Michigan Science Benchmarks

Heredity (HS1) Explain how characteristics of living things are passed on from generation to generation.
Key concepts: Traits-dominant, recessive. Genetic material-gene pair, gene combination, gene sorting.
Real-world contexts: Common contexts-inheritance of a human genetic disease/disorder, such as sickle cell anemia; a family tree focused on certain traits; examining animal or plant pedigrees.

Heredity (MS2) Describe how heredity and environment may influence/determine characteristics of an organism.
Key concepts: Traits - inherited, acquired.
Real-world contexts: data on heredity, such as identical twin studies, effects of introduced toxins, effects of natural selection, effects of controlled selection and breeding.

Constructing (HS1) Ask questions that can be investigated empirically.
Key Concepts: questions often build on existing knowledge.
Real World Contexts: any in the sections on Using Scientific Knowledge

Constructing (HS2) Design and conduct scientific investigations.
Key Concepts: types of scientific knowledge--hypothesis, theory, observation, conclusion, law, data, generalization. Aspects of field research--hypothesis, design, observations, samples, analysis, conclusion. Aspects of experimental research--hypothesis, design, variable, experimental group, control group, prediction, analysis, conclusion. Investigations based on questions about the world.
Real World contexts: any suggested in Using Scientific Knowledge benchmarks for which students would design and/or conduct investigations.

Constructing (HS3) Recognize and explain the limitations of measuring devices.
Key concepts: Uncertainty, error, range, tolerances, accuracy, precision. Tools: balance, thermometer, measuring tape, ruler, graduated cylinder, electronic measuring devices.
Real-world contexts: experiments that use quantitative data; manufacturing systems where measurements are critical.

Reflecting (HS1) Justify plans or explanations on a theoretical or empirical basis.
Key concepts: aspects of logical argument, including evidence, fact, opinion, assumptions, claims, conclusions, observations.
Real-world contexts: any in the sections on Using Scientific Knowledge.

Reflection (HS2) Describe some general limitations of scientific knowledge.
Key concepts: understanding of the general limits of science and scientific knowledge as constantly developing human enterprises; recognizing that arguments can have emotive, economic, and political dimensions as well as scientific.
Real-world contexts: any in the sections on Using Scientific Knowledge.

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