West Virginia State Science Standards: Volcanoes

Grades 5—8  

Standard 1: Nature of Science
•    formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
•    apply skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe
•    use a variety of technologies and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world
•    construct and use charts, graphs and tables to organize, display, interpret, analyze and explain data.
•    use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.
•    recognize scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new scientific information challenges current explanations.
•    cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, design and conduct investigations to find answers and solve problems.
•    recognize scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new scientific information challenges current explanations.
•    draw conclusions from a variety of data sources to analyze and interpret systems and models (e.g., use graphs and equations to measure and apply variables such as rate and scale, evaluate changes in trends and cycles, predict the influence of external variances such as potential sources of error, or interpret maps).

Standard 2: Content of Science
•    demonstrate an understanding of the interconnections of biological, earth and space, and physical science concepts.
•    describe the layers of the earth and their various features.
•    recognize that the Earth is made of plates (plate tectonics).
•    demonstrate the interrelationships among physics, chemistry, biology, earth and environmental science, and astronomy
•    identify and explain the principle forces of plate tectonics and related geological events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, or landforms
•    analyze the forces of tectonics, weathering and erosion that have shaped the earth’s surface.

Standard 3: Application of Science
•    research everyday applications and interactions of science and technology.

Source: http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/csos.html