Standards of Learning: Science

Policy Number:  
SOL-SCI-001
Version:  
1.0
Effective Date:  
October 1, 2025
Review Date:  
October 1, 2026
Last Updated:  
October 14, 2025
Functional Area Manager:  
Director of Academic Operations

Consolidated Standards of Learning

Grades 5 - 8

  • LHA.SCI.B.001 Demonstrate critical thinking skills by applying the scientific method to solve problems.
  • LHA.SCI.B.002 Design and conduct scientific experiments to test hypotheses and collect data.
  • LHA.SCI.B.003 Write lab reports and evaluate experimental results to draw valid conclusions.
  • LHA.SCI.B.004 Use SI units and perform accurate measurements in scientific investigations.
  • LHA.SCI.B.005 Apply lab safety rules and utilize scientific tools effectively during experiments.
  • LHA.SCI.B.006 Identify and describe the properties, states, and changes of matter.
  • LHA.SCI.B.007 Explain the periodic table, atomic structure, and formation of compounds.
  • LHA.SCI.B.008 Investigate solutions and fluids, including their properties and behaviors.
  • LHA.SCI.B.009 Analyze motion using concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration.
  • LHA.SCI.B.010 Apply Newton's laws of motion to explain forces in various scenarios.
  • LHA.SCI.B.011 Examine the effects of gravity, friction, and other forces in everyday life.
  • LHA.SCI.B.012 Calculate work and explore mechanics in simple machines.
  • LHA.SCI.B.013 Differentiate between various forms of energy and their transformations.
  • LHA.SCI.B.014 Investigate thermal energy transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation.
  • LHA.SCI.B.015 Compare and contrast light and sound waves, including their properties and behaviors.
  • LHA.SCI.B.016 Explore electricity and magnetism, including circuits and magnetic fields.
  • LHA.SCI.B.017 Evaluate different sources of electrical energy and their applications.
  • LHA.SCI.B.018 Describe the solar system and discuss advancements in space exploration.
  • LHA.SCI.B.019 Model the interactions in the Sun-Earth-Moon system, including eclipses and tides.
  • LHA.SCI.B.020 Classify stars and galaxies, and explain their characteristics.
  • LHA.SCI.B.021 Discuss theories on the origin of the universe and our solar system.
  • LHA.SCI.B.022 Identify minerals, rocks, and the layers of Earth's structure.
  • LHA.SCI.B.023 Explain plate tectonics and movements in Earth's crust.
  • LHA.SCI.B.024 Investigate weathering and erosion processes shaping Earth's surface.
  • LHA.SCI.B.025 Describe Earth's atmosphere and the water cycle.
  • LHA.SCI.B.026 Analyze weather patterns and forecasting methods.
  • LHA.SCI.B.027 Compare climates and factors influencing them globally.
  • LHA.SCI.B.028 Classify organisms using biological classification systems.
  • LHA.SCI.B.029 Explain cell theory and describe basic cell structures.
  • LHA.SCI.B.030 Investigate cellular transport and metabolic processes.
  • LHA.SCI.B.031 Describe cell reproduction and the role of protein synthesis.
  • LHA.SCI.B.032 Examine plant structure and reproductive processes.
  • LHA.SCI.B.033 Classify and describe invertebrate animals.
  • LHA.SCI.B.034 Classify and describe vertebrate animals.
  • LHA.SCI.B.035 Explain homeostasis and behavior in animals and plants.
  • LHA.SCI.B.036 Describe the functions of skeletal and muscular systems.
  • LHA.SCI.B.037 Explain the roles of nervous and endocrine systems in regulation.
  • LHA.SCI.B.038 Investigate digestive and excretory systems and their processes.
  • LHA.SCI.B.039 Describe respiratory and circulatory systems and gas exchange.
  • LHA.SCI.B.040 Explain the immune and lymphatic systems' roles in defense.
  • LHA.SCI.B.041 Discuss human reproduction and developmental stages.
  • LHA.SCI.B.042 Apply principles of heredity and genetics to predict traits.
  • LHA.SCI.B.043 Explain the theory of evolution and natural selection.
  • LHA.SCI.B.044 Analyze fossils and methods for determining rock ages.
  • LHA.SCI.B.045 Trace the history of life on Earth through geological evidence.
  • LHA.SCI.B.046 Describe ecology and components of ecosystems.
  • LHA.SCI.B.047 Explain interdependence and cycling of energy and matter in ecosystems.
  • LHA.SCI.B.048 Investigate ecological succession and characteristics of biomes.
  • LHA.SCI.B.049 Evaluate natural resources and strategies for conservation.

Grades 9 - 12

Chemistry

  • LHA.SCI.CHE.001 Explain fundamental concepts in the introduction to chemistry.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.002 Design and conduct experiments following scientific protocols.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.003 Prepare lab reports and critically evaluate experimental results.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.004 Perform precise measurements using appropriate tools and units.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.005 Apply lab safety procedures and use scientific tools correctly.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.006 Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and changes in matter.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.007 Describe the states of matter and phase transitions.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.008 Differentiate between atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.009 Explain historical and modern atomic theory models.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.010 Analyze waves, quantum theory, and the behavior of photons.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.011 Utilize the periodic table to identify elements and their properties.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.012 Predict periodic trends in atomic properties.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.013 Describe electron configurations and their implications.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.014 Explain types of chemical bonding and bond formation.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.015 Apply VSEPR theory to predict molecular shapes.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.016 Describe metallic bonds and intramolecular forces.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.017 Use IUPAC rules for naming chemical substances.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.018 Calculate quantities using the mole concept.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.019 Determine empirical and molecular formulas of compounds.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.020 Classify and balance chemical reactions.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.021 Perform stoichiometric calculations in chemical reactions.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.022 Identify properties and behaviors of common gases.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.023 Apply kinetic molecular theory to explain gas behavior.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.024 Use gas laws to solve problems involving pressure, volume, and temperature.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.025 Explain factors affecting solubility in solutions.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.026 Apply solubility rules and conditions to predict reactions.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.027 Calculate concentrations of solutions using various units.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.028 Describe properties and reactions of acids and bases.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.029 Use the pH scale and perform related calculations.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.030 Identify conjugate acid-base pairs and their roles.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.031 Conduct titrations and analyze their results.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.032 Explain the principles of chemical equilibrium.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.033 Apply Le Chatelier's principle to predict shifts in equilibrium.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.034 Apply the first law of thermodynamics to chemical processes.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.035 Explain the second law of thermodynamics and entropy.
  • LHA.SCI.CHE.036 Analyze factors influencing reaction rates.

Biology

  • LHA.SCI.BIO.001 Explain core concepts in the introduction to biology.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.002 Apply critical thinking skills to biological questions and data.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.003 Identify and describe the characteristics of living organisms.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.004 Use biological classification systems to organize organisms.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.005 Describe the structure and properties of atoms and molecules in biology.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.006 Explain the biological importance of water and its properties.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.007 Identify and describe major organic compounds in living systems.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.008 Analyze chemical reactions and the role of enzymes.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.009 Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures and functions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.010 Explain chemical energy storage and the role of ATP.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.011 Describe the process of photosynthesis and its stages.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.012 Explain cellular respiration and energy production.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.013 Describe the stages of mitosis and its significance.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.014 Compare meiosis to mitosis and explain genetic variation.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.015 Classify bacteria and describe their roles in ecosystems.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.016 Explain virus structure, replication, and impacts.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.017 Describe prions and viroids and their mechanisms.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.018 Analyze causes and prevention of diseases.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.019 Classify organisms in the protist kingdom.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.020 Describe protozoa characteristics and behaviors.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.021 Explain algae structure and ecological roles.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.022 Identify types of molds and their life cycles.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.023 Classify organisms in the fungi kingdom.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.024 Describe fungi reproduction methods.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.025 Analyze the ecology and roles of fungi in ecosystems.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.026 Classify organisms in the plant kingdom.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.027 Describe plant structure and physiological functions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.028 Explain plant reproduction strategies.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.029 Analyze plant adaptations to environments.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.030 Classify organisms in the animal kingdom.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.031 Describe invertebrate characteristics and diversity.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.032 Classify and describe arthropods.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.033 Explain chordate features and evolution.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.034 Classify and describe anamniote vertebrates.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.035 Classify and describe amniote vertebrates.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.036 Explain body systems and homeostasis in organisms.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.037 Describe the integumentary system's structure and functions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.038 Analyze muscular and skeletal systems' interactions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.039 Explain nervous and endocrine systems' regulatory roles.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.040 Describe respiratory and circulatory systems' functions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.041 Analyze digestive and excretory systems' processes.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.042 Explain the immune system's defense mechanisms.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.043 Describe the reproductive system's structures and processes.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.044 Apply principles of genetics to inheritance patterns.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.045 Explain DNA and RNA structure and functions.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.046 Discuss techniques and ethics in genetic engineering.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.047 Explain mechanisms of evolution and evidence.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.048 Trace the history of life through fossil records.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.049 Analyze components and interactions in ecosystems.
  • LHA.SCI.BIO.050 Evaluate factors affecting populations and dynamics.

Appendix A: References

Brown, M. (2021). Everything you need to ace biology in one big fat notebook: The complete high school study guide. Workman Publishing Co.  

Pearce, C. (with Geisen, M.). (2016). Everything you need to ace science in one big fat notebook: The complete middle school study guide. Workman Publishing.

Swanson, J., & Pearce, C. (2020). Everything you need to ace chemistry in one big fat notebook. Workman Publishing.

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