know how to compare the results of graphs. E/S claims in oral and written presentations. E/S
N.5.A.2
their experiments to what scientists already
know about the world. I/L
Record-keeping
Students know how to make observations and
N.2.A.1
give descriptions using words, numbers, and Students know scientists maintain a permanent
Students know how to critically evaluate
N.12.A.2
N.8.A.3
N.8.A.2
drawings. E/S Students know how to draw conclusions from record of procedures, data, analyses, decisions,
information to distinguish between fact and
scientific evidence. E/S and understandings of scientific investigations.
opinion. E/S
I/S
Accuracy
Students know graphic representations of Students know repeated experimentation allows
N.12.A.3
N.5.A.4
N.8.A.3
Students know different explanations can be
recorded data can be used to make predictions. for statistical analysis and unbiased
given for the same evidence. E/S
E/S conclusions. E/S
N.8.A.4
Students know how to design and conduct a
Experimentation
controlled experiment. E/L
Students know how to safely conduct an
N.12.A.4
N.2.A.2
N.5.A.5
Students know tools can be used safely to Students know how to plan and conduct a safe
Safe
Students know how to use appropriate original scientific investigation using the
gather data and extend the senses. I/L and simple investigation. E/S
N.8.A.5
technology and laboratory procedures safely for appropriate tools and technology. E/L
observing, measuring, recording, and analyzing
data. E/L
Students know scientific inquiry includes
Students know models are tools for learning evaluating results of scientific investigations, Students know models and modeling can be
N.12.A.5
N.5.A.6
N.8.A.6
about the things they are meant to resemble. experiments, observations, theoretical and used to identify and predict cause-effect
I/S mathematical models, and explanations relationships. I/S
Models
N.2.A.3
Students know observable patterns can be

proposed by other scientists. E/S
used to predict future events or sort items. E/S
Students know organizational schema can be
N.12.A.6
N.5.A.7
N.8.A.7
Students know observable patterns can be Students know there are multiple methods for
used to represent and describe relationships of
used to organize items and ideas. E/S organizing items and information. E/S
sets. E/S
Nature of Science 1 6/3/05

Science, Technology, and Society (Nature of Science Unifying Concept B)
Technology defines a society or era. It can shape the environment in which people live, and it has increasingly become a larger part of people’s lives. While many of technology’s effects on
society are regarded as desirable, other effects are seen as less desirable. These concepts are shared across subject areas such as science, math, technology, social studies and language arts.
The development and use of technology affects society and the environment in which we live, and, at the same time, society influences the development of technology and its impact on culture.

Students understand that many people,
Students understand the interactions of Students understand the impacts of science
N.12.B
Students understand that many people from all cultures and levels of ability,
N.2.B
N.5.B
N.8.B
science and society in an ever-changing and technology in terms of costs and
contribute to the field of science. contribute to the fields of science and
world. benefits to society.
technology.
Risks and
Students know that, throughout history, people Students know science, technology, and society
Benefits
N.12.B.1
N.5.B.1
of diverse cultures have provided scientific influenced one another in both positive and
knowledge and technologies. E/S Students understand that consequences of negative ways. E/S
technologies can cause resource depletion and
N.2.B.1
N.8.B.1
Students know science engages men and environmental degradation, but technology can
women of all ages and backgrounds. E/S also increase resource availability, mitigate Students know consumption patterns,
N.12.B.2
environmental degradation, and make new conservation efforts, and cultural or social
Ethical Behavior
N.5.B.2
Students know technologies impact society, resources economical. practices in countries have varying
both positively and negatively. E/S environmental impacts. E/S
N.12.B.3
Students know the influence of ethics on
scientific enterprise. E/S
Students know scientific knowledge is revised

Students know that, in science, it is helpful to
N.2.B.2
N.5.B.3
N.8.B.2
Students know the benefits of working with a through a process of incorporating new
Collaboration
work in a team and share findings with others.
team and sharing findings. E/L evidence gained through on-going investigation
N.12.B.4
E/L Students know scientific knowledge builds on
and collaborative discussion. E/S
previous information. E/S
Nature of Science 1 6/3/05

Matter (Physical Science Unifying Concept A)
Matter has various states with unique properties that can be used as a basis for organization. The relationship between the properties of matter and its structure is an essential component of
study in the physical sciences. The understanding of matter and its properties leads to practical applications, such as the capability to liberate elements from ore, create new drugs, manipulate
the structure of genes and synthesize polymers.

Students understand that atomic structure
P.12.A
Students understand that matter has Students understand properties of objects Students understand the properties and
P.2.A
P.5.A
P.8.A
explains the properties and behavior of
observable properties. and materials. changes of properties in matter.
matter.
Students know matter exists in different states

P.2.A.1
P.5.A.1
Students know matter can exist as solids and as
(i.e., solid, liquid, gas) which have distinct Students know different molecular
liquids. E/S Students know particles are arranged differently
P.12.A.1
P.8.A.1
physical properties. E/S arrangements and motions account for the
in solids, liquids, and gases of the same
Properties of Matter
different physical properties of solids, liquids,
substance. E/S
Students know some properties of materials can Students know heating or cooling can change and gases. E/S
P.2.A.2
P.5.A.2
be changed by heating, freezing, mixing, some common materials, such as water, from
cutting, or bending. E/S one state to another. E/S
Students know elements can be arranged in the Students know elements in the periodic table
P.12.A.2
P.8.A.2
periodic table which shows repeating patterns are arranged into groups and periods by
Students know materials can be classified by that group elements with similar properties. E/S repeating patterns and relationships. E/S
Students know matter can be categorized by
P.2.A.3
P.5.A.3
their observable physical and chemical

observable properties, such as color, size,
properties (e.g., magnetism, conductivity,
shape, and weight. E/S
density, and solubility). E/S
P.12.A.3
Students know identifiable properties can be
used to separate mixtures. E/S
Students know methods for separating mixtures
P.8.A.3
based on the properties of the components.
P.12.A.4
E/S Students know atoms bond with one another by
transferring or sharing electrons. E/S
Mixtures and Compounds

Students know that, by combining two or more Students know chemical reactions can take
P.5.A.4
P.12.A.5
materials, the properties of that material can be place at different rates, depending on a variety
different from the original materials. E/S of factors (i.e. temperature, concentration,
Students know atoms often combine to form surface area, and agitation). E/S
P.8.A.4
molecules, and that compounds form when two

or more different kinds of atoms chemically
P.12.A.6
bond. E/S Students know chemical reactions either
release or absorb energy. E/S
Students know that, in chemical reactions,

Students know the mass of a material remains
P.12.A.7
P.2.A.4
P.5.A.5
P.8.A.5
Students know different objects are made of Students know mass is conserved in physical elements combine in predictable ratios, and the
constant whether it is together, in parts, or in a
many different types of materials. E/S and chemical changes. E/S numbers of atoms of each element do not
different state. E/S
change. I/S
Students know most elements have two or more
P.12.A.8
P.8.A.6
Students know matter is made up of tiny

isotopes, some of which have practical
particles called atoms. E/S
applications. I/S
Atomic Structure
P.8.A.7
Students know the characteristics of electrons,

Students know materials are composed of parts
P.5.A.6
protons, and neutrons. E/S

that are too small to be seen without
Students know the number of electrons in an
P.12.A.9
magnification. E/S
atom determines whether the atom is
Students know substances containing only one
electrically neutral or an ion. I/S
P.8.A.8
kind of atom are elements which cannot be

broken into smaller pieces by normal laboratory
processes. E/S
Physical Science 1 6/3/05
Forces and Motion (Physical Science Unifying Concept B)
The laws of motion are used to describe the effects of forces on the movement of objects.

Students understand that position and
P.12.B
Students understand that position and Students understand that forces can change Students understand the interactions
P.2.B
P.5.B
P.8.B
motion of an object result from the net effect
motion of objects can be described. the position and motion of an object. between force and motion.
of the different forces acting on it.
Students know that, when an unbalanced force
P.5.B.1
is applied to an object, the object either speeds
up, slows down, or goes in a different direction.
Students know the position and motion of an
P.2.B.1
E/S
object can be changed by pushing or pulling.
E/S
Students know laws of motion can be used to
P.12.B.1
Motion
P.8.B.1
Students know the effects of balanced and
determine the effects of forces on the motion of
unbalanced forces on an object's motion. E/S
objects. E/S
Students know how the strength of a force and
P.5.B.2 mass of an object influence the amount of
Students know things move in many different
change in an object’s motion. E/S
P.2.B.2
ways and at different speeds (e.g., straight line,

zigzag, vibration, circular motion, fast/slow).
E/S
Students know a magnetic force causes certain Students know magnetic forces and electric
P.12.B.2
P.5.B.3
kinds of objects to attract and repel each other. forces can be thought of as different aspects of
E/S electromagnetic force. I/S
Students know electric currents can produce
P.2.B.3
P.8.B.2
Students know magnets can be used to make
magnetic forces and magnets can cause
some things move without being touched. E/S
electric currents. E/S
Students know electrically charged particles Students know the strength of the electric force
P.12.B.3
P.5.B.4
can attract or repel other electrically-charged between two objects increases with charge and
Forces
material (eg., static electricity). E/S decreases with distance. I/S
Students know every object exerts gravitational

Students know the strength of the gravitational
P.12.B.4
P.2.B.4
P.5.B.5
P.8.B.3
Students know things fall to the ground unless Students know Earth's gravity pulls any object force on every other object, and the magnitude
force between two objects increases with mass
something holds them up. E/S toward it without touching it. E/S of this force depends on the mass of the objects
and decreases rapidly with distance. I/S
and their distance from one another. I/S

Energy (Physical Science Unifying Concept C)
The total energy of the universe is constant. All events involve the transfer of energy in one form or another. In all energy transfers, the overall effect is that the energy is spread out uniformly.
P.12.C
Students know heat, light, and sound can be Students understand that energy exists in Students understand that there are
P.2.C
P.5.C
P.8.C
Students understand transfer of energy.
produced. different forms. interactions between matter and energy.
Students know light can be described in terms
P.5.C.1
P.8.C.1
Students know visible light is a narrow band
of simple properties (e.g., color, brightness,
within the electromagnetic spectrum. I/S
reflection). I/S
Students know waves (I.e. sound, seismic,
P.12.C.1
Waves
electromagnetic) have energy that can be
Students know vibrations (e.g., sounds, transferred when the waves interact with
earthquakes) move at different speeds in matter. E/S
P.2.C.1
P.5.C.2
P.8.C.2
Students know sound is produced by vibrating Students know the wave characteristics of
different materials, have different wavelengths,
objects. I/L sound. E/S
and set up wave-like disturbances that spread
away from the source uniformly. E/S
P.12.C.2
Students know energy forms can be converted.
E/S
P.8.C.3
Students know physical, chemical, and nuclear
Students know heat is often produced as a changes involve a transfer of energy. E/S
Forms and Uses of Energy

Students know nuclear reactions convert a
P.12.C.3
byproduct when one form of energy is
P.5.C.3
converted to another form (e.g., when machines relatively small amount of material into a large
and living organisms convert stored energy to amount of energy. I/S
P.2.C.2
Students know objects can be described as hot motion). E/S Students know energy cannot be created or
P.12.C.4
P.8.C.4
or cold relative to another object. I/L destroyed, in a chemical or physical reaction, Students know characteristics, applications and
but only changed from one form to another. impacts of radioactivity. E/S
E/S
Students know heat can move from one object Students know heat energy flows from warmer
P.12.C.5
P.5.C.4
P.8.C.5
Students know the relationship between heat
to another by conduction, and some materials materials or regions to cooler ones through
and temperature. I/S
conduct heat better than others. E/S conduction, convection, and radiation. E/S
Students know the organization of a simple Students know electrical circuits provide a
Electricity
Students know electricity is transferred from
P.12.C.6
P.5.C.5
P.8.C.6
electrical circuit (i.e., battery or generator, wire, means of transferring electrical energy to
generating sources for consumption and
a complete loop through which the electrical produce heat, light, sound, and chemical
practical uses. I/S
current can pass). I/L changes. I/S

Atmospheric Processes and the Water Cycle (Earth and Space Science Unifying Concept A)
Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy, both of which create heat. Driven by sunlight and Earth's internal heat, a variety of cycles connect and continually circulate energy
and material through the components of the earth systems.
Students understand that changes in Students understand the relationship Students understand heat and energy
E.12.A
Students understand the water cycle's
E.2.A
E.5.A
E.8.A
weather often involve water changing from between the Earth's atmosphere, transfer in and out of the atmosphere and
relationship to weather.
one state to another. topography, weather and climate. influence weather and climate.
Students know seasons are caused by

E.2.A.1
E.5.A.1
E.8.A.1
Students know the Sun is a source of heat and Students know the Sun is the main source of variations in the amounts of the Sun’s energy
light. E/S energy for planet Earth. E/S reaching Earth’s surface due to the planet’s
axial tilt. E/S
Sun's Energy
E.5.A.2
E.8.A.2
Students know the processes of the water Students know how the processes involved in Students know the Sun is the major source of
E.12.A.1
cycle, including the role of the Sun. E/S the water cycle affect climatic patterns. E/S Earth’s energy, and provides the energy driving
Earth’s weather and climate. E/S
Students know the properties that make water

E.5.A.3
E.8.A.3
Students know most of Earth’s surface is
an essential component of the earth system.
Students know water on Earth can be a liquid covered with fresh or salt water. W/L
E.2.A.2
E/S
(rain) or a solid (snow and ice), and can go
back and forth from one form to the other. E/S
Students know the composition of Earth’s
E.12.A.2
Students understand the composition of Earth’s atmosphere has changed in the past and is
E.8.A.4
Students know the role of water in many atmosphere, emphasizing the role of the changing today. I/S
E.5.A.4
phenomena related to weather (e.g., atmosphere in Earth’s weather and climate. I/S
thunderstorms, snowstorms, flooding, drought).
E.12.A.3
E/S Students understand the role of the atmosphere
in Earth’s greenhouse effect. E/S
Weather
E.8.A.5
Students know the difference between local
Students know convection and radiation play
E.12.A.4
weather and regional climate. I/S
E.2.A.3
Students know weather changes from day to

important roles in moving heat energy in the
day and seasonally. I/S
Students know air is a substance that Earth system. E/S
E.5.A.5
surrounds us, takes up space, and moves

around us as wind. I/S Students know topography and patterns of
Students know weather can be described by
E.12.A.5
E.2.A.4
E.8.A.6 global and local atmospheric movement Students know Earth’s rotation affects winds
measurable quantities such as temperature,
influence local weather which occurs primarily and ocean currents. I/S
wind direction and speed, and precipitation. I/L
in the lower atmosphere. E/S
Earth and Space 1 6/3/05

Solar System and Universe (Earth and Space Science Unifying Concept B)
The universe is a dynamic system of matter and energy. The universe is extremely large and massive with its components separated by vast distances. Tools of technology will continue to aid
in the investigation of the components, origins, processes and age of the universe. Earth is one part in our solar system, which is within the Milky Way galaxy. The Sun is the energy-producing
star for our solar system. Most objects in our solar system are in predictable motion, resulting in phenomena such as day/night, year, phases of the moon, tides, and eclipses.
Students understand that there are many Students understand characteristics of our
E.12.B
Students understand there are objects in the Students know scientific theories of origins
E.2.B
E.5.B
E.8.B
components in the solar system including solar system that is part of the Milky Way
sky, which display patterns. and evolution of the universe.
Earth. galaxy.
Students know the universe contains many
E.12.B.1
E.8.B.1
Students know common characteristics of stars.
billions of galaxies, and each galaxy contains
I/S
many billions of stars. W/L
Students know there are more stars than
E.5.B.1
anyone can easily count, but they are not
Components of the Universe

scattered evenly, and they are not all the same Students know stars are powered by nuclear
Students know the solar system includes a
E.12.B.2
in brightness or color. W/L
E.8.B.2
fusion of lighter elements into heavier elements,
great variety of planetary moons, asteroids, and
which results in the release of large amounts of
comets. I/S
energy. I/S
E.8.B.3
Students know characteristics of the planets in
our solar system. I/S
E.12.B.3
E.5.B.2
Students know the solar system includes the Students know ways in which technology has
Students know objects in the sky display Sun, planets, and moons. E/S increased understanding of the universe. I/S
E.2.B.1
E.8.B.4
patterns in how they look, where they are Students know Earth is part of a solar system
located, and how they move. I/S located within the Milky Way Galaxy. E/S
Students know the Sun is many thousands of
E.8.B.5
times closer to Earth than any other star, and
E.12.B.4
Formation of Universe
billions of times closer than the far end of the Students know the on-going processes involved
Milky Way Galaxy. W/L in star formation and destruction. W/L
Students know stars are like the Sun, but they
E.5.B.3
are so far away that they look like points of

light. W/L
Students know the Sun is a medium-sized star
E.8.B.6
located in the Milky Way Galaxy, part of which
E.12.B.5
can be seen as a glowing band of light Students know scientific evidence suggest that
spanning the clear night sky. W/L the universe is expanding. I/S
Students know the Sun rises every day, and

E.2.B.2
E.5.B.4
the Moon can rise during the day and/or the Students know there are cyclical patterns of
night. E/S observable objects in the solar system. I/S
Celestial Motion
Students know regular and predictable motions E.8.B.7: Students know regular and predictable
E.2.B.3
Students know the Sun and Moon appear to of Earth around the Sun and the Moon around motions of Earth around the Sun and the Moon
E.8.B.7
move across the sky. I/L the Earth explain such phenomena as the day, around the Earth explain such phenomena as
Students know the patterns of stars in the sky the year, phases of the Moon, and eclipses. the day, the year, phases of the Moon, and
stay the same (e.g., the constellations),
E.5.B.5
E/S eclipses. E/S

although they appear to move across the sky
E.2.B.4
Students know the Moon appears to change nightly, and different stars can be seen in
shape over the course of a month. I/L different seasons. (14.5.2) W/S

Earth's Composition and Structure (Earth and Space Science Unifying Concept C)
Earth is composed of materials that move through the biogeochemical cycles. Earth’s features are shaped by ongoing and dynamic processes. These processes can be constructive or
destructive and occur over geologic time scales.
Students understand that features on the Students understand that landforms result Students understand evidence for
E.12.C
Students understand that Earth materials
E.2.C
E.5.C
E.8.C
Earth's surface are constantly changed by a from a combination of constructive and processes that take place on a geologic time
include rocks, soils, and water.
combination of slow and rapid processes. destructive processes. scale.
E.5.C.1
Students know fossils are evidence of past life. Students know sedimentary rocks and fossils
E.8.C.1
E/S provide evidence for changing environments
and the constancy of geologic processes. E/S
Students know water, wind, and ice constantly
Geologic Processes
E.5.C.2
change the Earth's land surface by eroding rock
Students know rocks at Earth’s surface Students know how successive rock strata and
and soil in some places and depositing them in
E.8.C.2
weather, forming sediments that are buried, fossils can be used to confirm the age, history,
E.12.C.1
other areas. E/S
then compacted, heated and often and changing life forms of the Earth, including
recrystallized into new rock. E/S how this evidence is affected by the folding,
breaking, and uplifting of layers. E/S
Students know Earth is composed of a crust
E.8.C.3
Students know Earth is composed of different (both continental and oceanic); hot convecting
E.2.C.1
kinds of materials (e.g. rocks, soils, and water) mantle; and dense, a metallic core. E/S
E/S
Students know landforms may result from slow Students understand the concept of plate
Tectonics
E.5.C.3
E.12.C.2
processes (e.g. erosion and deposition) and
E.8.C.4
Students know the very slow movement of large tectonics including the evidence that supports it
Plate
fast processes (e.g. volcanoes, earthquakes, crustal plates result in geological events. E/S (structural, geophysical and paleontological
landslides, flood, and human activity). E/S evidence). E/S
E.8.C.5
Students know how geologic processes
account for state and regional topography. E/S
Earth's Composition and Resources

Students know elements exist in fixed amounts
E.12.C.3
and move through solid earth, oceans,
Students know minerals have different atmosphere and living things as part of
E.8.C.6
propoerties and different distributions according biogeochemical cycles. E/S
E.2.C.2
E.5.C.4
Students know rocks come in many sizes and Students know rock is composed of different to how they form. E/S
shapes, with various textures and colors. E/S combinations of minerals. E/S
Students know the characteristics, abundances, Student know processes of obtaining, using,
E.12.C.4
E.8.C.7
and location of renewable and nonrenewable and recycling of renewable and non-renewable
resources found in Nevada. E/S resources. E/S
Students know soils have properties, such as
Students know soil varies from place to place Students know soil, derived from weathered
E.12.C.5
E.2.C.3
E.5.C.5
E.8.C.8
Students know soils have different colors or color, texture, and water retention, and provide
and has both biological and mineral rocks and decomposed organic material, is
textures depending on their composition. E/S nutrients for life according to how they form.
components. E/S found in layers. E/S
E/S

Heredity (Life Science Unifying Concept A)
Heredity is the genetic passing of a set of instructions from generation to generation. These instructions are encoded as DNA and may manifest themselves as characteristics. Some
characteristics are inherited, and some result from interactions with the environment.
Students understand that some Students understand how genetic
L.12.A
Students understand that offspring Students understand the role of genetic
L.2.A
L.5.A
L.8.A
characteristics are inherited and some are information is passed from one generation
resemble their parents. information in the continuation of a species.
not. to another.
Students know heredity is the passage of Students know genetic information passed from
L.12.A.1
L.8.A.1
genetic instructions from one generation to the parents to offspring is coded in the DNA
Students know some physical characteristics
L.5.A.1
next generation. E/S molecule. E/S
and behaviors that are inherited in animals and
plants. E/S
L.2.A.1
Students know animals and plants have

offspring that are similar to their parents. E/S
Students know DNA molecules provide
L.12.A.2
instructions for assembling protein molecules.
DNA
Students know reproduction is an essential
L.5.A.2
E/S
characteristic for the continuation of every Students know changes in genes of eggs and
L.8.A.2
species. E/S sperm can cause changes in inherited
characteristics. E/S
Students know that, while offspring resemble Students know all body cells in an organism
L.12.A.3
L.5.A.3
their parents and each other, they also exhibit develop from a single cell and contain
differences in characteristics. E/S essentially identical genetic instructions. E/S
Students know differences exist among
L.8.A.3
Students know how to observe and describe Students know organisms can be bred for
L.2.A.2
L.12.A.4
L.5.A.4
individuals of the same kind of plant or animal. Students know several causes and effects of
variations among individuals within the human specific characteristics. I/L
E/S somatic versus sex cell mutations. E/S
population. E/S
Predicting
Students know some characteristics of an
L.12.A.5
L.5.A.5
L.8.A.4
Students know some animal behaviors are organism are the result of a combination of Students know how to predict patterns of
learned. E/S interaction with the environment and genetic inheritance. E/S
information. E/S

Structure of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept B)

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Structure of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept B)

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Structure of Life (Life Science Unifying Concept B)

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know all organisms are composed of

Students know living things have predictable life

Life Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students understand that ecosystems

Students know organisms interact with each

Students know relationships of organisms and

Students know a habitat includes food, water,

humans, can cause changes in their

adaptations allowing them to survive in specific climatic, and biological characteristics of

Life Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know species can be identified and

sorted by observable characteristics and classified according to their observable

Students know the fossil record gives evidence

Students know some plants and animals are

Life Science 1 6/3/05

K-2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know observable patterns can be

Nature of Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know scientific knowledge is revised

Nature of Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know matter exists in different states

their observable physical and chemical

Mixtures and Compounds

molecules, and that compounds form when two

Students know that, in chemical reactions,

Students know most elements have two or more

Students know matter is made up of tiny

Students know the characteristics of electrons,

protons, and neutrons. E/S

kind of atom are elements which cannot be

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know that, when an unbalanced force

ways and at different speeds (e.g., straight line,

Students know every object exerts gravitational

Physical Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know light can be described in terms

Forms and Uses of Energy

Physical Science 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know seasons are caused by

Students know the properties that make water

Students know weather changes from day to

surrounds us, takes up space, and moves

Earth and Space 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know the universe contains many

Components of the Universe

Students know the Sun is many thousands of

are so far away that they look like points of

located in the Milky Way Galaxy, part of which

Students know the Sun rises every day, and

E/S eclipses. E/S

Earth and Space 1 6/3/05

Grades K - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 9 - 12

Students know Earth is composed of a crust