Science Standards of Learning for Florida Public Schools

Raise questions about the natural world, use appropriate reference materials that support understanding to obtain information (identifying the source), conduct both individual and team investigations through free exploration and systematic investigations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.

Keep records that describe observations made, carefully distinguishing actual observations from ideas and inferences about the observations.

Identify the three categories of rocks: igneous, (formed from molten rock); sedimentary (pieces of other rocks and fossilized organisms); and metamorphic (formed from heat and pressure).

Recognize that humans need resources found on Earth and that these are either renewable or nonrenewable.

Describe the basic differences between physical weathering (breaking down of rock by wind, water, ice, temperature change, and plants) and erosion (movement of rock by gravity, wind, water, and ice).

Identify processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including pollination, fertilization (seed production), seed dispersal, and germination.

Explain that although characteristics of plants and animals are inherited, some characteristics can be affected by the environment.

Recognize that animal behaviors may be shaped by heredity and learning.

Explain that animals, including humans, cannot make their own food and that when animals eat plants or other animals, the energy stored in the food source is passed to them.

Trace the flow of energy from the Sun as it is transferred along the food chain through the producers to the consumers.

Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment.