SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: Scientific inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain and predict natural phenomena.

SCIENTIFIC LITERACY: Scientific literacy includes speaking, listening, presenting, interpreting, reading and writing about science.

SCIENTIFIC NUMERACY: Mathematics provides useful tools for the description, analysis and presentation of scientific data and ideas.

K.1 Objects have properties that can be observed and used to describe similarities and differences.

A 1 Use the senses and simple measuring tools, such as rulers and equal-arm balances, to observe common objects and sort them into groups based on size, weight, shape or color.

K.2 Many different kinds of living things inhabit the Earth.

A 4 Describe the similarities and differences in the appearance and behaviors of plants, birds, fish, insects and mammals (including humans).

A 5 Describe the similarities and differences in the appearance and behaviors of adults and their offspring.

A 6 Describe characteristics that distinguish living from nonliving things.

1.2 Living things have different structures and behaviors that allow them to meet their basic needs.

A 12 Describe the different ways that animals, including humans, obtain water and food.

A 14 Describe the structures that animals, including humans, use to move around.

1.3 Organisms change in form and behavior as part of their life cycles.

A 16 Describe the life cycles of organisms that grow but do not metamorphose.

1.4 The properties of materials and organisms can be described more accurately through the use of standard measuring units.

A 17 Estimate, measure and compare the sizes and weights of different objects and organisms using standard and nonstandard measuring tools.

3.2 Organisms can survive and reproduce only in environments that meet their basic needs.

B 3 Describe how different plants and animals are adapted to obtain air, water, food and protection in land habitats.

B 4 Describe how different plants and animals are adapted to obtain air, water, food and protection in water habitats.

3.4 Earth materials provide resources for all living things, but these resources are limited and should be conserved.

B 7 Describe how earth materials can be conserved by reducing the quantities used, and by reusing and recycling materials rather than discarding them.
(Meet the Animals: Endangered Species)

4.2 All organisms depend on the living and non-living features of the environment for survival.

B 10 Describe how animals, directly or indirectly, depend on plants to provide the food and energy they need in order to grow and survive.

B 11 Describe how natural phenomena and some human activities may cause changes to habitats and their inhabitants.
(Meet the Animals – Endangered Species)

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: Scientific inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain and predict natural phenomena.

Scientific inquiry progresses through a continuous process of questioning, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Scientific inquiry requires the sharing of findings and ideas for critical review by colleagues and other scientists.

SCIENTIFIC LITERACY: Scientific literacy includes speaking, listening, presenting, interpreting, reading and writing about science.

Scientific literacy also includes the ability to search for and assess the relevance and credibility of scientific information found in various print and electronic media.

SCIENTIFIC NUMERACY: Scientific numeracy includes the ability to use mathematical operations and procedures to calculate, analyze and present scientific data and ideas.

6.2 An ecosystem is composed of all the populations that are living in a certain space and the physical factors with which they interact.

C 4 Describe how abiotic factors, such as temperature, water and sunlight, affect the ability of plants to create their own food through photosynthesis.

C 5 Explain how populations are affected by predator-prey relationships.

C 6 Describe common food webs in different Connecticut ecosystems
(Meet the Animals: CT)

6.4 Water moving across and through the earth materials carries with it the products of human activities.

C 11 Explain how human activity may impact water resources in Connecticut, such as ponds, rivers and the Long Island Sound ecosystem.
(Meet the Animals: CT)