Growth and Changes in Plants

• Plants have distinct characteristics.

• There are similarities and differences among various types of plants.

• Plants are the primary source of food for humans.

• Humans need to protect plants and their habitats.

• Plants are important to the planet.

Strong and Stable Structures

• A structure has both form and function.

• Structures are affected by forces acting on them.

• Structures need to be strong and stable to be useful.

• Humans make choices related to their use of objects and materials that have a direct effect on the environment.

Forces Causing Movement

• There are several types of forces that cause movement.

• Forces cause objects to speed up, slow down, or change direction through direct contact or through interaction at a distance.

• Forces in nature, such as high winds or water, can have a significant impact on humans and the environment, and need to be regarded with respect.

Soils in the Environment

• Soil is made up of living and non-living things.

• The composition, characteristics, and condition of soil determine its capacity to sustain life.

• Soil is an essential source of life and nutrients for many living things.

• Living things, including humans, interact with soils and can cause positive or negative changes.

Habitats and Communities

• Plants and animals are interdependent and are adapted to meet their needs from the resources available in their particular habitats.

• Changes to habitats (whether caused by natural or human means) can affect plants and animals and the relationships between them.

• Society relies on plants and animals.

Pulleys and Gears

• Pulleys and gears change the speed, direction, and motion of, and force exerted on, moving objects.

• Pulleys and gears make it possible for a small input force to generate a large output force.

• Gears are specialized wheels and axles that are used daily in many machines.

Light and Sound

• Light and sound are forms of energy with specific properties.

• Sound is created by vibrations.

• Light is required to see.

• Technological innovations involving light and sound have an impact on the environment.

Rocks and Minerals

• Rocks and minerals have unique characteristics and properties that are a result of how they were formed.

• The properties of rocks and minerals determine society's possible uses for them.

• Our use of rocks and minerals affects the environment.