Science Assessment

Students are expected to know that:

1. All cells are composed of complex molecules made by the cells themselves from simpler molecules (such as amino acids, simple sugars, and fatty acids) that enter the cells from outside the cells.
2. In multicellular organisms, cells provide structural support for the organism they are part of and carry out essential life functions for that organism.
3. In cells of plants and animals, there are internal structures that perform specialized functions such as extracting energy from food, making new molecules for growth, and eliminating wastes.
4. In addition to the internal structures that perform specialized functions for cells, the interior of cells is also filled with water and molecules that are dissolved in that water.
5. A membrane makes up the outer surface of a cell, which controls what enters and leaves the cell. For example, small molecules such as amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars can enter and leave through the cell's membrane.
6. Many of the same basic life processes, such as extracting energy from food, making the materials needed for their own growth, and eliminating wastes, take place within the individual cells of all organisms (including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms).
7. Plant and animal cells need molecules from food, water, oxygen, and a way to eliminate wastes in order to continue to function.
8. Bacteria need molecules from food, water, and a way to eliminate wastes to continue to function. Some bacteria need oxygen and others do not.

Boundaries:

1. Students are not expected to know specific internal cell structures (organelles) or differences between bacterial, plant, and animal cells.
2. Students are not expected to know the process of either active or passive transport through the cell membrane.
3. Fungi and microorganisms are used as contexts only when students are also told that these are living organisms.
4. Students are not expected to know which bacteria need oxygen and which do not, and they are not expected to know the terms “anaerobic” and “aerobic.”