North Carolina State Standards for Science: Grade 10

Currently Perma-Bound only has suggested titles for grades K-8 in the Science and Social Studies areas. We are working on expanding this.

NC.1. Biology: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify biological questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; communicate findings.

1.03. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence to: explain observations; make inferences and predictions; explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of: appropriate sample; adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

NC.2. Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.

2.01. Compare and contrast the structure and functions of the following organic molecules: carbohydrates; proteins; lipids; nucleic acids.

2.02. Investigate and describe the structure and functions of cells including: cell organelles; cell specialization; communication among cells within an organism.

2.03. Investigate and analyze the cell as a living system including: maintenance of homeostasis; movement of materials into and out of cells; energy use and release in biochemical reactions.

2.04. Investigate and describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems.

2.05. Investigate and analyze the bioenergetic reactions: aerobic Respiration; anaerobic respiration; photosynthesis.

NC.3. Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.

3.01. Analyze the molecular basis of heredity including: DNA replication; protein synthesis (transcription, translation); gene regulation.

3.02. Compare and contrast the characteristics of asexual and sexual reproduction.

3.03. Interpret and predict patterns of inheritance: dominant, recessive and intermediate traits; multiple alleles; polygenic inheritance; sex-linked traits; independent assortment; test cross; pedigrees; Punnett squares.

3.04. Assess the impact of advances in genomics on individuals and society: human genome project; applications of biotechnology.

3.05. Examine the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection including: development of the theory; the origin and history of life; fossil and biochemical evidence; mechanisms of evolution; applications (pesticide and antibiotic resistance).

NC.4. Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

4.01. Analyze the classification of organisms according to their evolutionary relationships: the historical development and changing nature of classification systems; similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms; similarities and differences among the eukaryotic kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals; classify organisms using keys.

4.02. Analyze the processes by which organisms representative of the following groups accomplish essential life functions including: unicellular protists, annelid worms, insects, amphibians, mammals, non vascular plants, gymnosperms and angiosperms; transport, excretion, respiration, regulation, nutrition, synthesis, reproduction, and growth and development.

4.03. Assess, describe and explain adaptations affecting survival and reproductive success: structural adaptations in plants and animals (form to function); disease-causing viruses and microorganisms; co-evolution.

4.04. Analyze and explain the interactive role of internal and external factors in health and disease: genetics; immune response; nutrition; parasites; soxins.

4.05. Analyze the broad patterns of animal behavior as adaptations to the environment: innate behavior; learned behavior; social behavior.

NC.5. Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.

5.01. Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems: techniques of field ecology; abiotic and biotic factors; carrying capacity.

5.02. Analyze the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in the ecosystem: relationship of the carbon cycle to photosynthesis and respiration; trophic levels - direction and efficiency of energy transfer.

5.03. Assess human population and its impact on local ecosystems and global environments: historic and potential changes in population; factors associated with those changes; climate change; resource use; sustainable practices/stewardship.

NC.1. Chemistry: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Design, conduct and analyze investigations to answer questions related to chemistry: identify questions and suggest hypotheses; identify variables; use a control when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; collect and organize data in tables, charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; explain observations; make inferences and predictions; explain the relationship between evidence and explanation; identify how scientists share findings.

1.02. Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed scientifically-literate viewpoint including considerations of: appropriate sample; adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data

1.03. Analyze experimental designs with regard to safety and use safe procedures in laboratory investigations: identify and avoid potential safety hazards given a scenario; differentiate between safe and unsafe procedures; use information from the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) to assess chemical hazards.

NC.2. Chemistry: The learner will build an understanding of the structure and properties of matter.

2.01. Analyze the historical development of the current atomic theory: early contributions: Democritus and Dalton; the discovery of the electron: Thomson and Millikan; the discovery of the nucleus, proton and neutron: Rutherford and Chadwick; the Bohr model; the quantum mechanical model.

2.02. Examine the nature of atomic structure: subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons; mass number; atomic number; isotopes.

2.03. Apply the language and symbols of chemistry: name compounds using the IUPAC conventions; write formulas of simple compounds from their names.

2.04. Identify substances using their physical properties: melting points; boiling points; density; solubility.

2.05. Analyze the basic assumptions of kinetic molecular theory and its applications: Ideal Gas Equation; Combined Gas Law; Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures.

2.06. Assess bonding in metals and ionic compounds as related to chemical and physical properties.

2.07. Assess covalent bonding in molecular compounds as related to molecular geometry and chemical and physical properties: molecular; macromolecular; hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular forces (dipole/dipole interaction, dispersion); VSEPR theory.

2.08. Assess the dynamics of physical equilibria: interpret phase diagrams; factors that affect phase changes.

NC.3. Chemistry: The learner will build an understanding of regularities in chemistry.

3.01. Analyze periodic trends in chemical properties and use the periodic table to predict properties of elements: groups (families); periods; representative elements (main group) and transition elements; electron configuration and energy levels; ionization energy; atomic and ionic radii; electronegativity.

3.02. Apply the mole concept, Avogadro's number and conversion factors to chemical calculations: particles to moles; mass to moles; volume of a gas to moles; molarity of solutions; empirical and molecular formula; percent composition.

3.03. Calculate quantitative relationships in chemical reactions (stoichiometry): moles of each species in a reaction; mass of each species in a reaction; volumes of gaseous species in a reaction.

NC.4. Chemistry: The learner will build an understanding of energy changes in chemistry.

4.01. Analyze the Bohr model in terms of electron energies in the hydrogen atom: the spectrum of electromagnetic energy; emission and absorption of electromagnetic energy as electrons change energy levels.

4.02. Analyze the law of conservation of energy, energy transformation, and various forms of energy involved in chemical and physical processes: differentiate between heat and temperature; analyze heating and cooling curves; calorimetry, heat of fusion and heat of vaporization calculations; endothermic and exothermic processes including interpretation of potential energy; diagrams (energy vs. reaction pathway), enthalpy and activation energy.

4.03. Analyze the relationship between entropy and disorder in the universe.

4.04. Analyze nuclear energy: radioactivity: characteristics of alpha, beta and gamma radiation; decay equations for alpha and beta emission; half-life; fission and fusion.

NC.5. Chemistry: The learner will develop an understanding of chemical reactions.

5.01. Identify various types of chemical reactions: single replacement; double replacement; decomposition; synthesis; combustion of hydrocarbons.

5.02. Apply the law of conservation of matter to the balancing of chemical equations.

5.03. Identify the indicators of chemical change: formation of a precipitate; evolution of a gas; color change; absorption or release of heat.

5.04. Identify the physical and chemical behaviors of acids and bases: general properties of acids and bases; concentration and dilution of acids and bases; ionization and the degree of dissociation (strengths) of acids and bases; indicators; acid-base titration; pH and pOH.

5.05. Analyze oxidation/reduction reactions with regard to the transfer of electrons: assign oxidation numbers to elements in REDOX reactions; identify the elements oxidized and reduced; write simple half reactions; assess the practical applications of oxidation and reduction reactions.

5.06. Assess the factors that affect the rates of chemical reactions: the nature of the reactants; temperature; concentration; surface area; catalyst.

NC.1. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry in the earth and environmental sciences.

1.01. Identify questions and problems in the earth and environmental sciences that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions related to earth and environmental science: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; communicate findings.

1.03. Evaluate the uses of satellite images and imaging techniques in the earth and environmental sciences.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations and environmental issues from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of: appropriate sample; adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

1.06. Identify and evaluate a range of possible solutions to earth and environmental issues at the local, national, and global level including considerations of: interdependent human and natural systems; diverse perspectives; short and long range impacts; economic development, environmental quality and sustainability; opportunities for and consequences of personal decisions; risks and benefits of technological advances.

NC.2. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of lithospheric materials, tectonic processes, and the human and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced changes in the lithosphere.

2.01. Analyze the dependence of the physical properties of minerals on the arrangement and bonding of their atoms.

2.02. Analyze the historical development of the theory of plate tectonics.

2.03. Investigate and analyze the processes responsible for the rock cycle: analyze the origin, texture and mineral composition of rocks; trace the path of elements through the rock cycle; relate rock formation to plate tectonics; identify forms of energy that drive the rock cycle; analyze the relationship between the rock cycle and processes in the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

2.04. Analyze seismic waves including velocity and refraction to: infer Earth's internal structure; locate earthquake epicenters; measure earthquake magnitude; evaluate the level of seismic activity in North Carolina.

2.05. Create and interpret topographic, soil and geologic maps using scale and legends.

2.06. Investigate and analyze the importance and impact of the economic development of earth's finite rock, mineral, soil, fossil fuel and other natural resources to society and our daily lives: availability; geographic distribution; conservation/stewardship; recycling; environmental impact; challenge of rehabilitation of disturbed lands.

2.07. Analyze the sources and impacts of society's use of energy: renewable and non-renewable sources; the impact of human choices on Earth and its systems.

NC.3. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of the origin and evolution of the earth system.

3.01. Assess evidence to interpret the order and impact of events in the geologic past: relative and absolute dating techniques; statistical models of radioactive decay; fossil evidence of past life; uniformitarianism; stratigraphic principles; divisions of geologic time; origin of the earth system; origin of life.

3.02. Evaluate the geologic history of North Carolina.

NC.4. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of the hydrosphere and its interactions and influences on the lithosphere, the atmosphere, and environmental quality.

4.01. Evaluate erosion and depositional processes: formation of stream channels with respect to the work being done by the stream (i.e. down-cutting, lateral erosion, and transportation); nature and characteristics of sediments; effects on water quality; effect of human choices on the rate of erosion.

4.02. Analyze mechanisms for generating ocean currents and upwelling: temperature; Coriolis effect; climatic influence.

4.03. Analyze the mechanisms that produce the various types of shorelines and their resultant landforms: nature of underlying geology; long and short term sea-level history; formation and breaking of waves on adjacent topography; human impact.

4.04. Evaluate water resources: storage and movement of groundwater; ecological services provided by the ocean; environmental impacts of a growing human population; causes of natural and manmade contamination.

4.05. Investigate and analyze environmental issues and solutions for North Carolina's river basins, wetlands, and tidal environments: water quality; shoreline changes; habitat preservation.

NC.5. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of the dynamics and composition of the atmosphere and its local and global processes influencing climate and air quality.

5.01. Analyze air masses and the life cycle of weather systems: planetary wind belts; air masses; frontal systems; cyclonic systems.

5.02. Evaluate meteorological observing, analysis, and prediction: worldwide observing systems; meteorological data depiction.

5.03. Analyze global atmospheric changes including changes in CO2, CH4, and stratospheric O3 and the consequences of these changes: climate change; changes in weather patterns; increasing ultraviolet radiation; sea level changes.

NC.6. Earth/Environmental Science: The learner will acquire an understanding of the earth in the solar system and its position in the universe.

6.01. Analyze the theories of the formation of the universe and solar system.

6.02. Analyze planetary motion and the physical laws that explain that motion: rotation; revolution; apparent diurnal motions of the stars, sun and moon; effects of the tilt of the earth's axis.

6.03. Examine the sources of stellar energies: fife cycle of stars; Hertzsprung - Russell Diagram.

6.04. Assess the spectra generated by stars and our sun as indicators of motion and composition (the Doppler effect).

6.05. Evaluate astronomers' use of various technologies to extend their senses: optical telescopes; cameras; radio telescopes; spectroscope.

NC.1. Physical Science: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions about the physical world: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; communicate findings.

1.03. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence to: explain observations; make inferences and predictions; explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of: appropriate sample; adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

NC.2. Physical Science: The learner will construct an understanding of forces and motion.

2.01. Measure and mathematically/graphically analyze motion: frame of reference (all motion is relative - there is no motionless frame); uniform motion; acceleration.

2.02. Investigate and analyze forces as interactions that can change motion: in the absence of a force, an object in motion will remain in motion or an object at rest will remain at rest until acted on by an unbalanced force; change in motion of an object (acceleration) is directly proportional to the unbalanced outside force and inversely proportional to the mass; whenever one object exerts a force on another, an equal and opposite force is exerted by the second on the first.

NC.3. Physical Science: The learner will analyze energy and its conservation.

3.01. Investigate and analyze storage of energy: kinetic energy; potential energies: gravitational, chemical, electrical, elastic, nuclear; thermal energy.

3.02. Investigate and analyze transfer of energy by work: force; distance.

3.03. Investigate and analyze transfer of energy by heating: thermal energy flows from a higher to a lower temperature; energy will not spontaneously flow from a lower temperature to a higher temperature; it is impossible to build a machine that does nothing but convert thermal energy into useful work.

3.04. Investigate and analyze the transfer of energy by waves: general characteristics of waves: amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, velocity of propagation; mechanical waves; sound waves; electromagnetic waves (radiation).

NC.4. Physical Science: The learner will construct an understanding of electricity and magnetism.

4.01. Investigate and analyze the nature of static electricity and the conservation of electrical charge: positive and negative charges; opposite charges attract and like charges repel; analyze the electrical charging of objects due to the transfer of charge.

4.02. Investigate and analyze direct current electrical circuits: Ohm's law; series circuits; parallel circuits.

4.03. Investigate and analyze magnetism and the practical applications of the characteristics of magnets: permanent magnets; electromagnetism; movement of electrical charges.

NC.5. Physical Science: The learner will build an understanding of the structure and properties of matter.

5.01. Develop an understanding of how scientific processes have led to the current atomic theory: Dalton's atomic theory; J.J. Thomson's model of the atom; Rutherford's gold foil experiment; Bohr's planetary model; Electron cloud model.

5.02. Examine the nature of atomic structure: protons; neutrons; electrons; atomic mass; atomic number; isotopes.

5.03. Identify substances through the investigation of physical properties: density; melting point; boiling point.

NC.6. Physical Science: The learner will build an understanding of regularities in chemistry.

6.01. Analyze the periodic trends in the physical and chemical properties of elements: groups (families); periods.

6.02. Investigate and analyze the formation and nomenclature of simple inorganic compounds: ionic bonds (including oxidation numbers); covalent bonds; cetallic bonds.

6.03. Identify the reactants and products of chemical reactions and balance simple equations of various types: single replacement; double replacement; decomposition; synthesis.

6.04. Measure and analyze the indicators of chemical change including: development of a gas; formation of a precipitate; release/absorption of energy (heat or light).

6.05. Investigate and analyze the properties and composition of solutions: solubility curves; concentration; polarity; pH scale; electrical conductivity.

6.06. Describe and explain radioactivity and its practical application as an alternative energy source: alpha, beta, and gamma decay; fission; fusion; nuclear waste.

NC.1. Physics: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations of physical phenomena from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of: adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

NC.2. Physics: The learner will build an understanding of linear motion.

2.01. Analyze velocity as a rate of change of position: average velocity; instantaneous velocity.

2.02. Compare and contrast as scalar and vector quantities: speed and velocity; distance and displacement.

2.03. Analyze acceleration as rate of change in velocity.

2.04. Using graphical and mathematical tools, design and conduct investigations of linear motion and the relationships among: position; average velocity; instantaneous velocity; acceleration; time.

NC.3. Physics: The learner will build an understanding of two dimensional motion including circular motion.

3.01. Analyze and evaluate projectile motion in a defined frame of reference.

3.02. Design and conduct investigations of two-dimensional motion of objects.

3.03. Analyze and evaluate independence of the vector components of projectile motion.

3.04. Evaluate, measure, and analyze circular motion.

3.05. Analyze and evaluate the nature of centripetal forces.

3.06. Investigate, evaluate and analyze the relationship among: centripetal force; centripetal acceleration; mass; velocity; radius.

NC.4. Physics: The learner will develop an understanding of forces and Newton's Laws of Motion.

4.01. Determine that an object will continue in its state of motion unless acted upon by a net outside force (Newton's First Law of Motion, The Law of Inertia).

4.02. Assess, measure and calculate the conditions required to maintain a body in a state of static equilibrium.

4.03. Assess, measure, and calculate the relationship among the force acting on a body, the mass of the body, and the nature of the acceleration produced (Newton's Second Law of Motion).

4.04. Analyze and mathematically describe forces as interactions between bodies (Newton's Third Law of Motion).

4.05. Assess the independence of the vector components of forces.

4.06. Investigate, measure, and analyze the nature and magnitude of frictional forces.

4.07. Assess and calculate the nature and magnitude of gravitational forces (Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation).

NC.5. Physics: The learner will build an understanding of impulse and momentum.

5.01. Assess the vector nature of momentum and its relation to the mass and velocity of an object.

5.02. Compare and contrast impulse and momentum.

5.03. Analyze the factors required to produce a change in momentum.

5.04. Analyze one-dimensional interactions between objects and recognize that the total momentum is conserved in both collision and recoil situations.

5.05. Assess real world applications of the impulse and momentum, including but not limited to, sports and transportation.

NC.6. Physics: The learner will develop an understanding of energy as the ability to cause change.

6.01. Investigate and analyze energy storage and transfer mechanisms: gravitational potential energy; elastic potential energy; thermal energy; kinetic energy.

6.02. Analyze, evaluate, and apply the principle of conservation of energy.

6.03. Analyze, evaluate, and measure the transfer of energy by a force: work; power.

6.04. Design and conduct investigations of: mechanical energy; power.

NC.7. Physics: The learner will develop an understanding of wave motion and the wave nature of sound and light.

7.01. Analyze, investigate, and evaluate the relationship among the characteristics of waves: wavelength; frequency; period; amplitude.

7.02. Describe the behavior of waves in various media.

7.03. Analyze the behavior of waves at boundaries between media: reflection, including the Law of Reflection; refraction, including Snell's Law.

7.04. Analyze the relationship between the phenomena of interference and the principle of superposition.

7.05. Analyze the frequency and wavelength of sound produced by a moving source (the Doppler Effect).

NC.8. Physics: The learner will build an understanding of static electricity and direct current electrical circuits.

8.01. Analyze the nature of electrical charges: investigate the electrical charging of objects due to transfer of charge; investigate the conservation of electric charge; analyze the relationship among force, charge and distance summarized in Coulomb's law.

8.02. Analyze and measure the relationship among potential difference, current, and resistance in a direct current circuit.

8.03. Analyze and measure the relationship among current, voltage, and resistance in circuits: series; parallel; series-parallel combinations.

8.04. Analyze and measure the nature of power in an electrical circuit.

NC.1. AP Biology: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and create hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions: identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; communicate findings.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

NC.2. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of cells as the structural and functional units of life.

2.01. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: relationship to each other; evolution.

2.02. Analyze cellular membranes: structure and function; variations; investigate mechanisms of transport; recommended laboratory - Diffusion and Osmosis

2.03. Examine sub cellular organization: describe the structure of cell organelles; relate structure to function; identify factors that limit cell size; interpret function of organelles in cellular processes.

2.04. Analyze the continuity and diversity provided by the cell cycle: mechanisms of mitosis and cytokinesis; regulation; possible aberrations.

2.05. Examine past and present research on cells, their structure and function.

NC.3. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding that cellular processes are based on physical and chemical changes.

3.01. Analyze the chemical and physical properties of water.

3.02. Examine the structure and function of organic molecules: role of carbon in molecular diversity; synthesis and breakdown of macromolecules (including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).

3.03. Analyze free energy changes in biochemical processes: relate to laws of thermodynamics; examine process participants.

3.04. Describe the structure and function of enzymes: regulation by enzymes of chemical reactions; dependence of specificity to structure; regulation of enzymes; recommended laboratory - Enzyme Catalysts.

3.05. Analyze bioenergetic reactions: compare and contrast; fermentation; cellular respiration; photosynthesis; examine the purpose, interactions, and adaptations of bioenergetic reactions; recommended laboratories - Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis, Cell Respiration.

3.06. Examine past and present research on biochemistry and cellular processes.

NC.4. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the basis of heredity and the role of molecular genetics.

4.01. Analyze meiosis and gametogenesis: analyze heredity; compare and contrast gametogenesis in plants and animals; recommended laboratory - Mitosis and Meiosis.

4.02. Assess the organization of eukaryotic chromosomes: assess contribution of continuity; assess contribution of variability; recommended laboratory - Genetics of Organisms.

4.03. Interpret and use the principal patterns of inheritance.

4.04. Compare and contrast the structure and function of RNA and DNA: investigate replication and the complimentary nature of DNA; examine transcription; examine translation; explore the role of amino acids; analyze energy requirements; compare structure as it relates to function; analyze genomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

4.05. Assess gene regulation and the mechanisms by which it occurs.

4.06. Analyze the ways in which mutations can occur and the possibility of genetic variation.

4.07. Investigate viruses: examine structure; analyze steps of replication; assess ability to transfer genetic information between cells; explore current applications and research.

4.08. Examine current nucleic acid technology and its applications: analyze recombinant technology; examine practical applications in medicine, forensics, agriculture, and environmental issues; assess legal and ethical issues that may arise; recommended Laboratory - Molecular Biology.

4.09. Examine past and present research on heredity and molecular genetics: explore the work of Mendel; explore the work of Watson and Crick.

NC.5. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of biological evolution.

5.01. Examine the evidence that supports an evolutionary view of life.

5.02. Recognize the implications of chemical evolution and its impact on the origin of life.

5.03. Analyze current models for the early evolution of life: biological macromolecules; prokaryotic cells; eukaryotic cells.

5.04. Analyze the mechanisms of evolution, their role, results and implications: identification of patterns and the responsible mechanisms; analyze heredity and its link to natural selection; examine speciation; examine macroevolution; recommended laboratory - Population Genetics and Evolution.

5.05. Investigate the contributions of early researchers, (e.g. Pasteur and Darwin) and their impact on the current view of evolutionary biology.

NC.6. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

6.01. Analyze evolutionary patterns: examine DNA analysis; examine biochemical analysis; examine morphological research.

6.02. Survey the diversity of life: use keys to identify organisms; examine representative organisms.

6.03. Analyze and apply current phylogenetic classification including: domains; kingdoms; major Phyla and divisions of animals and plants.

6.04. Analyze evolutionary relationships: investigate evidence; explore research methods; analyze use of research.

6.05. Examine the structure and function of plants and animals: analyze reproduction, growth, and development: patterns; adaptations (e.g. alternation of generations); regulation as by hormones; recommended laboratory - Transpiration; analyze structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations; cell level; tissue level; organ level; interactions between levels of organization; Recommended laboratories - Physiology of the Circulatory System, Animal Behavior; identify responses to the environment.

6.06. Examine past and present research on the unity and diversity of life.

NC.7. AP Biology: The learner will develop an understanding of basic ecological principles.

7.01. Analyze population dynamics: examine models to describe growth; explore affects of abiotic and biotic factors; analyze the impact of population changes.

7.02. Examine the actions and interactions of communities and ecosystems: analyze energy flow; examine trophic structure; investigate water and element cycling; assess affects of abiotic and biotic factors; analyze relationships with in communities and ecosystems; Recommended laboratory - Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Production.

7.03. Assess current global issues: analyze affects of human population; analyze affects of technology; examine causes; assess consequences.

7.04. Examine past and present research on ecological principles.

NC.1. AP Chemistry: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.02. Analyze reports of scientific investigations: appropriate sample; adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; consideration of alternative interpretations of the data.

1.03. Analyze experimental designs with regard to safety: identify potential safety hazards given a scenario; differentiate between safe and unsafe procedures; use information from the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) to assess chemical hazards.

NC.2. AP Chemistry: The learner will develop an understanding of the composition and properties of matter.

2.01. Analyze the structure of matter at the atomic level: evidence for the atomic theory; atomic masses; determination by chemical and physical means; atomic number and mass number; isotopes; electron energy levels: atomic spectra, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals; periodic relationships including, for example, atomic radii, ionization energies, electron affinities, oxidation states.

2.02. Examine the types of chemical bonds and the nature of each: types: ionic, covalent, metallic, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals (including London dispersion forces); relationships to states, structure, and properties of matter; polarity of bonds, electronegativities.

2.03. Analyze conceptual models of bonding and molecular shape and the relation to chemical and physical properties of matter: Lewis structures; VSEPR; valence bond: hybridization of orbitals, resonance, sigma and pi bonds; geometry of molecules and ions, structural isomerism of simple organic. molecules and coordination complexes; dipole moments of molecules; relation of properties to structure.

2.04. Assess the impact of nuclear chemistry: nuclear decay equations; half-life and radioactivity; chemical applications.

NC.3. AP Chemistry: The learner will build an understanding of the states of matter and the connection to chemical and physical properties.

3.01. Examine the relationships between pressure, volume and temperature of ideal gases: laws of ideal gases: Boyle's, Charles'; the ideal gas equation; partial pressures and Dalton's Law.

3.02. Analyze kinetic-molecular theory: interpretation of ideal gas laws on the basis of this theory; Avogadro's hypothesis and the mole concept; dependence of kinetic energy of molecules on temperature; deviations from ideal gas laws.

3.03. Assess the nature of liquids and solids: liquids and solids from the kinetic-molecular viewpoint; phase diagrams of one-component systems; changes of state, including critical points and triple points; structure of solids; lattice energies.

3.04. Examine the nature of solutions: types of solutions and factors affecting solubility; methods of expressing concentration (The use of normalities is not tested.); Raoult's law and colligative properties (nonvolatile solutes); osmosis; non-ideal behavior (qualitative aspects).

NC.4. AP Chemistry: The learner will develop an understanding of chemical reactions.

4.01. Analyze the various types of common chemical reactions: acid-base reactions; concepts of Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, and Lewis; coordination complexes; amphoterism; precipitation reactions; oxidation-reduction reactions; oxidation number; the role of the electron in oxidation-reduction; electrochemistry: electrolytic and galvanic cells; Faraday's laws; standard half-cell potentials; Nernst equation; prediction of the direction redox reactions.

4.02. Apply the principles of stoichiometry: ionic and molecular species present in chemical systems: net ionic equations; balancing of equations including those for redox reactions; mass and volume relations with emphasis on the mole concept, including empirical formulas and limiting reactants.

4.03. Analyze systems in dynamic equilibrium: concept of dynamic equilibrium, both physical and chemical; Le Chatelier's principle; equilibrium constants; quantitative treatment for gaseous reactions using Kp and Kc; quantitative treatment for reactions in solution Kc; quantitative treatment of for acids and bases; using Ka and Kb, pKa and pKb and pH; quantitative treatment for precipitation reactions and the dissolution of slightly soluble compounds using the solubility product constant, Ksp; common ion effect; buffers; hydrolysis.

4.04. Analyze chemical kinetics: concept of rate of reaction; use of differential rate laws to determine order of reaction and rate constant from experimental data; effect of temperature change on rates; energy of activation; the role of catalysts; the relationship between the rate-determining step and a mechanism.

4.05. Analyze chemical thermodynamics: state functions; first law: change in enthalpy; heat of formation; heat of reaction; Hess's law; heats of vaporization and fusion; calorimetry; second law: entropy; free energy of formation; free energy of reaction; dependence of change in free energy on enthalpy and entropy changes; relationship of change in free energy to equilibrium constants and electrode potentials.

NC.5. AP Chemistry: The learner will build a knowledge of descriptive chemistry

5.01. Examine chemical reactivity and predict the products of chemical reactions.

5.02. Analyze the relationships in the periodic table: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal with examples from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and the first series of transition elements.

5.03. Explore organic chemistry on an introductory level: hydrocarbons and functional groups (structure, nomenclature, chemical properties); physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds should also be included as exemplary material for the study of other areas such as bonding, equilibria involving weak acids, kinetics, colligative properties, and stoichiometric determinations of empirical and molecular formulas.

NC.1. AP Environmental Science: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions about the world: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; observe and measure real phenomena; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; communicate findings.

1.03. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence to: explain observations; make inferences and predictions from data and observations; explain the relationship between evidence and explanation; communicate results, including suggested ways to improve experiments and proposed questions for further study.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulation materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations of phenomena from an informed scientifically literate viewpoints including considerations of: adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

NC.2. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of the interdependence of Earth's systems.

2.01. Analyze the flow of energy. forms and quality of energy; Laws of Thermodynamics; energy units and measurements; sources and sinks, conversions.

2.02. Investigate the cycling of matter: water; carbon; nitrogen; phosphorus; sulfur.

2.03. Investigate the solid Earth: Earth history and the geologic time scale; influences of plate tectonics on evolution and biodiversity; volcanism; the rock cycle; soil formation.

2.04. Investigate the atmosphere: atmospheric history: origin and evolution; composition; structure; atmospheric dynamics: weather and climate.

2.05. Investigate the biosphere: organisms: adaptations to their environment; populations and communities: exponential growth and carrying capacity; ecosystems and change: biomass, energy transfer, succession; evolution of life: natural selection, extinction; biomes: global distribution

NC.3. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of human population dynamics.

3.01. Analyze human population history and global distribution: demographics; age structure diagrams; survivorship curves; patterns of resource distribution.

3.02. Investigate local, regional and global carrying capacities: limiting factors; density-dependent and density-independent factors.

3.03. Analyze cultural and economic influences on population: pronatalist factors; antinatalist factors; demographic transition.

NC.4. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of the distribution, ownership, use and degradation of renewable and nonrenewable resources.

4.01. Analyze sources and uses of freshwater and oceans: renewal rates; agricultural, industrial and domestic water uses; increasing water supplies: Dams and desalination; fisheries and aquaculture; water management and conservation.

4.02. Analyze local, regional and global mineral resources: mining types; processing and environmental effects; mining Laws.

4.03. Analyze local, regional and global soil aspects: soil composition and profiles; soil characteristics; soil types; erosion and conservation .

4.04. Analyze biological resources: benefits of biodiversity; threats to biodiversity; endangered species management; nutrition and food supplies; green revolution.

4.05. Analyze and compare conventional and alternative energy sources: coal; natural gas; oil; nuclear power; solar energy; biomass; energy from the Earth's forces: Wind, Water, Geothermal, Tidal; energy conservation; identify facility parts (Coal, Nuclear); monthly/annual costs.

4.06. Analyze land types and uses: residential and commercial, land use planning; agricultural and forestry; recreational and wilderness; ecotourism, Parks and preserves.

NC.5. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of air, water and soil quality.

5.01. Analyze the sources of major pollutants: EPA Criteria Pollutants; indoor air pollutants; thermal pollution; pesticides; acid deposition; units and measurements; point and nonpoint sources.

5.02. Investigate the effects of pollutants on: aquatic systems (eutrophication); vegetation; natural features, buildings and structures; wildlife.

5.03. Analyze and investigate pollution reduction, remediation and control measures: legislation; historical examples and global case studies; waste water treatment plant.

5.04. Analyze and investigate local, regional and global issues concerning solid waste: types, sources and amounts; disposal methods and environmental effects; decreasing waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle.

5.05. Analyze impacts on human health: infectious disease; chemical agents; radiation; toxicology: LD50, acute and chronic effects; risk assessment.

NC.6. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of global changes and their consequences.

6.01. Investigate human effects and consequences on the atmosphere: stratospheric ozone: chemistry, historical aspects and legislation; greenhouse gases and global warming.

6.02. Investigate effects and consequences on the oceans: sea level changes; El Nino; surface temperatures and currents.

6.03. Investigate effects and consequences on biota: habitat fragmentation and destruction; introduced species; overharvesting.

NC.7. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of environmental decision making.

7.01. Analyze economic forces affecting societies: supply demand curves; cost benefit analysis; marginal, internal and external costs; communal property resources, Tragedy of the Commons; economic resource categories.

7.02. Analyze cultural and ethical considerations regarding the environment: environmental worldviews; indigenous peoples; sustainable development.

7.03. Recognize significance of major environmental laws and regulations: regional, national and international: Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; Endangered Species Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Control Act; Kyoto Protocol; Lacey Act; Mining Act; Montreal Protocol; National Environmental Policy Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Wilderness Act.

7.04. Develop an awareness of environmental options: conservation; preservation; restoration; remediation; mitigation.

NC.8. AP Environmental Science: The learner will build an understanding of Earth in the Solar System and its position in the universe.

8.01. Analyze the formation of the solar system.

8.02. Analyze planetary motion and the physical laws that explain motion: rotation; revolution; apparent diurnal motion of the sun and stars; tilt of Earth's axis; parallelism of the Earth's axis.

8.03. Evaluate astronomers' use of various instruments to extend their senses: optical telescopes; radio telescopes; spectroscopes; cameras.

8.04. Assess the current scientific theories of the origin of the universe.

8.05. Examine the sources of stellar energies.

8.06. Assess the spectra generated by stars and our sun as indicators of motion: Doppler effect; red and blue shifts.

8.07. Evaluate Hubble's Law and the concept of the ever-expanding universe.

8.08. Evaluate the life cycle of stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (H-R Diagram).

NC.1. AP Physics B: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions about the physical world: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; observe and measure real phenomena; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; determine uncertainties in measurements; communicate findings.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations of physical phenomena from an informed scientifically literate viewpoints including considerations of: adequacy of experimental controls; replication of findings; alternative interpretations of the data.

NC.2. AP Physics B: The learner will build an understanding of Newtonian mechanics

2.01. Analyze and evaluate a particle using kinematics (movement in one, two, and circular dimensions): motion in one dimensions; relate position, velocity, and acceleration of a particle for motion; motion in two dimensions; addition and subtraction of displacement and velocity vectors; visual, graphical, mathematical expressions of the motion of a projectile in a uniform gravitational field; relate a particles radius, speed, velocity, and acceleration in uniform circular motion.

2.02. Investigate, measure, and analyze Newton's laws of motion: static equilibrium (first law); dynamics of a single particle (second law); systems of two or more bodies (third law) - velocity with constant force and average force - force diagram; normal and frictional forces; action and reaction forces and two or more bodies (third law); tension.

2.03. Examine and calculate work, energy and power: work and work-energy theorem; conservative forces and potential energy; conservation of energy; power.

2.04. Analyze and evaluate systems of particles and linear momentum: impulse and momentum; conservation of linear momentum and collisions.

2.05. Evaluate and analyze circular motion and rotation: uniform circular motion; torque and rotational statics.

2.06. Investigate and analyze oscillations and gravitation: simple harmonic motion (dynamics and energy relationships); mass on a spring; pendulum and other oscillations; Newton's law of gravity; circular orbits of planets and satellites.

NC.3. AP Physics B: The learner will build an understanding of fluid mechanics and thermal physics.

3.01. Examine and evaluate fluid mechanics: hydrostatic pressure; buoyancy; fluid flow continuity; Bernoulli's principle.

3.02. Evaluate and investigate temperature and heat: mechanical equivalent of heat; heat transfer and thermal expansion.

3.03. Examine and evaluate kinetic theory and thermodynamics: ideal gases-kinetic model and ideal gas law; laws of thermodynamics-first law (including processes on PV diagrams) and second law (including heat engines).

NC.4. AP Physics B: The learner will build an understanding of electricity and magnetism.

4.01. Study and analyze electrostatics: charge, field, and potential; Coulomb's law and field and potential of point charges; planar fields and potentials of other charge distributions.

4.02. Evaluate and analyze conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics: electrostatics with conductors; parallel plate capacitors.

4.03. Analyze and investigate electric circuits: current, resistance, and power; steady-state direct current circuits with batteries and resistors only; steady-state capacitors in circuits.

4.04. Study and evaluate magnetostatics: forces on moving charges in magnetic fields; forces on current-carrying wires in magnetic fields; fields of long current-carrying wires.

4.05. Measure and analyze electromagnetism: electromagnetic induction (including Faraday's law and Lenz's law).

NC.5. AP Physics B: The learner will build an understanding of waves and optics.

5.01. Study and evaluate wave motion: properties of traveling waves; properties of standing waves; Doppler effect; superposition.

5.02. Evaluate and analyze physical optics: interference and diffraction; dispersion of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.

5.03. Investigate and analyze geometric optics: reflection and refraction; mirrors; lenses.

NC.6. AP Physics B: The learner will build an understanding of atomic and nuclear physics.

6.01. Analyze and evaluate atomic physics and quantum effects: photons and the photoelectric effects; atomic energy levels; wave-particle duality.

6.02. Evaluate, measure, and analyze nuclear physics: nuclear reactions (including conservation of mass number and charge); mass-energy equivalence.

NC.1. AP Physics C: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

1.01. Identify questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.02. Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions about the physical world: create testable hypotheses; identify variables; use a control or comparison group when appropriate; select and use appropriate measurement tools; observe and measure real phenomena; collect and record data; organize data into charts and graphs; analyze and interpret data; determine uncertainties in measurements; communicate findings.

1.04. Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize and avoid potential hazards; safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.

NC.2. AP Physics C: The learner will build an understanding of electrostatics.

2.01. Analyze and evaluate electric field: calculate force, net force and torque on a charge or collection of charges in a specific field; calculate and sketch equipotentials for a configuration; use integration to determine electric potential; utilize the conservation of electric field to solve problems.

2.02. Calculate and analyze Coulomb's law, field, and potential of point charges: define magnitude and direction of a force and electric field on a charge; calculate electric potential near one or more charges; compute the force and electric field between charges; determine the work necessary to move charges and potential energy of the system.

2.03. Evaluate and analyze fields and potentials of other charge distributions. Using the principle of superposition and integration, calculate electric field for a wire and ring; electric potential for a disk. Determine the electric field of charged plates; uniformly charged wire; thin cylindrical shell. Determine the mathematical expression for various situation of electric potential.

2.04. State and apply Gauss's law: determine the flux of electric field through an arbitrary surface; use the integral form of Gauss's Law to determine electric flux and charge; use Gauss's Law to find charge density on a surface; graph electric field to find maxima and minima.

NC.3. AP Physics C: The learner will build an understanding of conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics.

3.01. Examine and analyze electrostatics with conductors: describe and sketch the features of electric fields in and outside of a conductor; describe the charge density on a conductor; explain charging by induction and how charges are brought near a conductor; clarify qualitatively the electric field region.

3.02. Identify and evaluate capacitors and dielectric: define capacitance with stored charge and voltage; recognize energy storage in relation to voltage, charge, and energy; relate voltage, charge, and stored energy in a capacitor; analyze capacitance and energy of a parallel plate; define the electric field and capacitance in spherical and cylindrical objects; explain how a dielectric affects the capacitance field strength and voltage.

NC.4. AP Physics C: The learner will build an understanding of electric circuits.

4.01. Measure and analyze the current, resistance, and power in electric circuits: relate current and voltage for a resistor; qualitatively describe what happens in terms of electric field strength, current density, and drift electron velocity in a conductor; explain and calculate how cross-sectional area, length, and material affect the resistance of a resistor; explain the rate of how heat is dissipated.

4.02. Examine and analyze steady-state direct current circuits with batteries and resistors: define and relate current, resistance, and voltage; identify series and parallel wiring in a circuit; determine voltage, current, resistance, and power across series, parallel, and combination circuits; draw a diagram of a series-parallel circuit using conventional symbols; calculate terminal voltage and internal resistance for a known battery; identify and calculate the current, voltage and resistance using Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's rules; identify the properties and connections of an ammeter and voltmeter.

4.03. Evaluate and analyze capacitors in circuits: explain the capacitance for capacitors in parallel and series circuits; identify and examine energy storage in a capacitor; explain the charge and voltage for capacitors in parallel and series circuits; graph and mathematically express the discharging of a capacitor over time; calculate and graph voltage and currents over time in a circuit.

NC.5. AP Physics C: The learner will build an understanding of magnetostatics.

5.01. Derive and analyze the force on a charge in a magnetic field: calculate charge, force, velocity, and magnetic field; explain why work cannot be performed by a magnetic field; explain the motion of charged particle in a magnetic field.

5.02. Analyze the force on a current-carrying wire in magnetic fields: relate the magnitude and direction of charge, velocity, magnetic field, and force on a moving charges and current-carrying wire in a magnetic field; analyze the torque on a rectangular loop of wire in a magnetic field.

5.03. Examine the magnetic fields of long current-carrying wires: analyze the magnetic fields of long current-carrying wires; calculate the forces between long current-carrying wires.

5.04. Apply and use Biot-Savart and Ampere's law: articulate and utilize Ampere's Law in the integral form to relate current to magnetic field strength; analyze magnetic field for a long straight wire, solid cylinder, and hollow cylinder using law of superposition.

NC.6. AP Physics C: The learner will build an understanding of electromagnetism.

6.01. Evaluate and analyze electromagnetic induction using Faraday's law and Lenz's law: calculate the flux of a uniform magnetic field; calculate the magnetic flux of a nonuniform magnetic field using integration; identify the magnitude and direction of the induced emf and current in a uniform magnetic field for specific and general cases; develop the skills necessary to solve basic problems with electromagnetic induction.

6.02. Formulate and examine inductance (including LR and LC circuits): calculate the magnitude and emf for an inductor through which a specified changing current is flowing; apply self-inductance for a long solenoid; develop the skills necessary to solve basic circuits with resistors and inductors.

6.03. Explain Maxwell's equations in integral form and discuss their implications.

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