Classify diverse organisms into major taxonomic groups using structural traits, and compare reproductive strategies and life cycles across animals and flowering plants.

Explain the cell as the fundamental unit of life, prepare and observe microscopic specimens, and describe the hierarchical organization of living things from cells to organ systems.

Identify indicators of chemical changes, examine common reactions, and contrast irreversible chemical processes with physical changes.

Construct evidence-based scientific explanations using crosscutting themes, technical vocabulary, and cited secondary sources.

Organize empirical data into structured formats, analyze numerical trends, and evaluate experimental limitations.