Connecticut State Standards for Science: Grade 11

CT.SI. Scientific Inquiry: Scientific inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain and predict natural phenomena. Scientific inquiry progresses through a continuous process of questioning, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Scientific inquiry requires the sharing of findings and ideas for critical review by colleagues and other scientists.

D.INQ.1. Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.

D.INQ.2. Read, interpret and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information.

D.INQ.3. Formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis and the design of the experiment.

D.INQ.4. Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.

D.INQ.5. Identify independent and dependent variables, including those that are kept constant and those used as controls.

D.INQ.6. Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.

D.INQ.7. Assess the reliability of the data that was generated in the investigation.

D.INQ.8. Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data, and present relationships between variables in appropriate forms.

D.INQ.9. Articulate conclusions and explanations based on research data, and assess results based on the design of the investigation.

D.INQ.10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.

CT.SL. Scientific Literacy: Scientific literacy includes the ability to read, write, discuss and present coherent ideas about science. Scientific literacy also includes the ability to search for and assess the relevance and credibility of scientific information found in various print and electronic media.

D.INQ.1. Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.

D.INQ.2. Read, interpret and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information.

D.INQ.3. Formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis and the design of the experiment.

D.INQ.4. Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.

D.INQ.5. Identify independent and dependent variables, including those that are kept constant and those used as controls.

D.INQ.6. Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.

D.INQ.7. Assess the reliability of the data that was generated in the investigation.

D.INQ.8. Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data, and present relationships between variables in appropriate forms.

D.INQ.9. Articulate conclusions and explanations based on research data, and assess results based on the design of the investigation.

D.INQ.10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.

CT.SN. Scientific Numeracy: Scientific numeracy includes the ability to use mathematical operations and procedures to calculate, analyze and present scientific data and ideas.

D.INQ.1. Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.

D.INQ.2. Read, interpret and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information.

D.INQ.3. Formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis and the design of the experiment.

D.INQ.4. Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.

D.INQ.5. Identify independent and dependent variables, including those that are kept constant and those used as controls.

D.INQ.6. Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.

D.INQ.7. Assess the reliability of the data that was generated in the investigation.

D.INQ.8. Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data, and present relationships between variables in appropriate forms.

D.INQ.9. Articulate conclusions and explanations based on research data, and assess results based on the design of the investigation.

D.INQ.10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.

CT.10.1. Cell Chemistry and Biotechnology: Fundamental life processes depend on the physical structure and the chemical activities of the cell.

D.27. Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic structure of plant and animal cells.

D.28. Describe the general role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis.

D.29. Describe the general role of enzymes in metabolic cell processes.

D.30. Explain the role of the cell membrane in supporting cell functions.

CT.10.2. Cell Chemistry and Biotechnology: Science and Technology in Society: Microorganisms have an essential role in life processes and cycles on Earth.

D.31. Describe the similarities and differences between bacteria and viruses.

D.32. Describe how bacterial and viral infectious diseases are transmitted, and explain the roles of sanitation, vaccination and antibiotic medications in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

D.33. Explain how bacteria and yeasts are used to produce foods for human consumption.

CT.10.3. Cell Chemistry and Biotechnology: Science and Technology in Society: Similarities in the chemical and structural properties of DNA in all living organisms allow the transfer of genes from one organism to another.

D.34. Describe, in general terms, how the genetic information of organisms can be altered to make them produce new materials.

D.35. Explain the risks and benefits of altering the genetic composition and cell products of existing organisms.

CT.10.4. Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity: Heredity and Evolution: In sexually reproducing organisms, each offspring contains a mix of characteristics inherited from both parents.

D.36. Explain how meiosis contributes to the genetic variability of organisms.

D.37. Use the Punnet Square technique to predict the distribution of traits in mono- and di-hybrid crossings.

D.38. Deduce the probable mode of inheritance of traits (e.g., recessive/dominant, sex-linked) from pedigree diagrams showing phenotypes.

D.39. Describe the difference between genetic disorders and infectious diseases.

CT.10.5. Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity: Evolution and biodiversity are the result of genetic changes that occur over time in constantly changing environments.

D.40. Explain how the processes of genetic mutation and natural selection are related to the evolution of species.

D.41. Explain how the current theory of evolution provides a scientific explanation for fossil records of ancient life forms.

D.42. Describe how structural and behavioral adaptations increase the chances for organisms to survive in their environments.

CT.10.6. Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity: Science and Technology in Society: Living organisms have the capability of producing populations of unlimited size, but the environment can support only a limited number of individuals from each species.

D.43. Describe the factors that affect the carrying capacity of the environment.

D.44. Explain how change in population density is affected by emigration, immigration, birth rate and death rate, and relate these factors to the exponential growth of human populations.

D.45. Explain how technological advances have affected the size and growth rate of human populations throughout history.