Content Standard 1

All matter is made of atoms, which are far too small to see directly through a light microscope. Elements have unique atoms and thus, unique properties. Atoms themselves are made of even smaller particles.

 

Essential Question

In the world of science, what makes something a building block?

 

Student Performance Outcomes

• Identify evidence that suggests there is a fundamental building block of matter.

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• Use the particle model of matter to illustrate characteristics of different substances.

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• Develop and evidence based scientific explanation of the atomic model as the foundation for all chemistry.

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• Find and evaluate appropriate evidence from reference books, journals, online references, magazines, and databases to compare and contrast historical explanations for the nature of matter.

 

Content Standard 2

Atoms may stick together in well-defined molecules or be packed together in large arrays. Different arrangements of atoms into groups compose all substances

 

Essential Questions

1. Why do substances behave differently?

2. How does a liquid's density affect its viscosity?

 

Student Performance Outcomes

• Explain the similarities and differences between elements and compounds

 

• Identify evidence suggesting that atoms form into molecules with different properties than their components.

 

• Find and evaluate information from a variety of resources about molecules

 

Content Standard 3

The physical characteristics and changes of solid, liquid, and gas states can be explained using the particulate model.

 

Essential Questions

1. What determines whether matter is in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas?

2. What is the kinetic molecular theory, and how does temperature affect the behavior of particles in a gas?

 

Student Performance Outcomes

• Explain how the arrangement and motion of particles in a substance such as water determine its state.

 

• Distinguish between changes in temperature and changes of state using the particle model of matter.

 

• Distinguish among, explain, and apply relationships among mass, weight, volume, and density.

 

Content Standard 4

Distinguish among, explain, and apply relationships among mass, weight, volume, and density.

 

Essential Questions

1. What are the differences and similarities between weight and mass?

2. How are density, mass, and volume all interrelated?

 

Outcomes

• Explain that the mass of an object does not change, but its weight changes based on the gravitational forces acting upon it.

 

• Predict how changes in acceleration due to gravity will affect the mass and weight of an object.

 

• Predict how mass, weight, and volume affect density.

 

• Measure mass and volume and use these quantities to calculate density.

 

• Use tools to gather, view,analyze, and report results for scientific investigations about the relationships among mass, weight, volume, and density.

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