A demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards; and

B practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.

A plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

B design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

C collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers;

D construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns; and

E analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

A analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

B use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth's layers;

C identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials; and

D relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content.

A use appropriate tools, including journals/notebooks, beakers, Petri dishes, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, hot plates, test tubes, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, timing devices, and other necessary equipment to collect, record, and analyze information; and

B use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.

A know that an element is a pure substance represented by a chemical symbol and that a compound is a pure substance represented by a chemical formula;

B recognize that a limited number of the many known elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and the atmosphere; and

C identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change.

A compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties such as luster, conductivity, or malleability;

B calculate density to identify an unknown substance; and

C test the physical properties of minerals, including hardness, color, luster, and streak.

A research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources.

A compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy;

B identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces;

C calculate average speed using distance and time measurements;

D measure and graph changes in motion; and

E investigate how inclined planes can be used to change the amount of force to move an object.

A investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation;

B verify through investigations that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all the substances attain the same temperature such as an ice cube melting; and

C demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy.

A build a model to illustrate the compositional and mechanical layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere;

B classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation;

C identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American; and

D describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basin formation, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

A describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;

B understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system; and

C describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.

A understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells;

B recognize that the presence of a nucleus is a key factor used to determine whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic;

C recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains;

D identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms;

E describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact; and

F diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem, including organism, population, community, and ecosystem.