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Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
4.1
The student will conduct investigations in which
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distinctions are made among observations,
conclusions (inferences), and predictions;
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data are classified to create frequency
distributions;
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appropriate metric measures are used to collect,
record, and report data;
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appropriate instruments are selected to measure
linear distance, volume, mass, and temperature;
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predictions are made based on data from picture
graphs, bar graphs, and basic line graphs;
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hypotheses are formulated based on cause and
effect relationships;
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variables that must be held constant in an
experimental situation are defined; and
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numerical data that are contradictory or unusual
in experimental results are recognized.
Force, Motion, and Energy
4.2 The student will investigate and understand that energy is
needed to do work and that machines make work easier. Key
concepts include
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energy forms (electrical, mechanical, and
chemical energy);
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potential and kinetic energy;
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simple and complex machines; and
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efficiency, friction, and inertia.
4.3 The student will investigate and understand the
characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include
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the nature of electricity (voltage, ampere,
resistance, conductors, and insulators);
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circuits (open/closed, parallel/series);
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magnetism and magnetic fields;
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static electricity ; and
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historical contributions in understanding
electricity.
Life Processes
4.4 The student will investigate and understand basic plant
anatomy and life processes. Key concepts include
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the structures of typical plants (leaves, stems,
roots, and flowers);
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processes and structures involved with
reproduction (pollination, stamen, pistil, sepal, embryo,
spore, and seed);
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photosynthesis (chlorophyll, carbon dioxide); and
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dormancy
Living Systems
4.5 The student will investigate and understand how plants and
animals in an ecosystem interact with one another and the
nonliving environment. Key concepts include
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behavioral and structural adaptations;
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organization of communities;
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flow of energy through food webs;
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habitats and niches;
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life cycles; and
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influence of human activity on ecosystems.
Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems
4.6 The student will investigate and understand how weather
conditions and phenomena occur and can be predicted. Key
concepts include
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weather factors (temperature, air pressure,
fronts, formation and type of clouds, and storms); and
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meteorological tools (barometer, hygrometer,
anemometer, rain gauge, and thermometer).
Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change
4.7 The student will investigate and understand the
relationships among the Earth, moon, and sun. Key concepts
include
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the motions of the Earth, moon, and sun
(revolution and rotation);
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the causes for the Earth's seasons and phases of
the moon;
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the relative size, position, and makeup of the
Earth, moon, and sun;
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unique properties of the Earth as a planet and as
part of the solar system; and
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historical contributions in understanding the
Earth-moon-sun system.
Resources
4.8 The student will investigate and understand important
Virginia natural resources. Key concepts include
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watershed and water resources;
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animals and plants, both domesticated and wild;
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minerals, rocks, ores, and energy sources; and
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forests, soil, and land.
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