Objectives
INTERDISCIPLINARY CONCEPTS
TLW understand that interpersonal relationships are
important in scientific endeavors.
TLW understand technical communication.
TLW write and articulate technical information
UNIFYING CONCEPTS OF SCIENCE
TLW understand systems, order and organization.
TLW understand concepts and process of evidence,
models and explanation
TLW understand constancy, change and measurement.
CONCEPTS OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
TLW understand scientific inquiry and develop critical
thinking skills.
TLW identify questions and concepts that guide scientific
investigations.
TLW design and conduct scientific investigations.
TLW use technology and mathematics to improve
investigations and communications.
TLW formulate and revise scientific explanations and
models using logic and evidence.
TLW recognize and analyze alternative explanations and
models
TLW communicate and defend a scientific argument.
TLW know the differences among observations,
hypotheses and theories.
MEASUREMENT
TLW recognize and use units of distance, mass, weight,
volume and temperature. (Metric and English)
TLW measure using appropriate accuracy determined by
the task and measuring device.
TLW measure and compare metric and English units.
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Ninth Grade
Physical Science
Time
Materials
Validation
ISPS: 658.01 a
ISPS: 658.02 a
ISPS: 658.02 b
1st sem
ISPS: 649.01
1st sem
•
•
•
•
•
•
Balances
Graduated cylinders
Meter Sticks
Metric Rulers
Liter cube
Assorted Metric Visuals
ISPS 648.03 a
ISPS: 648.03 b
ISPS: 648.03 c
1
Objectives
TLW repeatedly use measurement equipment (metric
stick, ruler, graduated cylinders, balances and scales.
PROPERTIES OF MATTER
TLW identify properties of matter as to whether they are
chemical or physical properties.
TLW compare the concepts of mass and weight, give
examples of each, and explain how they are related.
TLW perform labs determining the densities of various
materials. ATOMIC STRUCTURE
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Ninth Grade
Physical Science
Time
Materials
1st sem
Balances
•
•
Graduated cylinders
Density blocks
ISPS: 650.02 c, d
ISPS: 650.02 c, d
ISPS: 620.01 b,c (6th Grade)
1st sem
TLW describe the three primary subatomic particles
(proton, neutron, electron.)
TLW identify the two areas in the atom (nucleus and
electron energy levels) and the particles that are found in
each.
TLW define atomic mass and atomic number.
TLW identify the various parts in an unlabeled diagram of
an atom.
TLW describe the organization of the Periodic Table in
relation to atomic structure.
TLW identify isotopes of various elements.
CHEMICAL BONDING
TLW identify types of chemical reactions
•
Validation
ISPS: 648.03 c
Periodic Tables
Examples of Elements
ISPS: 650.01 a
ISPS: 650.01 a
ISPS: 650.01 a
ISPS: 650.01 a
ISPS: 650.02 a-c
ISPS: 650.02 a, b
650.01 c
ISPS: 650 a, c
1st sem
HCl
NaOH
CaOH2
Vinegar Indicators
TLW understand that chemical reactions balance
TLW explain the difference between acids and bases
TLW perform acid-base reactions and explain
neutralization reactions.
TLW understand the pH scale.
2
Objectives
NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
TLW identify and list the properties of radioactive
elements.
TLW work problems on alpha decay, beta decay and halflife.
TLW discuss the significance of isotopes.
TLW understand the significance of nuclear fission
including the related problems and their possible
solutions.
HEAT & TEMPERATURE
TLW explain the difference between heat and temperature
TLW relate molecular motion (influenced by temperature)
to changes in state.
TLW use ºC, ºF, and ºK.
TLW explain the concept of Absolute Zero.
MOTION
TLW recognize the difference between speed, velocity and
acceleration.
TLW work problems on determining speed, velocity,
distance and acceleration.
TLW understand Newton’s three Laws of Motion and
recognize examples of each
TLW identify examples of potential and kinetic motion.
TLW know the acceleration due to gravity.
TLW describe the effects of friction on motion.
TLW know the difference between balanced and
unbalanced forces.
SIMPLE MACHINES
TLW review the concept of simple machines and how
they help us do work.
TLW work problems and perform labs determining
mechanical advantage, input work, output work, and
efficiency of simple machines.
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Ninth Grade
Physical Science
Time
Materials
1st Sem
Geiger Counter or scintilometer
Sources
Video on nuclear energy
Validation
ISPS: 650.01 b
ISPS: 650.01 b, c
ISPS: 650.01 c
ISPS: 641.03 a (8th grade)
656.01 a3
Thermometers
ISPS: 650.02 c
ISPS: 650.02
2nd sem
Marbles
ISPS: 650.04 a, b, c
Blocks with various friction
surfaces
Pulleys
Scales
3
Objectives
FORCES IN FLUIDS
TLW understand how molecular motion affects the
behavior of fluids
TLW understand buoyancy.
TLW understand pressure in fluids
TLW understand Bernoulli’s principle.
TLW perform labs and work problems involving buoyant
force.
Waves Sound/Light
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Ninth Grade
Physical Science
Time
Materials
2nd sem
Validation
Springs
Batteries
TLW understand amplitude and wavelength
Prism
Filters
Light bulbs
Tuning forks
TLW identify different wave types and forms
TLW understand that waves travel at different speeds
TLW understand wave interference
TLW understand how sounds are made.
TLW be familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum
TLW know the relationship between visible light and the
full spectrum
HISTORY OF SCIENCE
TLW understand the significance of major scientific
milestones throughout the curriculum
4