ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
1st
&
2nd
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Goal 1 The learner will
describe and conduct
investigations to demonstrate
an understanding of scientific
inquiry.
1.01-1.10 I can explain the steps
in the scientific method.
Priority
E, I, N,
M
E
1.01-1.10 I can follow lab safety
rules.
1.01-1.10 I can use measurement
correctly.
Vocabulary:
-observation
-inference
-hypothesis
-control
-variable
-dependent variable
-independent variable
-constant
-predictions
-analyze data
-science
Understand the metric
system.
1. Analyze and
interpret data and
graphs.
2. Identify variables.
3. Explain
observations.
4. Make inferences and
predictions.
5. Manipulate
materials and
equipment.
Performance/ Skill
Targets
1. Practice safe lab
skills.
Product Targets
1. Lab report
2. Science fair
2. Create data tables,
use and interpret them.
3. Use the scientific
method to conduct an
investigation and
solve a problem.
4. Use measurement
to collect data.
6. Test hypothesis and
communicate findings.
1st
&
2nd
Goal 2 The learner will
demonstrate an understanding
of technological design.
2.01 – 2.04 I can use technology
to solve scientific problems.
E
Vocabulary:
-technology
-remote sensing
1. Identify scientific
uses for technology.
2. Identify that
technology has many
Use a data base to
answer scientific
questions, interpret
data, and draw
conclusions.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, I, N,
M
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
meanings.
3. Use technology to
make informed
decisions about
consumer products.
2nd
Goal 3 The learner will build
an understanding of the
geological cycles, forces,
processes, and agents which
shape the lithosphere.
3.01 I can explain the forces that
change Earth’s surface.
E
Define:
-folded mountain
-fault-block mountain
-deposition
-transform boundary
-convergent
boundary
-divergent boundary
-faults
-seismic waves
-epicenter
-volcano
-lava
-magma
-earthquakes
-focus point
-stress
-primary waves
-secondary waves
-surface waves
1. Distinguish between
folding and faulted
mountains.
2. Compare and
contrast the three types
of boundaries.
3. Compare lava and
magma.
4. Give examples of
the most catastrophic
earthquakes and
volcanoes.
5. Determine how
seismic waves affect
the strength of an
earthquake.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
-seismograph
-aftershock
-tsunami
-pyroclastic flow
-continental drift
-tectonic plate
-Pangaea
-theory of plate
tectonics
-subduction
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
6. Predict the epicenter
of an earthquake.
7. Compare and
contrast the different
types of volcanoes.
Explain the 3 types of
subduction.
Understand Richter
Scale concept.
2nd
2nd
3.02 Examine earthquake and
volcano pattern.
3.03 I can describe the layers of
the Earth.
3.04 I can explain how rocks and
minerals are formed.
I
E
E
Define:
-asthenosphere
-lithosphere
-mantle
-crust
-inner core
-outer core
Label the layers of the
earth on a diagram.
Define:
-mineral
-rocks
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, I, N,
M
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
-element
-streak
-luster
-cleavage
-fracture
-density
-hardness
-ore
I can identify how we use
rocks and minerals.
Identify the
characteristics of rocks
and minerals.
Identify how we use
rocks and minerals.
Understand the value
of gems and precious
metals.
2nd
3.05 I can tell how soil is formed
and identify soil properties.
E
Identify common
gems, minerals,
precious metals, and
rocks found in North
Carolina.
Define:
-color
-infiltration
-soil horizon
-soil profile
-pH
-fertility
1. Evaluate water flow
through different types
of soil.
2. Demonstrate pH
level of the soil.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, I, N,
M
-weathering
-exfoliation
-abrasion
-chemical weathering
-mechanical
weathering
-humus
2nd
3.06 I can explain how humans
help and harm the earth.
E
Describe how soil is
formed.
Define:
-deposition
-erosion
-desertification
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
3. Examine soil
properties.
Determine how
humans affect the
Earth positively and
negatively.
3.07 Assess the use of technology N
and information systems in
monitoring phenomenon.
3.08 Conclude that the good
I
health of environments and
organisms requires:
 monitoring of the
pedosphere
 taking steps to maintain
soil quality
 stewardship
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
1st
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Goal 4 The learner will
investigate the cycling of
matter.
4.01 I can define energy and tell
how it flows through matter.
E
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
Label the movement in
the water, carbon, and
nitrogen cycles.
Explain the importance
of the three cycles to
the ecosystem.
Understand how matter
and energy transfers
through the ecosystem.
Define:
-decomposer
-producer
-consumer
-matter
-food web
-food chain
-energy pyramid
1st
4.02 Evaluate the significant role
of decomposers.
4.03 I can show how green plants
make food.
I
E
Define:
-chlorophyll
-photosynthesis
Explain how plants
make food.
Order the steps of
photosynthesis.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
4.04 I can explain why
photosynthesis is important.
Priority
E, I, N,
M
E
1. Explain why plants
are so important to the
ecosystem.
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
Predict what would
happen if
photosynthesis did not
occur in the ecosystem
2. Describe how plants
are used as food.
1st
4.05 Evaluate designed systems
for ability to enable growth of
certain plants and animals.
Goal 5 The learner will build
an understanding of the Solar
System.
5.01 I can identify the patterns
that occur in the solar system.
5.01 I can name the components
of the solar system.
N
E
Define:
-asteroids
-meteors
-eclipse
-meteorites
-ellipse
-orbit
-revolution
-comet
-umbra
-penumbra
-solstice
-equinox
-universe
-galaxy
-gibbous
-crescent
-waxing
-waning
1. Determine the cause
of day, night, year, and
seasons.
2. Compare and
contrast solar and lunar
eclipses.
3. Sort and interpret
the phases of the
moon.
4. Give examples how
the moon affects tides
on Earth.
5. Evaluate what
you have gained
from space research
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
-solar system
-Milky Way
-axis of rotation
-ring
-solar wind
-corona
-sunspot
-satellite
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
and technology.
Recognize and identify
the three types of
galaxies.
Identify and label the
parts of the sun.
Name the terrestrial
planets and gas giants
5.02 Compare and contrast the
Earth to other planets in terms of:
 size
 composition
 relative distance from the
sun
 ability to support life
I
Label the parts of the
solar system.
Define:
-Astronomical Unit
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
5.03 I can understand how the
gravitational pull of the Sun and
Moon affect Earth.
E
5.04 Describe space explorations I
and the understandings gained
from them including:
 N.A.S.A
 technology used to
explore space
 historic timeline
 Apollo mission to the
moon
 space shuttle
 international space station
 future goals
5.05 Describe the setting of the
I
solar system in the universe
including:
 galaxy
 size
 the uniqueness of Earth
5.06 Analyze the spin-off benefits I
generated by space exploration
technology including:
 medical
-tides
Compare and contrast
stars and planets.
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
Demonstrate the
alignment of sun, earth
and moon to model
tides, eclipses and
moon phases.
Define:
-space station
-Lander
-probe
-flybys
-reflecting telescope
-refracting telescope
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
2nd
2nd
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
 materials
 transportation
 processes
 future research
Goal 6 The learner will conduct
investigations and examine
models and devices to build an
understanding of the
characteristics of energy
transfer and/or transformation.
6.01 I can describe how heat
moves from one place to another.
6.02 I can show how heat moves
through matter or empty space to
cause temperatures to be equal.
Priority
E, I, N,
M
E
E
Define:
-conduction
-convection
-radiation
-heat
-conductor
-insulator
-convection current
Define:
-temperature
-thermometer
-degrees
-specific heat
-kinetic theory of
matter
-equilibrium
Explain how two
objects of different
temperatures will reach
equilibrium.
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
Distinguish between
the similarities and
differences between
conduction,
convection, and
radiation.
Determine how heat
flows through different
materials.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
2nd
6.03 I can explain how sound
moves from one place to another.
Priority
E, I, N,
M
E
Define:
-frequency
-amplitude
-sound
-vibration
-vacuum
-pitch
-hertz
-intensity
-decibel
-wave length
-crest
-trough
-amplification
-acoustics
-echolocation
-sonar
-wave
-medium
-ultrasound
-resonance
-Doppler Effect
-transverse wave
-longitudinal wave
-mechanical wave
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
1. Generalize how
sound waves as
vibrations travel.
2. Interpret how
different mediums
affect the speed of
sound.
3. Compare and
contrast the types of
waves.
Label the parts of the
human ear.
Explain how sound
waves are produced.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, I, N,
M
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
Explain how the
human ear processes
sound.
2nd
6.04 Evaluate data for qualitative
and quantitative relationships
associated with energy transfer
and/or transformation.
6.05 I can tell how light and
matter work together.
N
E
Define:
-reflection
-refraction
-diffraction
-interference
-EM Wave
-EM spectrum
-radio waves
-microwaves
-UV light
-visible light
-infrared light
-x-rays
-gamma rays
-transmission
-polarization
-prism
-primary pigments
-primary colors
-law of reflection
-absorption
-scattering
-color perception
-optics
1. Give examples of
how different materials
scatter, reflect, and
absorb light.
2. Determine different
conditions that affect
eye sight.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
-image
-convex
-concave
-focal point
-lens
-focal length
-cornea
-pupil
-retina
-optic nerve
-cones
-rods
Explain the
arrangement of the
Electromagnetic
Spectrum.
Label the parts of the
eye.
2nd
6.06 Analyze response to heat to
determine the suitability of
materials for use in technological
design:
-conduction
-expansion
-contraction
6.07 I can explain the Law of
Conservation of Energy.
I
E
Define:
-energy
-matter
Give examples of each
type and form of
energy.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, I, N,
M
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
-kinetic
-potential
-mechanical
-sound
-thermal
-electromagnetic
-chemical
-nuclear
-energy efficiency
Explain the Law of
Conservation of
Energy.
1st
Goal 7 The learner will conduct
investigations and use
technologies and information
systems to build an
understanding of population
dynamics.
7.01 I can tell how living and
non-living parts of the
environment work together.
E
Define:
-coexistence
-cooperation
-competition
-symbiosis
-mutual dependence
-abiotic
-biotic
-predator
-prey
-species
-ecology
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
Priority
E, I, N,
M
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
-ecosystem
1st
7.02 I can give examples that
cause living things to grow and
survive.
E
Identify different types
of symbiotic
relationships in a
variety of ecosystems.
Define:
-biome
-coniferous
-deciduous
List the abiotic factors
that affect the survival
and growth of
organisms.
1st
7.03 I can tell how changes in a
habitat can hurt or help living
things.
E
7.04 Evaluate the data related to
human population growth, along
with problems and solutions:
-water disposal
-food supply
-resource availability
I
1. Give examples of
how sunlight,
temperature, soil,
water, and air affect
the growth and
survival of
organisms.
Investigate how
abiotic factors affect
the growth and
survival of a
particular organism.
2. Compare and
contrast the different
biomes.
Define:
-limiting factor
-carrying capacity
-succession
-pioneer species
-habitat
-niche
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10
ISS Curriculum Guide
Grade – Science - Updated
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
6th
Top
10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
-transportation
-socio economic patterns
7.05 I can show that too many of
one living thing can hurt the
environment.
1st
Priority
E, I, N,
M
E
7.06 I can explain how changes in E
plant and animal life happen.
Define:
-overpopulation
Define:
-natural selection
-adaptation
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Product Targets
1. Infer how
overpopulation
negatively affects an
ecosystem.
2. Determine how
overpopulation impacts
the environment.
Compare and contrast
natural selection and
adaptation.
Investigate natural
selection and
adaptation.
Understand natural
selection and
adaptation.
Key Academic Vocabulary indicated by Bold font.
E- Essential M- Maintenance I – Important N – Nice to Know
6/10