Science Curriculum
	Physics
	Physics 1 introduces the central concepts of physics, including kinematics, dynamics, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), electricity and magnetism, and waves. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.	Last Updated: 08/17/12 10:34 AM
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	SCI.PH
	Standard 1
	PLAN AND CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS USING EXPERIMENTAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
	Benchmark 1.a Define the Components of a System   Indicator 1.a.1 Identify the components of a system   Indicator 1.a.2 Differentiate between open and closed systems
	Benchmark 1.b Select and Use Instruments to Extend Observations and Measurements   Indicator 1.b.1 Measure and record position, time, etc. using appropriate technology   Indicator 1.b.2 Use lab equipment safely and appropriately
	Benchmark 1.c Record and Present Information in an Organized Format   Indicator 1.c.1 Create graphs, charts, and tables to communicate experimental results   Indicator 1.c.2 Formulate and implement a procedure for testing hypotheses   Indicator 1.c.3 Synthesize various points of view from group members   Indicator 1.c.4 Debate theories and ideas with peers in group discussions   Indicator 1.c.5 Collaborate with peers to design presentations
	Benchmark 1.d Recognize the Limitations of the Experimental Apparatus and Design   Indicator 1.d.1 Distinguish dependent & independent variables, constants, controls   Indicator 1.d.2 Analyze experimental errors qualitatively (precision and accuracy)   Indicator 1.d.3 Recognize that no measurement is complete without its uncertainty   Indicator 1.d.4 Determine accuracy of measurement   Indicator 1.d.5 Determine precision of measurement using range or standard deviation   Indicator 1.d.6 Determine percent error in a calculated result from experimental data   Indicator 1.d.7 Represent uncertainty in measurement as an error bar on a graph
	Benchmark 1.e Recognize the Limitations of Measured Quantities   Indicator 1.e.1 Verify the results of calculations using order of magnitude estimates   Indicator 1.e.2 Apply rules of significant figures in measurements and calculations   Indicator 1.e.3 Minimize errors in measurement by averaging data from multiple trials
	Benchmark 1.f Understand the Uses of Models and Simulations   Indicator 1.f.1 Use simulations to model physical phenomena   Indicator 1.f.2 Manipulate simulation software to model scientific investigations
	Benchmark 1.g Use Technology To Gather & Analyze Data and Communicate Results   Indicator 1.g.1 Generate and analyze a graph using a computer   Indicator 1.g.2 Perform a lab that uses technology   Indicator 1.g.3 Demonstrate proficiency using probeware for data collection, etc.   Indicator 1.g.4 Discriminate computer-collected data by extracting useful data   Indicator 1.g.5 Design presentations that employ current media technologies
	SCI.PH
	Standard 2
	ANALYZE AND INTERPRET DATA
	Benchmark 2.a Translate a Physical Problem Into a Mathematical Statement   Indicator 2.a.1 Use equations or inequalities to model physical phenomena or events   Indicator 2.a.2 Use dimensional analysis in analyzing data and solving problems   Indicator 2.a.3 Use dimensional analysis to verify appropriate units   Indicator 2.a.4 Provide a mathematical rationale for a conclusion
	Benchmark 2.b Determine Relationships by Using the Shape of a Curve Through Data   Indicator 2.b.1 Use graphical depictions to describe physical phenomena   Indicator 2.b.2 Interpret and explain graphs to describe the motion of objects   Indicator 2.b.3 Explain math relationships between quantities using graphical analysis   Indicator 2.b.4 Develop a linear graph and function from non-linear data
	Benchmark 2.c Calculate the Slope of a Linear Relationship   Indicator 2.c.1 Calculate the slope of a linear relationship with appropriate units   Indicator 2.c.2 Develop mathematical models to explain experimental results   Indicator 2.c.3 Explain of the significance of the y intercept
	Benchmark 2.d Use Interpolated, Extrapolated and Analyzed Trends to Make Predictions   Indicator 2.d.1 Make predictions using interpolation/extrapolation/analysis of data   Indicator 2.d.2 Make predictions using the area under a curve
	Benchmark 2.e Understand Methods Used to Analyze Situations with Vector Quantities   Indicator 2.e.1 Use vectors to describe physical quantities and their interactions   Indicator 2.e.2 Solve vector algebra problems using trigonometric & graphical methods   Indicator 2.e.3 Represent an object’s motion by drawing vector diagrams
	SCI.PH
	Standard 3
	UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF SCIENCE, SCIENTIFIC REASONING, AND LOGIC
	Benchmark 3.a Analyze Scientific Sources to Develop and Refine Research Hypotheses   Indicator 3.a.1 Critique & summarize a scientific article using logical argumentation   Indicator 3.a.2 Identify a current research subject in physics; explain its importance   Indicator 3.a.3 Analyze scientific sources to develop and refine research hypotheses   Indicator 3.a.4 Evaluate research topic limitations and propose additional questions
	Benchmark 3.b Analyze How Science Explains and Predicts Relationships   Indicator 3.b.1 Analyze data to identify trends and relationships
	Benchmark 3.c Evaluate Evidence for Scientific Theories   Indicator 3.c.1 Defend a scientific theory using sound logic based on scientific data
	Benchmark 3.d Examine the Effects of New Discoveries on Theories & New Paradigms   Indicator 3.d.1 Identify examples of a paradigm shift   Indicator 3.d.2 Cite sources used in conducting investigations   Indicator 3.d.3 Distinguish between scientific law and scientific theory   Indicator 3.d.4 Review & revise procedures while conducting a scientific investigation   Indicator 3.d.5 Understand the contributions of Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, etc.   Indicator 3.d.6 Evaluate the impact of new scientific discoveries on existing theories   Indicator 3.d.7 Trace the development of physical science: ancient cultures to present   Indicator 3.d.8 Explain the reasons for the quest to develop a Grand Unified Theory   Indicator 3.d.9 Discuss the achievements of the space program   Indicator 3.d.10 Analyze and evaluate peer research proposals
	Benchmark 3.e Construct and Defend a Scientific Viewpoint   Indicator 3.e.1 Explain the interaction between human nature & the scientific process   Indicator 3.e.2 Write and present a formal lab report   Indicator 3.e.3 Write a logical conclusion that is supported by experimental evidence   Indicator 3.e.4 Compare and contrast science and pseudoscience   Indicator 3.e.5 Evaluate what constitutes a valid scientific conclusion   Indicator 3.e.6 Share experimental results with peers for review, analysis & criticism   Indicator 3.e.7 Discuss the significance of the error found in results
	SCI.PH
	Standard 4
	UNDERSTAND HOW APPLICATIONS OF PHYSICS AFFECT THE WORLD
	Benchmark 4.a Investigate and Understand Examples from the Real World   Indicator 4.a.1 Propose and evaluate various explanations for scientific phenomena   Indicator 4.a.2 Design, build and test a device to solve a real world problem   Indicator 4.a.3 Evaluate the influence of physics principles in understanding problems   Indicator 4.a.4 Create a device to model a physical system   Indicator 4.a.5 Identify a problem that can be solved using new technologies   Indicator 4.a.6 Evaluate the impact of satellites
	Benchmark 4.b Explore the Roles and Contributions of Science and Technology   Indicator 4.b.1 Develop an awareness of real-world applications of physics   Indicator 4.b.2 Describe the importance of physics in advancement of various fields   Indicator 4.b.3 Utilize scientific information from a variety of sources   Indicator 4.b.4 Use texts and references to gather information, conduct research, etc.   Indicator 4.b.5 Understand the contributions of scientists: Coulomb, Ampere, Ohm, etc.   Indicator 4.b.6 Distinguish between science and technology   Indicator 4.b.7 Determine the physics principles behind various technologies   Indicator 4.b.8 Explain how physics is applied in visual art, music or medicine   Indicator 4.b.9 Identify the contributions of scientists: Becquerel, Curie, etc.   Indicator 4.b.10 Evaluate the societal influences on research priorities   Indicator 4.b.11 Discuss the interconnectivity of physics principles in technology
	SCI.PH
	Standard 5
	UNDERSTAND INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG MASS, DISTANCE, FORCE, AND TIME
	Benchmark 5.a Investigate and Understand Linear Motion   Indicator 5.a.1 Analyze the motion of objects undergoing constant acceleration   Indicator 5.a.2 Distinguish between average and instantaneous velocity   Indicator 5.a.3 Predict motion of objects & forces from different frames of reference
	Benchmark 5.b Investigate and Understand Uniform Circular Motion   Indicator 5.b.1 Distinguish between centripetal and centrifugal force   Indicator 5.b.2 Explore the relationships between radius, force, speed & acceleration   Indicator 5.b.3 Analyze situations: centripetal force is a component of another force
	Benchmark 5.c Investigate and Understand Projectile Motion   Indicator 5.c.1 Apply the force of gravity to study free-fall and projectile motion   Indicator 5.c.2 Describe independence of horizontal & vertical motion of a projectile   Indicator 5.c.3 Analyze projectile motion to solve for range, height & time of flight   Indicator 5.c.4 Analyze projectiles launched at an angle
	Benchmark 5.d Investigate and Understand Newton's Laws of Motion   Indicator 5.d.1 Classify forces as either contact forces or field forces   Indicator 5.d.2 Explain the effect of the force of friction on the motion of objects   Indicator 5.d.3 Apply Newton’s Laws of Motion to analyze the effects of applied forces   Indicator 5.d.4 Understand the importance of Newton's Three Laws of Motion   Indicator 5.d.5 Solve problems involving forces with vertical & horizontal components   Indicator 5.d.6 Analyze a system with multiple masses
	Benchmark 5.e Investigate and Understand Gravitation   Indicator 5.e.1 Calculate the gravitational force between two objects   Indicator 5.e.2 Using the concept of gravitational field, distinguish mass vs. weight   Indicator 5.e.3 Calculate the gravitational potential at a given distance from a mass   Indicator 5.e.4 Describe the gradient of the potential
	Benchmark 5.f Investigate and Understand Planetary Motion   Indicator 5.f.1 Combine universal gravitational & centripetal force to solve problems   Indicator 5.f.2 Investigate the interactions of planetary systems using software
	Benchmark 5.g Investigate and Understand Work, Power and Energy   Indicator 5.g.1 Calculate work done on a body & the power generated by applied force   Indicator 5.g.2 Formulate the relationship between power, energy, and time   Indicator 5.g.3 Apply the work-energy theorem in solving problems   Indicator 5.g.4 Calculate the work done by a non-constant force
	SCI.PH
	Standard 6
	UNDERSTAND THE CONSERVATION OF MASS, ENERGY, MOMENTUM, AND CHARGE
	Benchmark 6.a Investigate and Understand Kinetic and Potential Energy   Indicator 6.a.1 Analyze the interaction of objects in a closed system   Indicator 6.a.2 Understand when mechanical energy is a conserved quantity
	Benchmark 6.b Investigate and Understand Elastic and Inelastic Collisions   Indicator 6.b.1 Provide and explain examples showing linear momentum = mass x velocity   Indicator 6.b.2 Use collisions to analyze the interaction of objects in closed systems   Indicator 6.b.3 Use collisions and explosions to analyze the interaction of objects   Indicator 6.b.4 Derive the impulse-change in momentum theorem from Newton’s Second Law   Indicator 6.b.5 Analyze a force-time graph to determine impulse
	Benchmark 6.c Investigate and Understand Mass/Energy Equivalence   Indicator 6.c.1 Understand mass/energy equivalence   Indicator 6.c.2 Understand when to apply the principle of mass/energy equivalence
	SCI.PH
	Standard 7
	UNDERSTAND THAT ENERGY CAN BE TRANSFERRED AND TRANSFORMED
	Benchmark 7.a Understand the Transfer and Storage of Energy Among Systems   Indicator 7.a.1 Compare and contrast electric energy transfer properties   Indicator 7.a.2 Distinguish between various types of energy   Indicator 7.a.3 Analyze the energy and momentum transfers in an open system   Indicator 7.a.4 Explain heat flow & entropy in terms of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics   Indicator 7.a.5 Define heat and distinguish between heat and temperature   Indicator 7.a.6 Use the kinetic theory to predict quantitative relationships
	Benchmark 7.b Investigate and Understand the Efficiency of Systems   Indicator 7.b.1 Analyze interactions in which energy is NOT conserved   Indicator 7.b.2 Use real world examples to evaluate energy transformations   Indicator 7.b.3 Apply the 1st Law of Thermodynamics to analyze energy transformations
	SCI.PH
	Standard 8
	INVESTIGATE AND UNDERSTAND WAVE PHENOMENA
	Benchmark 8.a Investigate and Understand Wave Characteristics   Indicator 8.a.1 Develop a wave model for mechanical energy transfer   Indicator 8.a.2 Explain the relationship between wavelength, wave speed, and frequency   Indicator 8.a.3 Understand that both waves and pendulums follow Simple Harmonic Motion   Indicator 8.a.4 Write displacement of a mechanical wave as a trigonometric function   Indicator 8.a.5 Predict changes in wave energy
	Benchmark 8.b Investigate and Understand Fundamental Wave Processes   Indicator 8.b.1 Use the wave model to explore interference of mechanical waves   Indicator 8.b.2 Distinguish between superimposed waves: in-phase vs. out-of-phase   Indicator 8.b.3 Compare and contrast mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves   Indicator 8.b.4 Graphically illustrate reflection, refraction & diffraction of a wave   Indicator 8.b.5 Describe the Doppler effect
	Benchmark 8.c Investigate and Understand Light and Sound in Terms of Wave Models   Indicator 8.c.1 Compare, contrast, and illustrate transverse and longitudinal waves   Indicator 8.c.2 Use the wave model of light to explain polarization, diffraction, etc.   Indicator 8.c.3 Explore a system that is resonating   Indicator 8.c.4 Investigate beat frequencies
	SCI.PH
	Standard 9
	UNDERSTAND FREQUENCIES & WAVELENGTHS OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
	Benchmark 9.a Understand Properties/Behaviors/Relative Size of Electromagnetic Waves   Indicator 9.a.1 Analyze different electromagnetic wavelengths, frequencies & energies
	Benchmark 9.b Investigate and Understand the Wave/Particle Dual Nature of Light   Indicator 9.b.1 Understand both wave & particle models are necessary to explain light
	Benchmark 9.c Understand Current Applications Based on the Respective Wavelengths   Indicator 9.c.1 Investigate uses of various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum
	SCI.PH
	Standard 10
	USE THE FIELD CONCEPT TO DESCRIBE THE EFFECTS OF FORCES
	Benchmark 10.a Investigate and Understand the Inverse Square Laws   Indicator 10.a.1 Explain the gravitational attractive force between two objects   Indicator 10.a.2 Explain the strength of an electric force   Indicator 10.a.3 Calculate the electrostatic force between any two charged bodies   Indicator 10.a.4 Calculate electrical field strength and sketch the field lines   Indicator 10.a.5 Compare and contrast forces between charged objects of known mass   Indicator 10.a.6 Identify electric fields around conductors and make comparisons   Indicator 10.a.7 Calculate net electric field at a point from multiple charged objects   Indicator 10.a.8 Describe the gravitational field strength (g)
	Benchmark 10.b Investigate and Understand Technological Applications   Indicator 10.b.1 Explain the effects of moving electric charges and of moving magnets   Indicator 10.b.2 Create or analyze a model for magnetism to explain magnetic fields   Indicator 10.b.3 Explain the generation of various magnetic fields   Indicator 10.b.4 Apply the right-hand rules to predict field behavior & particle motion   Indicator 10.b.5 Explore the voltage & current generated by a changing magnetic field   Indicator 10.b.6 Relate the behavior of fields to explain the operation of devices
	SCI.PH
	Standard 11
	DIAGRAM, CONSTRUCT, AND ANALYZE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
	Benchmark 11.a Investigate and Understand Ohm's Law   Indicator 11.a.1 Apply Ohm’s Law to analyze various electric circuits
	Benchmark 11.b Investigate and Understand Series, Parallel, and Combined Circuits   Indicator 11.b.1 Combine various electrical components to construct circuit diagrams   Indicator 11.b.2 Calculate the effective resistance for electrical components connected   Indicator 11.b.3 Analyze combination circuits
	Benchmark 11.c Investigate and Understand Electrical Power   Indicator 11.c.1 Measure & analyze current and voltage for electrical system components   Indicator 11.c.2 Calculate dissipated power in circuit elements   Indicator 11.c.3 Apply conservation of charge to explain how objects become charged   Indicator 11.c.4 Explain the relationships: charge, potential energy, potential diff.   Indicator 11.c.5 Perform a cost-analysis to determine the energy usage of circuits   Indicator 11.c.6 Derive expressions for electrical power   Indicator 11.c.7 Describe the concept of internal resistance of an electrical cell
	Benchmark 11.d Investigate and Understand Alternating and Direct Currents   Indicator 11.d.1 Recognize how DC power and AC power are supplied   Indicator 11.d.2 Describe practical applications of circuit design
	SCI.PH
	Standard 12
	UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES FOR EXTREMELY LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES
	Benchmark 12.a Investigate and Understand Wave/Particle Duality   Indicator 12.a.1 Explain and apply the wave/particle duality of light   Indicator 12.a.2 Explain the phenomena that led to the particle/wave duality
	Benchmark 12.b Investigate and Understand Wave Properties of Matter   Indicator 12.b.1 Explain the electron’s rotation around the nucleus as a standing wave
	Benchmark 12.c Investigate and Understand Matter/Energy Equivalence   Indicator 12.c.1 State and apply Einstein's mass-energy equivalence
	Benchmark 12.d Investigate and Understand Quantum Mechanics and Uncertainty   Indicator 12.d.1 Predict the momentum or location of a moving particle   Indicator 12.d.2 Understand the contributions of scientists to quantum mechanics
	Benchmark 12.e Investigate and Understand Relativity   Indicator 12.e.1 Express the general and special theories of relativity   Indicator 12.e.2 Find time dilation and length contraction
	Benchmark 12.f Investigate and Understand Nuclear Physics   Indicator 12.f.1 Describe the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion   Indicator 12.f.2 Distinguish among the four fundamental forces of nature   Indicator 12.f.3 Define mass defect and binding energy   Indicator 12.f.4 Discuss the issues faced by the developers of the atomic bomb
	Benchmark 12.g Investigate and Understand Solid State Physics   Indicator 12.g.1 Explore solid state physics: semiconductors, diodes, transistors
	Benchmark 12.h Investigate and Understand Nanotechnology   Indicator 12.h.1 Provide examples of technologies used to explore the nanoscale
	Benchmark 12.i Investigate and Understand Superconductivity   Indicator 12.i.1 Explore the nature of superconductors and semiconductors
	Benchmark 12.j Investigate and Understand Radioactivity   Indicator 12.j.1 Explain natural radioactivity   Indicator 12.j.2 Determine the half-life of a nuclide from a decay curve

Essential - Standard, benchmark, or indicator from the VDOE Standards of Learning document. In the absence of VDOE standards for a given course, content subject to testing such as AP and IB can be labeled Essential.
Expected - Standard, benchmark, or indicator added by the FCPS Program of Studies to provide a context, a bridge, or an enhancement to the Essential SBIs.
Extended - Standard, benchmark, or indicator added by the FCPS Program of Studies generally used to differentiate instruction for advanced learners (Honors/GT)