Students understand the basic features and processes of the Earth. Students explain how energy from the sun, interacting with the ocean, atmosphere, and land masses produces climate and weather. Students understand essential ideas about the composition and structure of the universe and the Earth's place in it. Students demonstrate an understanding of the process of natural selection as it relates to the theory of evolution, ecological relationships, and the diversity of life. Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of living things from the cell to the organism.
Students explain how parts of an ecosystem are related, interact and form cycles.
Ethical Issues of the Scientific Process 13. Students demonstrate an understanding that making informed decisions about the use of the earth's resources, the ethics of bio-technology, and the likely effects of any scientific endeavor are the responsibility of all members of society. Students demonstrate an understanding that current technologies make it possible for scientists to extend their research or to undertake entirely new lines of inquiry.