9th grade Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in 9th grade science in the Washington State Learning Standards, and simple things to try at home.
Focus areas this year
- Living systems and ecosystems
- Matter, forces and energy
- Earth and human activity
Easy ways to practice science at home
- Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?”
- Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives.
- Look up how a household machine works, such as a bike gear, a lamp or a fridge.
- Have your child draw and label a diagram of something they just learned.
What each unit covers
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.
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.
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.
Electrons & Compounds
How valence electrons decide whether atoms gain, lose or share electrons, ionic and covalent compounds, and reading simple chemical formulas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forces, Motion & Momentum
Practices Newton's second law (F = ma), momentum and its conservation, and designing devices that reduce the force of a collision.
Ecosystem Dynamics
Practices carrying capacity, energy flow and the 10% rule, how ecosystems respond to disturbance, and evaluating solutions to human impacts, using salmon, Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest forests as examples.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Washington report card guide.
Common questions
Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?” Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
The Washington State Learning Standards 9th grade science units include Cells from Cells, Reproduction, Atoms & Electrons, Electrons & Compounds, Photosynthesis & Respiration, The Periodic Table.
Free printable 9th grade science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.