LAUSD Division of Instruction:
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Science Standards
Graduate Level
High School
Grade Seven
Grade Four
Graduate Level
Upon graduation from LAUSD, students will be able to:1. Observe and explain examples of energy transformations in the earth system and how natural history provides evidence of the resulting change. (Earth Science) H, M
2. Describe, explain, and predict the behavior of a physical system with the aid of mathematical models. (Physical Science) M
3. Describe, analyze, and predict chemical reactions, the biochemical basis of organic life, and the impact of chemicals on the environment, using knowledge of the periodic table and mathematics where applicable. (Chemistry) H, M
4. Analyze and explain examples of biochemical processes that are the basis of life, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and genetic inheritance. (Life Science) LA, M
5. Engage in effective inquiry into scientific problems by asking original questions, evaluating evidence, and drawing reasonable conclusions based on this evidence. (Scientific Thinking) LA, M
6. Examine and explain relationships among different scientific phenomena using experimental evidence, logical argument, graphs, mathematical equations, and other resources. (Communication) LA, M
7. Design and conduct an investigation based on an original question; follow appropriate safety and ethical guidelines; use findings to revise ideas and assumptions and to design future investigations. (Investigation) LA, M
8. Use technology, scientific instruments, and equipment to collect, store, and analyze data; analyze how technological advances contribute to scientific progress and lead to new problems and questions. (Science Tools) LA, M
9. Evaluate proposed solutions to challenges facing the earth and its inhabitants through the application and integration of the main concepts of the various branches of science. (Application and Connections) H, LA, M
High School
Upon completing two years of high school science in the LAUSD, students will be able to:10. Apply concepts from astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and physics to describe, quantify, and analyze the forces that shape the earth. (Earth Science) H, M
11. Analyze and explain physical concepts such as force, motion, and energy transformations and be able to make predications after manipulating a variable in the physical system. (Physical Science) M
12. Observe, describe, and quantify chemical reactions and the effect of atomic or molecular structure on the interaction of different materials, including the balancing of simple chemical equations. (Chemistry) M
13. Analyze and explain the interdependence of organisms in ecosystems, the role of genetic inheritance, and the patterns and processes through which organisms and ecosystems change over time. (Life Science) H, M
14. Develop hypotheses based on observations, explanations, models, and predictions consistent with the evidence; re_evaluate those hypotheses in light of new evidence. (Scientific Thinking) LA, M
15. Demonstrate the appropriate use of tables, graphs, charts, and written analyses to communicate findings and conclusions drawn from collected data; compare and contrast alternative conclusions based on the same data. (Communication) LA, M
16. Investigate scientific phenomena through independent and group experiments, field study, and research, identifying and controlling for variables which could affect experimental results. (Investigation) LA, M
17. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a variety of scientific instruments and technology to collect, organize, and analyze data taken from observations of natural objects, organisms, and occurrences. (Science Tools) M
18. Evaluate proposed solutions to challenges facing communities, using the concepts of science and distinguish between opinions and appropriate scientific data. (Applications and Connections) LA, M
Grade Seven
Upon completing grade seven in the LAUSD, students will be able to:19. Explore and analyze how the physical features of the earth determine habitats and climate; explore and analyze common earth science concepts such as the water cycle, gravity, and earth's rotation and tilt; explain the benefit of wisely using and protecting the earth's resources. (Earth Science) H, M
20. Observe and describe the behavior of matter with respect to motion, force, and energy transformations and relate findings to Newton's Laws of Motion; predict the effects of gravity, density, and electromagnetism on the behavior of matter. (Physical Science) M
21. Explain that all matter is composed of atoms and that physical and chemical properties of matter are dependent upon the arrangement of atoms. (Chemistry) M
22. Explain how organisms survive, grow, and reproduce; classify them according to their characteristics, including cellular structures, and analyze their interactions with the environment and other living organisms. (Life Science) H
23. Identify relevant evidence, reason logically, and create scientific questions; distinguish between fact and opinion when analyzing explanations of natural phenomena. (Scientific Thinking) LA
24. Communicate predictions and conclusions about the natural and physical world orally, visually, and in writing from individual and group observations, research, and investigations. (Communication) LA
25. Work independently and in groups to investigate scientific questions by identifying and proposing solutions to control for variables; collect, compile, and evaluate data following safety procedures and ethical standards. (Investigation) LA, M
26. Use available scientific equipment effectively, such as thermometers, microscopes, and computers (including the Internet) to gather and share data about natural objects, organisms, and events. (Science Tools) LA, M
27. Identify and research the science concepts involved in real_world problems; establish important connections among the disciplines of biology, earth/space science, and physics. (Applications and Connections) M
Grade Four
Upon completing grade four in the LAUSD, students will be able to:28. Make observations of weather, seasons, the sky, and physical features of the earth; describe how some events in nature have patterns, sequences, and relationships. (Earth Science) M
29. Identify and describe physical concepts of force, motion, and energy as demonstrated by the use of objects such as playground equipment and toys. (Physical Science) LA, M
30. Observe and describe the properties of matter and its changes in form; classify its forms into solid, liquid, and gas. (Chemistry) LA, M
31. Identify the characteristics of living things, including humans, and how they interact with each other, and ways they adapt to their changing environment. (Life Science) H
32. Ask questions and give reasonable explanations after observing, comparing and classifying objects, living things, and events in the world. (Scientific Thinking) H, LA, M
33. Communicate predictions, data, and conclusions about the natural and physical world using language, pictures, and graphs. (Communication) LA, M
34. Explore, observe, and classify living and nonliving things through both independent and team investigations. (Investigation) M
35. Use various tools to order, count, observe, and measure objects and events in the world. (Science Tools) M
36. Use concepts learned in life science, earth science, and physical science to make decisions about a school or local environmental issue such as preventing erosion, recycling, or air quality. (Applications and Connections) LA