• Specialized cells carry on specialized functions in multicellular organisms.
• Humans have systems for digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, excretion, movement, control and coordination, and protection against disease.
• Disease is a breakdown in structures or functions of an organism. Some causes arise from within; other causes are external.

• All organisms obtain and use resources and maintain homeostasis while in a constantly changing environment.
• Regulation of internal environment involves sensing internal environment and changing to adapt and survive.
• Behavior is a response to internal or external stimuli. It requires coordination and communication at many levels of organization and is determined by both genetics and experience.

Diversity and adaptation of organisms

Millions of species exist. Although appearing dissimilar, analysis of internal structures and similar activities show unity among many organisms.

Abilities of technological design

Students will design a solution or product; implement it; evaluate it; and then communicate the process to others.

• Science and technology are reciprocal. Science helps drive technology.
• Perfectly designed solutions do not exist. They have constraints as well as intended benefits and unintended consequences, some of which are not predictable.

Personal Health

• Regular exercise is important to regulation and improvement of health.
• Safe living dictates development and use of safety precautions and recognition of risks in personal decisions.
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs can lead to illness, addiction, and breakdown of body functioning.
• Food is necessary for life processes. Nutrition requirements vary with age, weight, sex, activity, and body functioning.
• Natural environments contain harmful substances.

Risks and Benefits

• Risk analysis considers the type of hazard and estimates the number of people that might be exposed and the number likely to suffer consequences. Results are used to determine the options for reducing or eliminating risks.
• Students should understand risks associated with chemical, biological, and personal hazards.
• Students can use a systematic approach to thinking critically about risks and benefits.
• Important personal and social decisions are made based on perception of benefits and risks.

History and Nature of Science

Science as a human endeavor

• There is a great diversity in scientists.
• Science requires different abilities.

Nature of science

• Scientists formulate and test explanations of nature using observations, experiments and theoretical and mathematical models.
• Scientists may differ with one another in areas where active research is being performed.
• Evaluation is an important part of scientific inquiry.

History of science

• Studying an individual’s contributions to traditions of science provides understanding.
• Scientists and engineers of high achievement are most valued in their cultures.
• Tracing history can reveal difficulties faced by scientific innovators.

Science as Inquiry

• Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations.
• Design and conduct scientific investigation.
• Use proper tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
• Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence.
• Think critically and logically to make relationships between evidence and explanations.
• Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions.
• Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
• Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry

Understandings about scientific inquiry

• Different questions suggest different means of getting answers.
• Current knowledge guides scientific investigations.
• Use of mathematics is essential in scientific inquiry.
• Technology used to collect data enhances data and allows scientists to analyze data.
• Displacement of scientific ideas advances science.
• Inquiry leads to new investigations.

Unifying Concepts and Processes

Systems, order, and organization

Since the natural and designed world is too large and complex to be comprehended all at once, it needs to be broken down into smaller units, called “systems,” for the convenience of investigation.

Evidence, models, and explanation

Using evidence based on observation and data helps students understand interactions while allowing them to predict changes in natural and designed systems. The use of models helps students understand how things work. Their scientific explanations should become more sophisticated as students develop and understand more science concepts and processes.

Constancy, change, and measurement

Although most things are in the process of becoming different, some properties of objects and processes are characterized by constancy. Changes in systems can be quantified, often by measurement. Different systems of measurement are used for different purposes.

Evolution and equilibrium

Evolution is a series of changes, some gradual and some sporadic, that accounts for the present form and function of objects. Equilibrium is a physical state in which forces and changes occur in opposite and offsetting directions. Homeostasis describes one equilibrium state.

Form and function

The form or shape of an object or system is frequently related to use, operation or function. Function frequently relies on form.