Spectra of Science Pacing Guide
Quarter 1
Chapters
Week 1-4
1.1 -1.3; OGT Chapter 12 Interaction
of Science & Technology
Week 5-7
2.1-2.3
Week 8-10
3.1, 13.1 & 13.2
Quarter 2
Chapters
Week 1-4
4.1-3
Week 5-9
5.1-4
Quarter 3
Week 1-3
Chapters
6.1-4
Week 4
8.1
Week 5
9.1-2
Week 6&7
10.1-3
Week 8&9
11.1-3
Quarter 4
Chapters
Week 1
12,3-4
Week 2-3
14.1-3; 15.1-2
Week 4
Week 5-7
16.1
19.3, 20.1, 20.3, 21.1-2
Week 8
Review
Week 9
Exams
Topics
Theory and Law - Overview
Measurement and Safety
Scientific Method
Graphing
Mixtures
Density
Chemical/Physical Properties
States of Matter
Temperature
Topics
Atomic Models
Ions/Isotopes
Periodic Table - interpretation
Physical properties of elements
Naming Compounds - Writing Formulas
Emphasize math skills - chem
Topics
Balancing Equations
Types of Reactions
Acids and Bases pH
Nuclear Decay
Transition
Motion - speed velocity
Newton's Laws of Motion
Force
Topics
Energy - potential/kinetic
Sound & Light
Waves
Electricity
Plate Tectonics
Formation of Solar System
Universe
Earth
Spectra of Science Syllabus
First Quarter - Chapters 1-3,13
Amole (2013-2014)
Week
Chapters and
Sections
Standards Covered
Labs and Activities
Week 1
Introduction/Safety
Section 1.1
9.SWK.2-7
9.SI.1-3,6
9.PS.26-27
Lab- Observation and Inference
Active Response- Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Stations Lab-Science Skills Stations
Station Activity- Analyzing Experiments
Practice- Bikini Bottom Experiments
Lab-Scientific Method
Math Skills- Metric Conversion
Lab- Measurement (Mini-Metric Olympics)
Activity- Graphing
Active Response- Accuracy vs. Precision
Math Skills- Scientific Notation
Math Skills- Significant Figures
Short Cycle Q1A1
Chapter 1 Vocab. Quiz
Practice- Standardized Question Sets
Activity- Career Wanted Poster
Lab- Technological Design
Chapter 1 Test
Practice- Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
Lab- Elements, Compounds, Mixtures
Active Response- Homogeneous/Heterogeneous
Lab- Separation of a Mixture
Math Skills- Calculating Density
Lab- Sink or Float
Lab- Density Cubes
Short Cycle Q1A2
Science Show-Density Day
Practice-Physical/Chemical Properties/Changes
Demo Day- Physical vs. Chemical Changes
Game- Physical & Chemical Changes
Chapter 2 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 2 Test
Demo Day- Types of Energy and Transformations
Lab- States of Matter (Oobleck)
Lab- Endo/Exothermic Reactions (In the Bag)
Math Skills- Temperature Conversions
Demo-Temperature Change and Changing States
Practice- Types of Heat Transfer
Demo Day- Heat Transfer Methods
Short Cycle Q1A3
Chapter 3 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 3/13 Test
Week 2
Section 1.2
9.SWK.2-4
9.SI.1-3, 6
Week 3
Section 1.3
9.SI.3-5
Week 4
OGT Book Ch. 12
9.SWK.1-9
9.ST.1-3
Week 5
Section 2.1
9.PS.9
9.SI.3
Week 6
Section 2.2
9.PS.9
Week 7
Section 2.3
9.PS.1,4,9,10
Week 8
Section 3.1
9.PS.1,9,15,16
Week 9
Section 13.1
9.PS.11
Week 10
Section 13.2
9.PS.17
Spectra of Science Syllabus
Second Quarter - Chapters 4-5
Amole (2013-2014)
Week
Chapters and
Sections
Standards Covered
Week 1
Section 4.1
9.PS.1-2, 26-27
Week 2
Section 4.2
9.PS.4-5
Week 3
Section 4.3
9.PS.9-10
Week 4
Section 4.1-4
9.PS.1-2,4-5,9-10
Week 5
Section 5.1-2
9.PS.1-2,4-5,7,9
Week 6
Section 5.2-3
9.PS. 1-2,4-5,7, 10
Week 7
Section 5.3
9.PS. 1-2,4-5,7
Week 8
Section 5.3-4
9.PS. 1-2,4-5,7
Week 9
Review for
Semester Exams
All standards from
Q1 & Q2
Labs and Activities
Lab- Anatomy of an Atom
Lab- Bohr Models
Activity- Color-coding Periodic Table
Practice- Reading the Table
Math Skills- P+N = mass
Lab-Ions and Isotopes Baggie Challenge
Short Cycle Q2A1
Practice-Properties of families
Chapter 4 Vocab. Quiz
Elements Quiz
Mole Day- October 23- Introduction to the mole
Game- Name that Element
Chapter 4 Test
Review- Elements, Compounds, Mixtures
Station Lab- E, M, or C (compare contrast)
Practice- Types of Bonds
Activity-Lewis Dot Structures
Practice- Reading Formulas
Short Cycle Q2A2
Practice- Naming/Writing Ionic Compounds
Chapter 5 Vocab. Quiz
Practice- Naming/Writing Covalent Compounds
Short Cycle Q2A3
Chapter 5 Test
Semester Exam
Spectra of Science Syllabus
Third Quarter - Chapters 6, 8-11
Amole (2013-2014)
Week
Chapters and
Sections
Standards Covered
Week 1
Section 6.1-2
9.PS.6-7
Week 2
Section 6.3
9.PS.7
Week 3
Section 6.4
9.PS.16
Week 4
Section 8.1
9.PS.8
Week 5
Section 9.1-2
9.PS.6-7,14-16
Week 6
Section 10.1-2
9.PS.21-23
Week 7
Section 10.3
9.PS.25
Week 8
Section 11.1 &
11.3
9.PS.21-27
Week 9
Section 11.2
9.PS.13, 21-27
Labs and Activities
Practice- Parts of Reaction Formulas
Practice- Types of Reactions
Demo Day- Types of Reactions
Math Skills- Balancing Chemical Equations
Chapter 6 Vocab. Quiz
Demo Day- Factors Affecting Rates of Reactions
Short Cycle Q3A1
Chapter 6 Test
Practice- Acids vs. Bases
Lab- Testing pH of Household Supplies
Activity- Personal Annual Radiation Dosage
Practice- Radiation Types & Nuclear Reactions
Lab- Modeling Half-life and Decay
Practice- Fission vs. Fusion
Chapter 8/9 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 8/9 Test
Short Cycle Q3A2
Math Skills- Speed, Velocity, & Acceleration
Lab- Wind-Up Velocity
Activity- Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Lab- Types of Friction
Practice & Demos- Newton’s Laws
Lab- Newton’s Toys
Math Skills- Force & Momentum
Chapter 10/11 Vocab. Quiz
Math Skills- Weight vs. Mass
Activity- Projectile Motion
Short Cycle Q3A3
Chapter 10/11 Test
Spectra of Science Syllabus
Fourth Quarter - Chapters 12, 14-16, 19-21
Amole (2013-2014)
Week
Chapters and
Sections
Standards Covered
Week 1
Section 12.3-4
9.PS.12-13,15
Week 2
Section 16.1
9.PS.2,5-7
Week 3
Section 14.1-3
9.PS.18-20
Week 4
Section 15.1-2
9.PS.18-20
Week 5
Section 19.3
9.ESS.1,3,8
Week 6
Section 20.1,3
9.ESS.2-3, 5, 8
Week 7
Section 21.1-2
9.ESS.4-8
Week 8
Section 21.4
9.ESS.4-8
Week 9
Review for Final
Exams
All standards from
Q3 & Q4
Labs and Activities
Math Skills- Work & Power
Lab- Simple Machines (Mousetrap)
Activity & Demo- PE & KE (King’s Island)
Lab- Mechanical Energy
Demo Day- Electric Force
Chapter 12/16 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 12/16 Test
Demo-Wave Part and Properties
Math Skills- Wave Speed
Lab- Spring Waves
Station Lab- Sound Toys
Station Lab- Light Toys
Short Cycle Q4A1
Chapter 14/15 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 14/15 Test
Activity- Nebular Theory Booklet
Video- Formation of the Solar System
Activity- Stars Life Cycle
Lab- Galaxies
Video-Formation of Universe
Activity- Word Sorts for People and Theories
Chapter 19/20 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 19/20 Test
Short Cycle Q4A2
Activity- Earth Layers Model
Activity- Pangaea Puzzle
Lab- Plate Boundaries
Lab- Seismic Waves/Hot Spots
Stations Lab- Types of Weathering and Erosion
Chapter 21 Vocab. Quiz
Chapter 21 Test (?)
Short Cycle Q4A3
Final Exam
SCIENCE FAIR RESEARCH PROJECT TIMELINE
(HONORS CURRICULUM)
This is a tentative outline of the major dates involved in this year’s science research project. As we get
closer to specific dates, details and guidelines of what is expected will be distributed. Be aware that any
task with a due date will have pieces that must be turned in for a grade. Dates are subject to change.
Quarter
Q1
Q2
Q3
Task
Due Date
Introduce Project & Discuss Research Paper
Guidelines
Aug. 26
Topic and Question Due
Sept. 3
Research Notes Due
Sept. 20
Reference Page Due
Sept. 27
Background Due
Oct. 18
Hypothesis Statement Due
Oct 25
Experimental Resources & Experimental
Procedures Due
Experimental Implementation Photo Evidence
Due
Nov. 8
Jan. 10
Appendix Due
Jan. 17
Data Analysis Due
Jan. 24
Conclusions Due
Feb. 7
Title Page, Table of Contents, Abstract, and
Introduction Due
First Draft Due
(with correct page numbers)
Feb 21
Feb. 21
Poster Display Due
March 7
Final Draft Due
March 28
Present at Science Fair
March 28
Q4
Completed?
Ninth Grade Science
Academic Content Standards
Earth and Space Sciences
1. Describe that stars produce energy from nuclear reactions and that processes in stars have led to
the formation of all elements beyond hydrogen and helium. (ORC Resources)
2. Describe the current scientific evidence that supports the theory of the explosive expansion of the
universe, the Big Bang, over 10 billion years ago. (ORC Resources)
3. Explain that gravitational forces govern the characteristics and movement patterns of the planets,
comets and asteroids in the Solar System. (ORC Resources)
4. Explain the relationships of the oceans to the lithosphere and atmosphere (e.g., transfer of
energy, ocean currents, landforms). (ORC Resources)
5. Explain how the slow movement of material within Earth results from a. thermal energy transfer
(conduction and convection) from the deep interior b. the action of gravitational forces on
regions of different density (ORC Resources)
6. Explain the results of plate tectonic activity (e.g., magma generation, igneous intrusion,
metamorphism, volcanic action, earthquakes, faulting and folding). (ORC Resources)
7. Explain sea-floor spreading and continental drift using scientific evidence (e.g., fossil
distributions, magnetic reversals and radiometric dating). (ORC Resources)
8. Use historical examples to explain how new ideas are limited by the context in which they are
conceived; are often initially rejected by the scientific establishment; sometimes spring from
unexpected findings; and usually grow slowly through contributions from many different
investigators (e.g., heliocentric theory and plate tectonics theory). (ORC Resources)
Life Sciences
None for grade 9
Science and Technology
1. Describe means of comparing the benefits with the risks of technology and how science can
inform public policy. (ORC Resources)
2. Identify a problem or need, propose designs and choose among alternative solutions for the
problem. (ORC Resources)
3. Explain why a design should be continually assessed and the ideas of the design should be tested,
adapted and refined. (ORC Resources)
Physical Sciences
1. Recognize that all atoms of the same element contain the same number of protons, and
elements with the same number of protons may or may not have the same mass. Those with
different masses (different numbers of neutrons) are called isotopes. (ORC Resources)
2. Illustrate that atoms with the same number of positively charged protons and negatively
charged electrons are electrically neutral. (ORC Resources)
3. Describe radioactive substances as unstable nuclei that undergo random spontaneous nuclear
decay emitting particles and/or high energy wavelike radiation. (ORC Resources)
4. Show that when elements are listed in order according to the number of protons (called the
atomic number), the repeating patterns of physical and chemical properties identify families of
elements. Recognize that the periodic table was formed as a result of the repeating pattern of
electron configurations. (ORC Resources)
5. Describe how ions are formed when an atom or a group of atoms acquire an unbalanced charge
by gaining or losing one or more electrons. (ORC Resources)
6. Explain that the electric force between the nucleus and the electrons hold an atom together.
Relate that on a larger scale, electric forces hold solid and liquid materials together (e.g., salt
crystals, water). (ORC Resources)
7. Show how atoms may be bonded together by losing, gaining or sharing electrons and that in a
chemical reaction, the number, type of atoms and total mass must be the same before and after
the reaction (e.g., writing correct chemical formulas and writing balanced chemical equations).
(ORC Resources)
8. Demonstrate that the pH scale (0-14) is used to measure acidity and classify substances or
solutions as acidic, basic, or neutral. (ORC Resources)
9. Investigate the properties of pure substances and mixtures (e.g., density, conductivity,
hardness, properties of alloys, superconductors and semiconductors). (ORC Resources)
10. Compare the conductivity of different materials and explain the role of electrons in the ability
to conduct electricity. (ORC Resources)
11. Explain how thermal energy exists in the random motion and vibrations of atoms and
molecules. Recognize that the higher the temperature, the greater the average atomic or
molecular motion, and during changes of state the temperature remains constant. (ORC
Resources)
12. Explain how an object's kinetic energy depends on its mass and its speed (KE = ½mv2). (ORC
Resources)
13. Demonstrate that near Earth's surface an object's gravitational potential energy depends upon
its weight (mg where m is the object's mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity) and height
(h) above a reference surface (PE=mgh). (ORC Resources)
14. Summarize how nuclear reactions convert a small amount of matter into a large amount of
energy. (Fission involves the splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei; fusion is the
joining of two small nuclei into a larger nucleus at extremely high energies.) (ORC Resources)
15. Trace the transformations of energy within a system (e.g., chemical to electrical to mechanical)
and recognize that energy is conserved. Show that these transformations involve the release of
some thermal energy. (ORC Resources)
16. Illustrate that chemical reactions are either endothermic or exothermic (e.g., cold packs, hot
packs and the burning of fossil fuels). (ORC Resources)
17. Demonstrate that thermal energy can be transferred by conduction, convection or radiation
(e.g., through materials by the collision of particles, moving air masses or across empty space
by forms of electromagnetic radiation). (ORC Resources)
18. Demonstrate that electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy. Recognize that light acts as a
wave. Show that visible light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays). (ORC Resources)
19. Show how the properties of a wave depend on the properties of the medium through which it
travels. Recognize that electromagnetic waves can be propagated without a medium. (ORC
Resources)
20. Describe how waves can superimpose on one another when propagated in the same medium.
Analyze conditions in which waves can bend around corners, reflect off surfaces, are absorbed
by materials they enter, and change direction and speed when entering a different material.
(ORC Resources)
21. Demonstrate that motion is a measurable quantity that depends on the observer's frame of
reference and describe the object's motion in terms of position, velocity, acceleration and time.
(ORC Resources)
22. Demonstrate that any object does not accelerate (remains at rest or maintains a constant speed
and direction of motion) unless an unbalanced (net) force acts on it. (ORC Resources)
23. Explain the change in motion (acceleration) of an object. Demonstrate that the acceleration is
proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to the mass of the
object. (Fnet = ma. Note that weight is the gravitational force on a mass.) (ORC Resources)
24. Demonstrate that whenever one object exerts a force on another, an equal amount of force is
exerted back on the first object. (ORC Resources)
25. Demonstrate the ways in which frictional forces constrain the motion of objects (e.g., a car
traveling around a curve, a block on an inclined plane, a person running, an airplane in flight).
(ORC Resources)
26. Use historical examples to explain how new ideas are limited by the context in which they are
conceived; are often initially rejected by the scientific establishment; sometimes spring from
unexpected findings; and usually grow slowly through contributions from many different
investigators (e.g., atomic theory, quantum theory, Newtonian mechanics). (ORC Resources)
27. Describe advances and issues in physical science that have important, long-lasting effects on
science and society (e.g., atomic theory, quantum theory, Newtonian mechanics, nuclear
energy, nanotechnology, plastics and ceramics and communication technology). (ORC
Resources)
Scientific Inquiry
1. Distinguish between observations and inferences given a scientific situation. (ORC Resources)
2. Research and apply appropriate safety precautions when designing and conducting scientific
investigations (e.g., OSHA, Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS], eyewash, goggles, ventilation).
(ORC Resources)
3. Construct, interpret and apply physical and conceptual models that represent or explain systems,
objects, events or concepts. (ORC Resources)
4. Decide what degree of precision based on the data is adequate and round off the results of
calculator operations to the proper number of significant figures to reasonably reflect those of the
inputs. (ORC Resources)
5. Develop oral and written presentations using clear language, accurate data, appropriate graphs,
tables, maps and available technology. (ORC Resources)
6. Draw logical conclusions based on scientific knowledge and evidence from investigations. (ORC
Resources)
Scientific Ways of Knowing
1. Comprehend that many scientific investigations require the contributions of women and men
from different disciplines in and out of science. These people study different topics, use different
techniques and have different standards of evidence but share a common purpose - to better
understand a portion of our universe. (ORC Resources)
2. Illustrate that the methods and procedures used to obtain evidence must be clearly reported to
enhance opportunities for further investigations. (ORC Resources)
3. Demonstrate that reliable scientific evidence improves the ability of scientists to offer accurate
predictions. (ORC Resources)
4. Explain how support of ethical practices in science (e.g., individual observations and
confirmations, accurate reporting, peer review and publication) are required to reduce bias. (ORC
Resources)
5. Justify that scientific theories are explanations of large bodies of information and/or observations
that withstand repeated testing. (ORC Resources)
6. Explain that inquiry fuels observation and experimentation that produce data that are the
foundation of scientific disciplines. Theories are explanations of these data. (ORC Resources)
7. Recognize that scientific knowledge and explanations have changed over time, almost always
building on earlier knowledge. (ORC Resources)
8. Illustrate that much can be learned about the internal workings of science and the nature of
science from the study of scientists, their daily work and their efforts to advance scientific
knowledge in their area of study. (ORC Resources)
9. Investigate how the knowledge, skills and interests learned in science classes apply to the careers
students plan to pursue. (ORC Resources)