Students describe the essential attributes of the scientific way of knowing, and compare and contrast the scientific and popular meanings of hypotheses and theories.
Students use the scientific method of inquiry and standard scientific techniques to answer questions about physical, biological, and social processes.
Students explain how peer review contributes to the reliability of scientific knowledge.
Students explain at least five physical science concepts or principles and at least five life science concepts or principles.
Students identify and integrate physical and life science facets of two contemporary controversial issues—one local (e.g. Salinas Valley) and one global.
Students locate and use scientific information about one of those issues (previous bullet) from five sources—including at least two peer-reviewed journals—and identify the bias and qualifications of each source.