Grade 9 -12
I. Inquiry									Project WILD	Aquatic WILD
	Inquiry is not an isolated unit of instruction and should be embedded throughout the content areas.
	The nature of science and technology are incorporated within this area.
	A.	Identify Questions and Concepts that Guide Scientific Investigations
		Experimental design should demonstrate logical connections between a knowledge base and conceptual understanding.
		1. Formulate a testable hypothesis based on literary research and previous knowledge.
		2. Identify and select experimental variables (independent and dependent) and controlled conditions.
	B.	Design and Conduct Investigations
		Prior knowledge about major concepts, laboratory apparatus, laboratory techniques, and safety should be used in designing and conducting a scientific investigation.
		1. Design a scientific investigation based on the major concepts in the area being studied.							198-Wildlife Research
		2. Select and use appropriate instruments to make the observations necessary for the investigation, taking into consideration the limitations of the equipment.
									198-Wildlife Research
		3. Identify technologies that could enhance the collection of data.							198-Wildlife Research
		4. Select the appropriate safety equipment needed to conduct an investigation (e.g., goggles, aprons, etc.).
		5. Suggest safety precautions that need to be implemented for the handling of materials and equipment used in an investigation.
		6. Describe the proper response to emergency situations in the laboratory.
		7. Conduct a laboratory investigation with repeated trials and systematic manipulation of variables.
		8. Identify possible sources of error inherent in an experimental design.
		9. Organize and display data in useable and efficient formats, such as tables, graphs, maps, and cross sections.
									198-Wildlife Research
		10. Draw conclusions based on qualitative and quantitative data.
		11. Discuss the impact of sources of error on experimental results.
		12. Communicate and defend the scientific thinking that resulted in conclusions.
	C.	Use Technology and Mathematics to Improve Investigations and Communications
		Scientific investigations can be improved through the use of technology and mathematics.  While it is acknowledged that the SI system is the accepted measurement system in science, opportunities to use the English System are encouraged.
		1. Select and use appropriate technologies (e.g., computers, calculators, CBL’s) to enhance the precision and accuracy of data collection, analysis, and display.
		2. Discriminate between data that may be valid or anomalous.
		3. Select and use mathematical formulas and calculations to extend the usefulness of laboratory measurements.
		4. Draw a “best fit” curve through data points.
		5. Calculate the slope of the curve and use correct units for the value of the slope for linear relationships.
		6. Calculate interpolated and predict extrapolated data points.
		7. Perform dimensional analysis calculations.
	D.	Formulate and Revise Scientific Explanations and Models Using Logic and Evidence
		Scientific explanations and models are developed and revised through discussion and debate.
		1. Construct experimental explanations or models through discussion, debate, logic, and experimental evidence.
		2. Develop explanations and models that eliminate bias and demonstrate the use of ethical principles.  (P)
		3. Revise explanations or models after review.
	E.	Recognize and Analyze Alternative Explanations and Models
		Scientific criteria are used to discriminate among plausible explanations.
		1. Compare current scientific models with experimental results.
		2. Select and defend, based on scientific criteria, the most plausible explanation or model.
	F.	Communicate and Defend a Scientific Argument
		Experimental processes, data, and conclusions should be communicated in a clear and logical manner.
		1. Develop a set of laboratory instructions that someone else can follow.
		2. Develop a presentation to communicate the process and conclusion of a scientific investigation.
	G.	Understandings about Scientific and Technological Inquiry
		Historical scientific knowledge, current research, technology, mathematics and logic should be the basis for conducting investigations and drawing conclusions.
		1. Analyze how science and technology explain and predict relationships.
			a. Defend the idea that conceptual principles and knowledge guide scientific and technological inquiry.
			b. Explain how historical and current scientific knowledge influences the design, interpretation, and evaluations of investigations.
				1. Discuss the reasons scientists and engineers conduct investigations.
				2. Defend the use of technology as a method for enhancing data collection, data manipulation, and advancing the fields of science and technology.
				3. Explain how mathematics is important to scientific and technological inquiry.
				4. Explain why scientific models and explanations need to be based on historical and current scientific knowledge.
				5. Understand that scientific explanations must be logical, supported by the evidence, and open to revision.
II.	Life Science
A. The Cell
	1. Cells have particular structures that underlie their function.  Inside the cell is a concentrated mixture of thousands of different molecules which form a variety of specialized structures that carry out such cell functions as energy production, transport of molecules, waste disposal, synthesis of new molecules, and the storage of genetic material.
		a. Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
		b. Identify the cellular structures that are responsible for energy production, waste disposal, molecular synthesis, storage of genetic material, and cell movement.
		c. Trace the development of the Cell theory.  (H)
		d. Discuss uses of technologies that enable in-depth studies of the cell such as microscopes, ultracentrifuge techniques, and radioscopy studies.  (T)
	2. Most cell functions involve chemical reactions.  Food molecules taken into the cell react to provide the chemical constituents needed to synthesize other molecules.  Both breakdown and synthesis are made possible by a large set of protein catalysts, called enzymes.  The breakdown of some of the food molecules enables the cell to store energy in specific chemicals that are used to carry out the many functions of the cell.
		a.	Explain the role of enzymes in chemical reactions within the cell.
		b.	Differentiate the functions of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in the cell.