9th Grade Science Learning Targets
Standard
Earth Science
Target #
ES-9-1-1
ES-9-1-2
ES-9-2-1
ES-9-3-1
ES-9-4-1
ES-9-5-1
ES-9-5-2
ES-9-6-1
ES-9-7-1
ES-9-8-1
ES-9-8-2
Physical Science
PS-9-1-1
PS-9-2-1
PS-9-3-1
PS-9-4-1
PS-9-5-1
PS-9-6-1
PS-9-7-1
PS-9-7-2
PS-9-8-1
Learning Target
I can describe that stars produce energy from nuclear
reactions.
I can describe that processes in stars have led to the
formation of all elements beyond hydrogen & helium.
I can describe the current scientific evidence that
supports the theory of the explosive expansion of the
universe, the Big Bang, over 10 billion years ago.
I can explain that gravitational forces control the
characteristics and movement patterns of the planets,
comets, and asteroids in the solar system.
I can explain the relationships of the oceans to the
lithosphere and atmosphere (e.g., transfer of energy,
ocean currents and landforms).
I can explain how conduction and convection explain
the slow movement of material within Earth
I can explain how gravitational forces within the earth
affect the slow movement of regions of different density.
I can give examples of plate tectonic activity
I can use scientific evidence to explain sea floor
spreading and continental drift.
I can use historical examples to explain the development
of scientific theories (e.g., Heliocentric Theory and Plate
Tectonics)
I can explain that many investigators contribute to the
development of a theory.
I can define the terms atomic mass and atomic number.
I can draw an atom & label all of the sub-atomic
particles and their charges.
I can explain why radioactive substances emit particles
and high energy radiation.
I can use the periodic table to show that elements are
organized based upon repeating patterns of physical and
chemical properties.
I can explain how atoms form ions.
I can explain how electric forces hold atoms together.
I can explain how chemical compounds are formed.
I can write a balanced chemical reaction.
I can use the pH scale to classify materials as acidic,
basic, or neutral.
Compiled by Darke County ESC ©2008
Standard
Physical Science
Target #
PS-9-9-1
PS-9-10-1
PS-9-10-2
PS-9-11-1
PS-9-11-2
PS-9-12-1
PS-9-13-1
PS-9-14-1
PS-9-15-1
PS-9-16-1
PS-9-17-1
PS-9-18-1
PS-9-19-1
PS-9-20-1
PS-9-21-1
PS-9-22-1
PS-9-23-1
PS-9-24-1
PS-9-25-1
PS-9-26-1
PS-9-26-2
PS-9-27-1
Learning Target
I can explain and give examples of pure substances and
mixtures.
I can explain how the flow of electrons results in an
electrical current.
I can give examples of materials that can & can not
conduct an electrical current.
I can explain how all atoms and molecules contain
thermal energy.
I can recognize the relationship between temperature &
atomic movement.
I can explain how mass and speed affect kinetic energy.
I can… explain the effects of mass & height on an
objects potential energy
I can explain the processes of fission and fusion in terms
of the amounts of energy produced
I can show conversions of energy from one form to
another.
I can explain and give examples of endothermic &
exothermic reactions
I can describe how thermal energy can be transferred by
conduction, convection, or radiation.
I can explain that the electromagnetic spectrum is
composed of multiple forms of energy.
I can explain that electromagnetic and mechanical waves
are affected by the medium through which they travel.
I can explain the concepts of wave reflection, refraction,
diffraction, and interference.
I can describe motion in terms of position, velocity,
acceleration and time.
I can demonstrate and explain Newton’s Law of Inertia.
I can demonstrate and explain Newton’s Second Law of
Motion.
I can demonstrate and explain Newton’s Law of
Reciprocal Actions.
I can demonstrate and explain how frictional forces
affect the motion of an object.
I can explain the historical development of scientific
theories such as atomic theory, quantum theory, and
Newtonian Mechanics.
I can explain that many investigators contribute to the
development of a theory.
I can describe advances and issues in physical science
that have important, long-lasting effects on science and
society.
Compiled by Darke County ESC ©2008
Standard
Science & Tech
Target #
ST-9-1-1
ST-9-1-2
ST-9-2-1
ST-9-3-1
Scientific Inquiry
SI-9-1-1
SI-9-2-1
SI-9-3-1
SI-9-4-1
SI-9-4-2
SI-9-5-1
SI-9-6-1
SWOK
SK-9-1-1
SK-9-2-1
SK-9-3-1
SK-9-4-1
SK-9-5-1
SK-9-6-1
Learning Target
I can describe how I can compare the benfits with the
risks of technology.
I can explain how science can inform public policy.
I can identify a problem or need, propose a design and
choose the best solution for the problem.
I can explain why a design should be regularly looked at
and why the ideas of the design should be tests, changed
and refined.
Given a scientific situation, I can tell the difference
between observations and inferences.
When planning and conducting investigations, I can
research and use the appropriate safety precautions.
(e.g., OSHA, Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS),
eyewash, goggles, ventilation)
I can make, interpret and apply physical and conceptual
models that represent or explain systems, objects, events
or concepts.
Based on the data, I can decide what degree of precision
is necessary.
I can round off calculator operations to the proper
number of significant figures.
I can develop oral and written presentations using clear
language, accurate data, appropriate graphs, tables, maps
and available technology.
I can draw logical conclusions based on scientific
knowledge and evidence from investigations.
I can give examples of how scientific investigations
require input from men and women from many
disciplines in and out of science.
I can explain how the methods and procedures used to
gather evidence must be clearly reported to allow other
investigations to be done in the future.
I can explain how reliable scientific evidence improves
scientists’ ability to make accurate predictions.
I can explain how ethical practices in science are
necessary to reduce bias.
I can justify that scientific theories are explanations of
large bodies of information and/or observations that
hold up to repeated testing.
I can explain how inquiry helps to produce data needed
for all scientific fields.
Compiled by Darke County ESC ©2008
SK-9-7-1
SK-9-8-1
SK-9-9-1
I can describe and give examples of how scientific
explanations and knowledge change over time and is
built on earlier knowledge.
I can use the work of scientist to describe the workings
of science and the nature of science.
I can list knowledge, skills and interests learned in
science class that will apply to careers that I plan to
pursue.
Compiled by Darke County ESC ©2008