9th Grade Science Learning Targets
Introduction/ Year Long Targets- Scientific Inquiry
SI 1- I can identify the basic steps of the scientific method.
SI 2- I can make precise and accurate scientific measurements.
SI 3- I can design an experiment to test a hypothesis.
SI 4- I can interpret and organize data into tables.
SI 5- I can organize data into an appropriate and correctly labeled graph.
SI 6- I can interpret and analyze graphs to draw a conclusion.
SI 7- I can write a detailed scientific conclusion to an experiment.
Unit 1- Motion and Forces
MF 1- I can design a motion graph of a given situation.
MF 2- I can describe the mathematical relationship of Newton’s 2nd Law (F=ma)
MF 3- I can analyze data to see if it supports Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion, F=ma.
MF 4- I can calculate momentum.
MF 5- I can describe the mathematical relationship of Newton’s 3 Action/Reaction (momentum) p=mv.
MF 6- I can describe Newton’s law of Gravitation and predict the gravitational force between two objects using Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
MF 7- I can design and test a device to reduce the force on an object. (Product)
MF 8- I can evaluate and refine/ modify the device. (Product)
Unit 2- Energy
E 1- I can describe the different forms of Potential and Kinetic Energy.
E 2- I can describe the Law of Conservation of Energy (aka 1st Law of Thermodynamics).
E 3- I can calculate the Total Energy of a system by adding the Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy.
E 4- I can plan and conduct an investigation that provides evidence that thermal energy transfer moves toward equilibrium.
E 5- I can develop a model to show energy transformation and transfer through a system. (Product)
E 6- I can design, build, and refine a device that converts one form of energy to another. (Product)
Unit 3- Electricity and Magnetism
EM 1- I can define and explain electricity.
EM 2- I can define and explain magnetism.
EM 3- I can describe and predict the electrostatic forces between objects using the Coulombs Law formula.
EM 4- I can design and experiment to give evidence that an electric current makes a magnetic field.
EM 5- I can use a changing magnetic field to produce an electrical flow.
EM 6- I can develop a model to show the effects of a change in energy on an electric or magnetic field.
Unit 4- Waves and Wave Technologies
WT 1- I can describe the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed of a wave (using mathematical representations).
WT 2- I can describe evidence and reasoning that electromagnetic radiation (light) can be described with a wave model and/or a particle model. (We use whichever model is most useful for the phenomena we are describing- ex. Resonance, interference, diffraction, photoelectric effect).
WT 3- I can evaluate print materials claims that electromagnetic radiation causes damage to living tissues. (Different frequencies of light have different energies and damage to living tissues depends on the energy of the radiation.)
WT 4- I can describe advantages and disadvantages of transmitting and storing information digitally.
WT 5- I can communicate technical information of how waves and wave behaviors are used in technological devices (such as solar cells converting radiant energy to electricity, medical imaging, communication technology, and scanner). PRODUCT
Unit 5- Earth
Erth1- I can explain and predict consequences of changes in the internal and external sources of energy in Earth’s systems.
Erth2- I can model and explain the cause and effect of solar energy transfer on weather patterns, and global climates.
Erth3- I can list and describe the layers of the Earth
Erth4- I can predict the short-term and long-term consequences of tectonic plate movements on humans.
Erth5- I can explain how earthquakes and volcanoes occur, using scientific data and evidence.
Erth6- I can explain how mountains and tectonic plates move using scientific evidence and data.
Unit 6- Space
S 1- I can describe and give evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
S 2- I can describe the life cycle of a star.
S 3- I can explain how and where different elements are formed.
S 4- I can describe the life span of our sun and how its radiation impacts Earth {solar flares (“space weather”), 11-year sunspot cycle, non-cyclical variations}
S 5- I can explain how gravity affects objects on Earth and in space.
S 6- I can explain and give evidence for the theory on the formation of the Earth and our solar system.
Unit 7- States of Matter
M 5- I can describe the properties, including energy levels of solids, liquids, and gases.
M 6- I can describe what happens when energy is added or removed from a solid, liquid, or gas.
M 7- I can describe the Kinetic Molecular Theory.
M 8- I can describe how the relationships between temperature, pressure, volume, and number of particles affect gases.
Unit 8- Structure of Matter
M 1- I can classify samples as an element, compound, or mixture.
M 2- I can describe the mass, charge, and location of subatomic particles.
M 3- I can explain and give an example of a neutral atom versus an ion (charged particle).
M 4- I can explain and give an example of an isotope.
Unit 9- Introduction to Chemistry- Periodic Table
PT 1- I can identify the name, mass, charge, and location of subatomic particles (M1 review)
PT 2- I can make a correct representation of an atom by looking at the periodic table.
PT 3- I can compare an atom and an ion. (M3 review)
PT 4- I can describe the importance of ions in biology.
PT 5- I can describe the periodic trends of size, reactivity, families, and electronegativity.
PT 6- I can explain how electronegativity applies to the periodic table.
Unit 10- Introduction to Chemistry- Chemical Reactions
CR 1- I can describe and compare covalent, ionic, polar covalent and hydrogen bonds.
CR 2- I can identify the reactants and products in a chemical equation.
CR 3- I can define the Law of Conservation of Mass and give examples from a chemical equation.
CR 4- I can classify substances of acids and bases from the pH scale.
CR 5- I can tell the properties of a substance from its pH.
CR 6- I can recognize hydroxide and hydrogen ions.