6-7-8 Science Standards and Benchmarks

Diocese of Des Moines: Science Expectations - Grades 6-7-8

The student will/can…. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S1.B1: Design and conduct scientific investigations using the process of inquiry. 

Grade 6: Design and conduct an experiment with appropriate guidance. 

Grade 7: Design and conduct an experiment as a group. 

Grade 8: Design and conduct an experiment working independently. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S1.B2: Recognize and analyze explanations andpredictions. 

Grade 6: Predict and explain the outcomes of an investigation. 

Grade 7: Record and analyze data to develop a conclusion. 

Grade 8: Record and analyze data to develop a conclusion. Revise and assess the investigation.

Physical Science 

The student will/can…. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S2.B1: Compare and contrast the states of matter and their properties. 

Compare and contrast the motion, energy and spacing of molecules in each of the four states of matter. 

Compare and contrast physical and chemical changes and their relationship totheconservation of matter and energy. 

Demonstrate understanding of elements, compounds, mixtures, and solutions and their properties. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S2.B2: Identify forces and the effect of the net force on the motion of an object. 

Identify forces and the effect of the net force on the motion of an object. 

Identify the appropriate law of motion.

Life Science

The student will/can….

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S3.B1: Explain the relationships between structure and function in living systems. 

Classify the structure and interrelationships among cells, tissues, organs, systems, and organisms.

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S3.B2: Describe and demonstrate the principles of heredity in living organisms. 

Apply the principles of heredity by predicting the characteristics of offspring in plants and animals. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S3.B3: Explain concepts of diversity and adaptations of organisms. 

Explain how organisms adapt to their environment over time. 

Explain how adaptations lead to more diversity of organisms.  

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S3.B4: Demonstrate and describe how organisms relate to each other and their environment.

Explain how changes in environmental conditions can affect the survival of individual organisms and entire species.

Earth and Space Science

The student will/can….

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S4.B1: Demonstrate understanding of natural processes that affect and shape the Earth. 

Demonstrate understanding of the earth’s history based on physical evidence. 

Demonstrate understanding of the structure of the earth system and the processes that change the earth and its surface.

Demonstrate understanding of the earth’s atmospheric properties and how they influence weather and climate

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S4.B2: Demonstrate understanding of the essential ideas about the composition, structure, scale and motion of objectswithin the universe. 

Demonstrate understanding of the essential ideas about the composition, structure, scale and motion of objects within the universe. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S5.B1: Demonstrate understanding of the basic structure, function, and connections between body systems and personal health issues. 

Identify basic structure, function, and connections between digestive and excretory system and personal health issues. 

Identify basic structure, function and connections between nervous system andpersonal health issues. 

Identify basic structure, function and connections between endocrine and lymphatic system and personal health issues.

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S5.B2: Draw conclusions relating Christian ethics to scientific progress and technology. 

Grade 6: Recognize our Christian ethics involves the responsible use of scientific progress and technology.

Grade 7: Apply Christian ethics to specific issues involving scientific progress and technology. 

Grade 8: Draw conclusions relating Christian ethics to scientific progress and technology.

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S6.B1: Evaluate the progression of historical scientific developments that led to present-day knowledge.

Grade 6: Recognize that current scientific knowledge has evolved over time. 

Grade 7: Develop the relationship between science and technology. Correlate acurrent scientific theory with its development through time. 

Grade 8: Evaluate the progression of historical scientific developments that led topresent-day knowledge.

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S6.B2: Analyze the different forms of energy andexplain the process of energy transfer. 

List and identify different forms of energy and be able to describe how energy is transferred from one form to another. 

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S6B.3: Demonstrate how cycles occur naturally. 

Grade 6: Describe cycles that occur naturally. 

Grade 7: Compare and contrast cycles that occur naturally. 

Grade 8: Demonstrate how cycles occur naturally.

Benchmark: 6-8.Sci.S7.B1: Select and use the appropriate technology in scientific inquiry. 

Grade 6: Identify, choose, and practice using the appropriate scientific apparatus to gather and process data. 

Grade 7: Identify, choose, and use the appropriate scientific apparatus to gather and process data with accuracy and precision. 

Grade 8: Select and use the appropriate scientific apparatus to gatherand process data with accuracy and precision.

Power GLE/CLE

STANDARD 1: The student will understand and experience science as inquiry.

STANDARD 2: The student will understand and experience physical science. 

STANDARD 3: The student will understand and experience life science. 

STANDARD 4: The student will understand and experience earth and space science. 

STANDARD 5: The student will develop personal, social and ethical perspectives of science and health. 

STANDARD 6: The student will understand the history and nature of science. 

STANDARD 7: The student will be able to select and use appropriate technology in scientific activities. 

Diocese of Des Moines Science Curriculum associated with Safe Environment

The student will/can…. 

Grades 6-8 Benchmark 1: Demonstrate understanding of the basic structure, function and connections between body systems, personalhealth issues, and safety. 

Expectation in Life Science: Demonstrate understanding of the basic structure, function and connections between body systems, personal health issues, and safety.