9th grade Science
11 units matched to the California Content Standards.
Focus areas
- Living Earth: cells, ecosystems and evolution
- Chemistry and physics of the Earth system
- Earth and human activity
Units
Unit 1
Cells from Cells
How cells copy their DNA and divide by mitosis, the stages in order, why cells divide for growth and healing, and what can go wrong when cell growth isn't controlled.
Learning standard: HS-LS1-4 · cell division and growth
Unit 2
Reproduction
How organisms reproduce with one parent or two, why sexual reproduction creates variety, the parts of a flower, and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Learning standard: HS-LS3-2 · how sexual reproduction creates genetic variation
Unit 3
Atoms & Electrons
Protons, neutrons and electrons, drawing electron shells for the first 20 elements, valence electrons, periodic table groups and periods, and ions and isotopes.
Learning standard: HS-PS1-1 · atomic structure, electron shells and the periodic table
Unit 4
Electrons & Compounds
How valence electrons decide whether atoms gain, lose or share electrons, ionic and covalent compounds, and reading simple chemical formulas.
Learning standard: HS-PS1-1; HS-PS1-2 · how outer electrons explain bonding and chemical reactions
Unit 5
Photosynthesis & Respiration
The reactants, products and location of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, why they are complementary, and how they link plants, animals and the carbon cycle.
Learning standard: HS-LS1-5; HS-LS1-7 · photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Unit 6
The Periodic Table
Groups and periods, metals, non-metals and metalloids, alkali metals, halogens and noble gases, and how valence electrons and shells explain the patterns.
Learning standard: HS-PS1-1 · patterns in the periodic table
Unit 7
Chemical Change
Telling a chemical change from a physical change, reading simple word and symbol equations, why mass is conserved, what speeds a reaction up, exothermic and endothermic changes, and WHMIS safety.
Learning standard: HS-PS1-2; HS-PS1-5; HS-PS1-7 · chemical reactions, reaction rates and conservation of atoms
Unit 8
Evolution & Selection
Practices variation, adaptation, natural and artificial selection, mutations, the evidence for evolution from fossils and rock layers, and how new species can form.
Learning standard: HS-LS4-2; HS-LS4-4 · natural selection and adaptation in populations
Unit 9
Energy & Magnetism
Practices the law of conservation of energy, potential and kinetic energy, efficiency, and the link between electric current and magnetic fields in electromagnets and generators.
Learning standard: HS-PS3-1; HS-PS2-5 · conservation of energy and magnetic fields from electric currents
Unit 10
Forces, Motion & Momentum
Practices Newton's second law (F = ma), momentum and its conservation, and designing devices that reduce the force of a collision.
Learning standard: HS-PS2-1; HS-PS2-2; HS-PS2-3 · Newton's second law, conservation of momentum, and designs that reduce collision forces
Unit 11
Ecosystem Dynamics
Practices carrying capacity, energy flow and the 10% rule, how ecosystems respond to disturbance, and evaluating solutions to human impacts, using California's chaparral, kelp forests and salmon rivers as examples.
Learning standard: HS-LS2-1; HS-LS2-4; HS-LS2-6; HS-LS2-7 · carrying capacity, energy flow, ecosystem stability and reducing human impacts on biodiversity
Ready to try Gradelings?
Curriculum-matched practice for Kindergarten to Grade 9 in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut, and in Washington, Oregon and California, with kind hints, learning games and no ads. Subscribe now, or try everything free for 30 days with no card.