Natural Science: Foundational Skills

Content Knowledge Output

Problem solving Apply the use of strategies to approach problem-solving situations and revise
solution process
Scientific methodology Design and conduct scientific investigations through the formulation and
testing of hypotheses
• Formulate and clarify the method
• Identify the controls and variables
• Collect, organize, display and analyze data
• Make revisions of hypotheses, methods and explanation
• Present the results
• Seek critiques from others
Applied basic mathematics Apply
Comprehend • The use of exponents and scientific notation
• Real number system and its properties • Proportional reasoning to solve problems
• Ratios, proportions and percents and their relationships • Consistent and accurately perform basic mathematical operations
• The definition of a mathematical expression (a statement that uses (add, subtract, multiply, and divide)
numbers and symbols to represent mathematical ideas and real world • Simplified rational expressions
situations)
• The use of written symbols and their limitations
Applied algebra, trigonometry, and geometry Apply by:
Comprehend • Representing functions, patterns and mathematical relationships use a
• How variables can be used to represent unknowns variety of models
• Using formal notations to describe applications of sequences and
• When it is possible to simplify, solve, substitute in or evaluate series
equations and expressions • Utilizing the ability to represent a geometrical figure on a plane using
• The different types of functions, especially exponential and a set of equations, as in descriptive geometry
logarithmic functions • Using operations on vectors
• The concept of continuity
• Definitions of sine, cosine and tangent in relation to right triangle
geometry
• That a curve drawn in a certain location is equivalent to a set of
algebraic equations
• How vectors are used to represent concepts such as velocity and force
 Content Knowledge Output
Probability and Statistics Apply by:
Comprehend • Representing data through charts, tables, plots, or graphs
• Descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode and standard deviation
• That sample data predictions are inferential
Measurements Apply by:
Comprehend • Conducing simple measurement conversions
• Differences between the metric and U.S. measurement systems • Selecting and using appropriate measurement units for real world
• Difference between notion of accuracy and precision problems
• Determine when to make estimates and approximations to solve
problems
• Being able to use unit analysis in problem solving
Standards for Success (S4S)
Natural Science: Foundational Skills
Successful students:
A. Understand the steps that make up the scientific method. These students are able
to observe, hypothesize, text, and revise, and they know the difference between a
hypothesis and a theory
B. Know basic mathematics conventions.
C. Are able to recognize and use basic algebraic forms.
D. Demonstrate the ability to work algebraically with formulas and symbols.
E. Know and understand basic trigonometric principles.
F. Understand the relationships between geometry and algebra.
G. Demonstrate an ability to problem-solve.
H. Successful students understand that mathematics is a symbolic language, that
fluency requires practice and that mathematics is the language of all scientific
pursuit.
I. Successful students understand and apply concepts of probability and statistics.
J. Successful students understand and apply concepts of measurement.