Nebraska State Standards for Science: Grade 9

NE.CM.1. Coordination with Mathematics: Science requires the use of mathematics in the collection and treatment of data and in the reasoning used to develop concepts, laws, and theories. The mathematics that students should understand and use in the study of science are listed below.

CM.1.1. Develop ability to use realistic applications and modeling in trigonometry.

CM.1.2. Understand connections within a problem situation, its model as a function in symbolic form, and the graph of that function.

CM.1.3. Use functions that are constructed as models of real-world problems.

CM.1.4. Know how to use statistics and probability.

NE.12.1. Unifying Concepts and Processes: Unifying concepts and processes help students think about and integrate a range of basic ideas which builds an understanding of the natural world.

12.1.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of systems, order, and organization.

12.1.1.a. Predict and evaluate how change within a system affects that system.

12.1.1.b. Design solutions to problems identified within a system.

12.1.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.

12.1.2.a. Create a physical, mental, or mathematical model to show how objects and processes are connected.

12.1.2.b. Test the usefulness of a model by comparing its predictions to actual observations.

12.1.2.c. Understand that the way data are displayed affects interpretation.

12.1.2.d. Evaluate the reasonableness of answers to problems.

12.1.2.e. Understand that larger well-chosen samples produce more accurate estimates of the characteristics of the total population.

12.1.2.f. Understand that a correlation between two variables doesn't mean that either one causes the other.

12.1.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of change, constancy, and measurement.

12.1.3.a. Use powers of ten to represent large and small numbers

12.1.3.b. Compare data for two groups by using averages and ranges of values.

12.1.3.c. Understand that measurement errors may affect results of calculations.

12.1.3.d. Describe rate of change by comparing one measured quantity to another measured quantity.

12.1.3.e. Investigate and describe how different characteristics, properties, or relationships within a system change as their dimensions increase or decrease.

12.1.4. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of form and function.

12.1.4.a. Explain function by referring to form and explain form by referring to function.

12.1.5. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of change over a period of time.

12.1.5.a. Identify the series of changes that occur in objects, organisms, and natural and human designed systems.

12.1.5.b. Explain how a system at equilibrium is affected by change.

NE.12.2. Science as Inquiry: Science as inquiry requires students to combine processes and scientific knowledge with scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.

12.2.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

12.2.1.a. Formulate questions and identify concepts that guide scientific investigations.

12.2.1.b. Design and conduct scientific investigations.

12.2.1.c. Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications.

12.2.1.d. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence.

12.2.1.e. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.

12.2.1.f. Communicate and defend a scientific argument.

NE.12.3. Physical Science: Physical science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.

12.3.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the structure of the atom.

12.3.1.a. Investigate and describe the structure of atoms, focusing on properties of subatomic particles.

12.3.1.b. Investigate and explain the types of nuclear reactions.

12.3.1.c. Investigate and describe the effect of electrical and nuclear forces which hold atoms together.

12.3.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the structure and properties of matter.

12.3.2.a. Investigate and understand that atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons.

12.3.2.b. Investigate and explain the periodic table of elements in terms of repeating patterns of physical and chemical properties.

12.3.2.c. Investigate and describe how the structure of an atom determines the chemical properties of an element.

12.3.2.d. Investigate and explain how the interactions among the molecules of a compound determine its physical and chemical properties.

12.3.2.e. Investigate and use changes in energy to explain the differences among the states of matter.

12.3.2.f. Investigate and describe the bonding of carbon atoms in chains and rings to produce compounds essential to life.

12.3.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of chemical reactions.

12.3.3.a. Investigate and describe common chemical reactions.

12.3.3.b. Investigate and describe the change of energy as a result of chemical reactions.

12.3.3.c. Investigate and describe how electrons are involved in bond formation during chemical reactions.

12.3.3.d. Investigate and describe the factors influencing the rates of chemical reactions, including catalysts.

12.3.4. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of motions and forces.

12.3.4.a. Investigate and understand the effect of forces on the motion of objects.

12.3.4.b. Investigate and understand gravity as an attractive force that each mass exerts on any other mass.

12.3.4.c. Investigate and understand electrical force as a force that exists between any two charged objects.

12.3.4.d. Investigate and describe an electric field a magnetic field, and the interaction between them.

12.3.5. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the conservation of energy and increase in disorder.

12.3.5.a. Understand that the total energy in the universe is constant and can never be destroyed.

12.3.5.b. Investigate and distinguish between kinetic energy and potential energy.

12.3.5.c. Investigate and describe heat transfer in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation.

12.3.5.d. Investigate and give examples of how systems tend to become more disorderly over time.

12.3.6. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the interactions of energy and matter.

12.3.6.a. Investigate and understand that all waves possess and transfer energy.

12.3.6.b. Understand that electromagnetic waves result when a charged object accelerates.

12.3.6.c. Investigate and illustrate how wavelength and frequency of waves are inversely related.

12.3.6.d. Investigate and understand that the energy of waves can be changed into other forms of energy, just as other forms of energy can be transformed into wave energy.

12.3.6.e. Investigate and understand that atoms or molecules can be identified by spectral analysis.

12.3.6.f. Investigate and describe how the composition and temperature of a material affects electron flow.

NE.12.4. Life Science: Life science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.

12.4.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the cell.

12.4.1.a. Investigate and describe the form and function of subcellular structures that regulate cell activities.

12.4.1.b. Investigate and describe cell functions (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration, cell division).

12.4.1.c. Investigate and understand that complex multicellular organisms are formed as highly organized arrangements of differentiated cells.

12.4.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the molecular basis of heredity.

12.4.2.a. Investigate and describe how DNA carries the genetic code.

12.4.2.b. Investigate and understand that genetic variation occurs when genetic information is transmitted during sexual reproduction.

12.4.2.c. Investigate and explain how some mutations could help, harm or have no effect on individual organisms.

12.4.2.d. Investigate and explain how mutations in sex cells, but not in body cells, could be passed on to offspring.

12.4.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the theory of biological evolution.

12.4.3.a. Understand that the concept of biological evolution is a theory which explains the consequence of the interactions of: (1) the potential for a species to increase its numbers; (2) the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes; (3) a finite supply of the resources of life; and (4) the ensuing selection by the environment of those offspring better able to survive and leave offspring.

12.4.3.b. Investigate and use the theory of biological evolution to explain diversity of life.

12.4.3.c. Investigate whether natural selection provides a scientific explanation of the fossil record and the molecular similarities among the diverse species of living organisms.

12.4.3.d. Investigate and use biological classifications based on similarities.

12.4.4. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the interdependence of organisms.

12.4.4.a. Investigate and understand that atoms and molecules cycle among living and nonliving components of the biosphere.

12.4.4.b. Investigate and describe the flow of energy through ecosystems, in one direction, from producers to herbivores to carnivores and decomposers.

12.4.4.c. Investigate and cite examples of organisms cooperating and competing in ecosystems.

12.4.4.d. Investigate and understand that interactions among organisms are affected by the conflict between an organism's capacity to produce infinite populations and the finite amount of resources.

12.4.4.e. Investigate and describe how humans modify the ecosystem as a result of population growth, technology, and consumption.

12.4.5. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of matter, energy, and organization in living systems.

12.4.5.a. Investigate and understand that living systems require a constant input of energy to maintain their chemical and physical organization.

12.4.5.b. Investigate and understand that producers use solar energy to combine molecules of carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds.

12.4.5.c. Investigate and explain how distribution and abundance of different organisms in ecosystems are limited by the availability of matter and energy and the ability of the ecosystem to recycle materials.

12.4.6. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms.

12.4.6.a. Investigate and describe how nervous systems function in multicellular animals.

12.4.6.b. Investigate and describe how organisms respond to internal changes and external stimuli.

12.4.6.c. Investigate and explain how the behavioral patterns of organisms have evolved through natural selection.

12.4.6.d. Investigate and understand that behavioral biology relates to humans since it provides links to psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

NE.12.5. Earth and Space Science: Earth and space science focuses on the science facts, concepts, principles, theories, and models that are important for all students to know, understand, and use.

12.5.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of energy in the earth system.

12.5.1.a. Investigate and distinguish between internal sources of energy (e.g., radioactive decay and gravitational energy) and external sources of energy (e.g., the sun), and explaining how both provide energy to the earth systems.

12.5.1.b. Investigate and explain how the outward transfer of earth's internal heat drives convection in the mantle that propels the plates comprising the earth's surface.

12.5.1.c. Investigate and explain how global climate is determined by energy transfer from the sun and is influenced by dynamic processes (e.g., cloud formation and the earth's rotation) and static conditions (e.g., the position of mountain ranges and oceans).

12.5.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of geochemical cycles.

12.5.2.a. Investigate and diagram how elements and compounds on earth move among reservoirs in the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms as part of geochemical cycles.

12.5.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop a scientific understanding of the origin of the earth system.

12.5.3.a. Contrast the early earth with the planet we live on today.

12.5.3.b. Investigate and estimate geologic time by observing rock sequences and using fossils to correlate the sequences at various locations.

12.5.3.c. Predict when rocks were formed by using known decay rates of radioactive isotopes in rocks.

12.5.3.d. Investigate and relate how the interactions among the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms affect the ongoing evolution of the earth.

12.5.4. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop a scientific understanding of the origin of the universe.

12.5.4.a. Describe and analyze various theories on the origin of the universe.

12.5.4.b. Describe various theories on the formation of galaxies.

12.5.4.c. Describe the life cycle of a star.

NE.12.6. Science and Technology: An understanding of science and technology establishes connections between the natural and designed world, linking science to technology.

12.6.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of technological design.

12.6.1.a. Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions of a problem.

12.6.1.b. Implement the selected solution.

12.6.1.c. Evaluate the solution and its consequences.

12.6.1.d. Communicate the problem, process, and solution.

12.6.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding about science and technology.

12.6.2.a. Explain how science advances with the introduction of new technology.

12.6.2.b. Understand creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are all needed to advance the work of science and engineering.

12.6.2.c. Contrast the reasons for the pursuit of science and the pursuit of technology.

12.6.2.d. Contrast the reporting of scientific knowledge and the reporting of technical knowledge.

NE.12.7. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: A personal and social perspective of science helps a student understand and act on personal and social issues. This perspective builds a foundation for future decision making.

12.7.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of personal and community health.

12.7.1.a. Investigate and describe the effect of nutritional balance on growth, development, and personal well-being.

12.7.1.b. Investigate and explain how diseases are prevented, controlled, and cured.

12.7.1.c. Investigate and explain how genetic traits affect a person's health.

12.7.1.d. Investigate and analyze risks and benefits in making decisions about personal and community health.

12.7.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the effects of population change.

12.7.2.a. Investigate and identify causes of population growth or decline.

12.7.2.b. Investigate and explain how various factors influence birth rates and death rates.

12.7.2.c. Investigate and predict how population change may impact resource use and environments.

12.7.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of natural resources.

12.7.3.a. Investigate and explain how human populations use environmental resources to maintain and improve their existence.

12.7.3.b. Investigate and understand that the earth has renewable and finite resources.

12.7.3.c. Investigate and understand the limitations of natural systems to renew and recycle resources.

12.7.4. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of environmental quality.

12.7.4.a. Investigate and describe how the positive and negative consequences of human intervention or nonintervention impact the ecosystem.

12.7.4.b. Investigate and explain factors which may influence environmental quality.

12.7.5. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of natural and human-induced hazards.

12.7.5.a. Investigate and describe how human activities increase or reduce the potential for hazards.

12.7.5.b. Investigate and distinguish between slowly and rapidly occurring natural hazards and their impact on the environment.

12.7.6. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the role of science and technology in local, national, and global challenges.

12.7.6.a. Understand that knowledge of basic concepts about scientific and technological challenges should precede active debate.

12.7.6.b. Investigate and understand that social issues and challenges may affect advancements in science and technology.

12.7.6.c. Understand that science and technology are essential social enterprises that indicate what could happen, but not what should happen.

NE.12.8. History and Nature of Science: The history and nature of science illustrates different aspects of scientific inquiry, the human aspects of science, and the role that science has played in the development of various cultures.

12.8.1. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor.

12.8.1.a. Demonstrate ethical scientific practices (e.g., informing research subjects about risks and benefits, humane treatment of animals, truthful reporting, public disclosure of work, and peer review).

12.8.1.b. Examine and understand the societal, cultural, and personal beliefs that influence scientists.

12.8.1.c. Recognize science as one way of answering questions and explaining the natural world.

12.8.2. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge.

12.8.2.a. Demonstrate the use of empirical standards, logical arguments, and skepticism in science.

12.8.2.b. Create scientific explanations consistent with experimental and observational evidence; make accurate predictions; strive to be logical; respect the rules of evidence; accept criticism; report methods and procedures; and make knowledge public.

12.8.2.c. Understand that all scientific knowledge is, in principle, subject to change as new evidence becomes available.

12.8.3. By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the history of science.

12.8.3.a. Investigate and describe the contributions of diverse cultures to scientific knowledge and technological inventions.

12.8.3.b. Understand that changes in scientific knowledge evolve over time and almost always build on earlier knowledge.

12.8.3.c. Understand that some advancements in science and technology have long-lasting effects on society.

12.1.1.1. Predict and evaluate how change within a system affects that system.

12.1.1.2. Design solutions to problems identified within a system.

12.1.2.1. Create a physical, mental, or mathematical model to show how objects and processes are connected.

12.1.2.2. Test the usefulness of a model by comparing its predictions to actual observations.

12.1.2.3. Understand that the way data are displayed affects interpretation.

12.1.2.4. Evaluate the reasonableness of answers to problems.

12.1.2.5. Understand that larger well-chosen samples produce more accurate estimates of the characteristics of the total population.

12.1.2.6. Understand that a correlation between two variables doesn't mean that either one causes the other.

12.1.3.1. Use powers of ten to represent large and small numbers

12.1.3.2. Compare data for two groups by using averages and ranges of values.

12.1.3.3. Understand that measurement errors may affect results of calculations.

12.1.3.4. Describe rate of change by comparing one measured quantity to another measured quantity.

12.1.3.5. Investigate and describe how different characteristics, properties, or relationships within a system change as their dimensions increase or decrease.

12.1.4.1. Explain function by referring to form and explain form by referring to function.

12.1.5.1. Identify the series of changes that occur in objects, organisms, and natural and human designed systems.

12.1.5.2. Explain how a system at equilibrium is affected by change.

12.2.1.1. Formulate questions and identify concepts that guide scientific investigations.

12.2.1.2. Design and conduct scientific investigations.

12.2.1.3. Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications.

12.2.1.4. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence.

12.2.1.5. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.

12.2.1.6. Communicate and defend a scientific argument.

12.3.1.1. Investigate and describe the structure of atoms, focusing on properties of subatomic particles.

12.3.1.2. Investigate and explain the types of nuclear reactions.

12.3.1.3. Investigate and describe the effect of electrical and nuclear forces which hold atoms together.

12.3.2.1. Investigate and understand that atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons.

12.3.2.2. Investigate and explain the periodic table of elements in terms of repeating patterns of physical and chemical properties.

12.3.2.3. Investigate and describe how the structure of an atom determines the chemical properties of an element.

12.3.2.4. Investigate and explain how the interactions among the molecules of a compound determine its physical and chemical properties.

12.3.2.5. Investigate and use changes in energy to explain the differences among the states of matter.

12.3.2.6. Investigate and describe the bonding of carbon atoms in chains and rings to produce compounds essential to life.

12.3.3.1. Investigate and describe common chemical reactions.

12.3.3.2. Investigate and describe the change of energy as a result of chemical reactions.

12.3.3.3. Investigate and describe how electrons are involved in bond formation during chemical reactions.

12.3.3.4. Investigate and describe the factors influencing the rates of chemical reactions, including catalysts.

12.3.4.1. Investigate and understand the effect of forces on the motion of objects.

12.3.4.2. Investigate and understand gravity as an attractive force that each mass exerts on any other mass.

12.3.4.3. Investigate and understand electrical force as a force that exists between any two charged objects.

12.3.4.4. Investigate and describe an electric field a magnetic field, and the interaction between them.

12.3.5.1. Understand that the total energy in the universe is constant and can never be destroyed.

12.3.5.2. Investigate and distinguish between kinetic energy and potential energy.

12.3.5.3. Investigate and describe heat transfer in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation.

12.3.5.4. Investigate and give examples of how systems tend to become more disorderly over time.

12.3.6.1. Investigate and understand that all waves possess and transfer energy.

12.3.6.2. Understand that electromagnetic waves result when a charged object accelerates.

12.3.6.3. Investigate and illustrate how wavelength and frequency of waves are inversely related.

12.3.6.4. Investigate and understand that the energy of waves can be changed into other forms of energy, just as other forms of energy can be transformed into wave energy.

12.3.6.5. Investigate and understand that atoms or molecules can be identified by spectral analysis.

12.3.6.6. Investigate and describe how the composition and temperature of a material affects electron flow.

12.4.1.1. Investigate and describe the form and function of subcellular structures that regulate cell activities.

12.4.1.2. Investigate and describe cell functions (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration, cell division).

12.4.1.3. Investigate and understand that complex multicellular organisms are formed as highly organized arrangements of differentiated cells.

12.4.2.1. Investigate and describe how DNA carries the genetic code.

12.4.2.2. Investigate and understand that genetic variation occurs when genetic information is transmitted during sexual reproduction.

12.4.2.3. Investigate and explain how some mutations could help, harm or have no effect on individual organisms.

12.4.2.4. Investigate and explain how mutations in sex cells, but not in body cells, could be passed on to offspring.

12.4.3.1. Understand that the concept of biological evolution is a theory which explains the consequence of the interactions of: (1) the potential for a species to increase its numbers; (2) the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes; (3) a finite supply of the resources of life; and (4) the ensuing selection by the environment of those offspring better able to survive and leave offspring.

12.4.3.2. Investigate and use the theory of biological evolution to explain diversity of life.

12.4.3.3. Investigate whether natural selection provides a scientific explanation of the fossil record and the molecular similarities among the diverse species of living organisms.

12.4.3.4. Investigate and use biological classifications based on similarities.

12.4.4.1. Investigate and understand that atoms and molecules cycle among living and nonliving components of the biosphere.

12.4.4.2. Investigate and describe the flow of energy through ecosystems, in one direction, from producers to herbivores to carnivores and decomposers.

12.4.4.3. Investigate and cite examples of organisms cooperating and competing in ecosystems.

12.4.4.4. Investigate and understand that interactions among organisms are affected by the conflict between an organism's capacity to produce infinite populations and the finite amount of resources.

12.4.4.5. Investigate and describe how humans modify the ecosystem as a result of population growth, technology, and consumption.

12.4.5.1. Investigate and understand that living systems require a constant input of energy to maintain their chemical and physical organization.

12.4.5.2. Investigate and understand that producers use solar energy to combine molecules of carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds.

12.4.5.3. Investigate and explain how distribution and abundance of different organisms in ecosystems are limited by the availability of matter and energy and the ability of the ecosystem to recycle materials.

12.4.6.1. Investigate and describe how nervous systems function in multicellular animals.

12.4.6.2. Investigate and describe how organisms respond to internal changes and external stimuli.

12.4.6.3. Investigate and explain how the behavioral patterns of organisms have evolved through natural selection.

12.4.6.4. Investigate and understand that behavioral biology relates to humans since it provides links to psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

12.5.1.1. Investigate and distinguish between internal sources of energy (e.g., radioactive decay and gravitational energy) and external sources of energy (e.g., the sun), and explaining how both provide energy to the earth systems.

12.5.1.2. Investigate and explain how the outward transfer of earth's internal heat drives convection in the mantle that propels the plates comprising the earth's surface.

12.5.1.3. Investigate and explain how global climate is determined by energy transfer from the sun and is influenced by dynamic processes (e.g., cloud formation and the earth's rotation) and static conditions (e.g., the position of mountain ranges and oceans).

12.5.2.1. Investigate and diagram how elements and compounds on earth move among reservoirs in the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms as part of geochemical cycles.

12.5.3.1. Contrast the early earth with the planet we live on today.

12.5.3.2. Investigate and estimate geologic time by observing rock sequences and using fossils to correlate the sequences at various locations.

12.5.3.3. Predict when rocks were formed by using known decay rates of radioactive isotopes in rocks.

12.5.3.4. Investigate and relate how the interactions among the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms affect the ongoing evolution of the earth.

12.5.4.1. Describe and analyze various theories on the origin of the universe.

12.5.4.2. Describe various theories on the formation of galaxies.

12.5.4.3. Describe the life cycle of a star.

12.6.1.1. Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions of a problem.

12.6.1.2. Implement the selected solution.

12.6.1.3. Evaluate the solution and its consequences.

12.6.1.4. Communicate the problem, process, and solution.

12.6.2.1. Explain how science advances with the introduction of new technology.

12.6.2.2. Understand creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are all needed to advance the work of science and engineering.

12.6.2.3. Contrast the reasons for the pursuit of science and the pursuit of technology.

12.6.2.4. Contrast the reporting of scientific knowledge and the reporting of technical knowledge.

12.7.1.1. Investigate and describe the effect of nutritional balance on growth, development, and personal well-being.

12.7.1.2. Investigate and explain how diseases are prevented, controlled, and cured.

12.7.1.3. Investigate and explain how genetic traits affect a person's health.

12.7.1.4. Investigate and analyze risks and benefits in making decisions about personal and community health.

12.7.2.1. Investigate and identify causes of population growth or decline.

12.7.2.2. Investigate and explain how various factors influence birth rates and death rates.

12.7.2.3. Investigate and predict how population change may impact resource use and environments.

12.7.3.1. Investigate and explain how human populations use environmental resources to maintain and improve their existence.

12.7.3.2. Investigate and understand that the earth has renewable and finite resources.

12.7.3.3. Investigate and understand the limitations of natural systems to renew and recycle resources.

12.7.4.1. Investigate and describe how the positive and negative consequences of human intervention or nonintervention impact the ecosystem.

12.7.4.2. Investigate and explain factors which may influence environmental quality.

12.7.5.1. Investigate and describe how human activities increase or reduce the potential for hazards.

12.7.5.2. Investigate and distinguish between slowly and rapidly occurring natural hazards and their impact on the environment.

12.7.6.1. Understand that knowledge of basic concepts about scientific and technological challenges should precede active debate.

12.7.6.2. Investigate and understand that social issues and challenges may affect advancements in science and technology.

12.7.6.3. Understand that science and technology are essential social enterprises that indicate what could happen, but not what should happen.

12.8.1.1. Demonstrate ethical scientific practices (e.g., informing research subjects about risks and benefits, humane treatment of animals, truthful reporting, public disclosure of work, and peer review).

12.8.1.2. Examine and understand the societal, cultural, and personal beliefs that influence scientists.

12.8.1.3. Recognize science as one way of answering questions and explaining the natural world.

12.8.2.1. Demonstrate the use of empirical standards, logical arguments, and skepticism in science.

12.8.2.2. Create scientific explanations consistent with experimental and observational evidence; make accurate predictions; strive to be logical; respect the rules of evidence; accept criticism; report methods and procedures; and make knowledge public.

12.8.2.3. Understand that all scientific knowledge is, in principle, subject to change as new evidence becomes available.

12.8.3.1. Investigate and describe the contributions of diverse cultures to scientific knowledge and technological inventions.

12.8.3.2. Understand that changes in scientific knowledge evolve over time and almost always build on earlier knowledge.

12.8.3.3. Understand that some advancements in science and technology have long-lasting effects on society.