The Chernobyl disaster

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Biology

• Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
  • Objective 1.01: Identify biological questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.
  • Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
    • Create testable hypotheses
    • Identify variables.
    • Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
    • Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
    • Collect and record data.
    • Organize data into charts and graphs.
    • Analyze and interpret data.
    • Communicate findings.
  • Objective 1.03: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence to:
    • Explain observations.
    • Make inferences and predictions.
    • Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.
  • Objective 1.05: Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
    • Appropriate sample.
    • Adequacy of experimental controls.
    • Replication of findings.
    • Alternative interpretations of the data.
• Goal 2: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.
  • Objective 2.04: Investigate and describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems.
• Goal 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.
  • Objective 3.04: Assess the impact of advances in genomics on individuals and society.
    • Human genome project.
    • Applications of biotechnology.
  • Objective 3.05: Examine the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection including:
    • Development of the theory.
    • The origin and history of life.
    • Fossil and biochemical evidence.
    • Mechanisms of evolution.
    • Applications (pesticide and antibiotic resistance).
• Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.
  • Objective 5.01: Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
    • Techniques of field ecology.
    • Abiotic and biotic factors.
    • Carrying capacity.
  • Objective 5.03: Assess human population and its impact on local ecosystems and global environments:
    • Historic and potential changes in population.
    • Factors associated with those changes.
    • Climate change.
    • Resource use.
    • Sustainable practices/stewardship.

Grades 9–12 — Earth/Environmental Science

• Goal 4: The learner will build an understanding of the hydrosphere and its interactions and influences on the lithosphere, the atmosphere, and environmental quality.
  • Objective 4.01: Evaluate erosion and depositional processes:
    • Formation of stream channels with respect to the work being done by the stream (i.e. down-cutting, lateral erosion, and transportation).
    • Nature and characteristics of sediments.
    • Effects on water quality.
    • Effect of human choices on the rate of erosion.
  • Objective 4.04: Evaluate water resources:
    • Storage and movement of groundwater.
    • Ecological services provided by the ocean
    • Environmental impacts of a growing human population.
    • Causes of natural and manmade contamination.