SCIENCE

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES (MELC) TOPIC MATRIX

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Science Curriculum for STE-based high schools covers the four major branches of the natural sciences: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
These four branches correspond to the four areas that comprise the science curriculum namely Earth and Space; Living Things and Their Environment; Matter; and
Force, Motion, and Energy, respectively.

The areas Earth and Space; Living Things and Their Environment; and Force, Motion, and Energy all use a spiral approach by letting the learners experience
patterned domains in each grade level. This approach is chosen because of the conceptual nature of these areas. Matter, on the other hand, makes use of a
‘laddered’ learning approach where each topic builds upon the previous one. This approach is chosen because it involves problem-solving skills that should be taught
in a cumulative manner. Using two different approaches, the curriculum is able to adapt to the national standards.

II. DOMAINS / PRINCIPAL TOPICS

LIVING THINGS AND THEIR

EARTH AND SPACE MATTER FORCE, MOTION, AND ENERGY
ENVIRONMENT
(Earth Science) (Chemistry) (Physics)
(Biology)
1. Composition of Earth 1. The Cell 1. Matter—Properties and Changes 1. Mechanics
2. Surface Processes on Earth 2. Genetics 2. The Structure of the Atom 2. States of Matter
3. The Atmosphere and the Oceans 3. History of Biological Diversity 3. Electrons in Atoms 3. Waves and Light
4. The Dynamic Earth 4. Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, and 4. The Periodic Table and Periodic 4. Electricity and Magnetism
5. Geologic Time Fungi Law 5. Modern Physics
6. Resources and the Environment 5. Plants 5. Ionic Compounds and Metals
7. Beyond Earth 6. Invertebrates 6. Covalent Bonding
7. Vertebrates 7. Chemical Reactions
8. The Human Body 8. The Mole
9. Ecology 9. Stoichiometry
10. States of Matter
11. Gases
12. Mixtures and Solutions
13. Energy and Chemical Change
14. Reaction Rates
15. Chemical Equilibrium
16. Acids and Bases
17. Redox Reactions
18. Electrochemistry
19. Hydrocarbons
20. Substituted Hydrocarbons and
Their Reactions
21. The Chemistry of Life
22. Nuclear Chemistry
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III. TOPIC OUTLINE

GRADE LIVING THINGS AND THEIR

EARTH AND SPACE MATTER FORCE, MOTION, AND ENERGY
LEVEL ENVIRONMENT
Introduction to Earth Science Introduction to Biology Introduction to Chemistry Introduction to Physics
 Definition of Earth Science  Definition of Biology  Definition of Chemistry  Definition of Physics
 Scope of Earth Science  What do biologists do?  Unit and Measurements  Mathematics and Physics
 Earth’s Systems  Biological Laboratory  Scientific Notation and
Techniques Dimensional Analysis Mechanics
Composition of Earth  Characteristics of Life  Uncertainty in Data  Representing Motion
 Minerals  Representing Data  Accelerated Motion
 Rocks The Cell
 Cellular Structure and Function Matter: Properties and Electricity and Magnetism
Surface Processes on Earth Changes  Static Electricity
 Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Genetics  Properties of Matter
 Sexual Reproduction and  Changes in Matter
The Atmosphere and the Genetics  Mixtures of Matter
Oceans  Elements and Compounds
 Atmosphere History of Biological Diversity
 Meteorology  The History of Life The Structure of the Atom
 Organizing Life’s Diversity  Early Ideas About Matter
GRADE 7

The Dynamic Earth  Defining the Atom

 Plate Tectonics Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, and  How Atoms Differ
Fungi  Unstable Nuclei and
Resources and the  Bacteria and Viruses Radioactive Decay
Environment
 Earth Resources Invertebrates Electrons in Atoms
 Introduction to Animals  Light and Quantized Energy
Beyond Earth (Characteristics and Body  Quantum Theory and the Atom
 The Sun-Earth-Moon System Plans)  Electron Configuration
 Sponges and Cnidarians
The Periodic Table and
Vertebrates Periodic Law
 Fishes and Amphibians  Development of the Modern
Periodic Table
The Human Body  Classification of the Elements
 Integumentary System  Periodic Trends
 Skeletal System
 Muscular System

Ecology
 Principles of Ecology

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GRADE LIVING THINGS AND THEIR
EARTH AND SPACE MATTER FORCE, MOTION, AND ENERGY
LEVEL ENVIRONMENT
Surface Processes on Earth The Cell Ionic Compounds and Metals Mechanics
 Mass Movements, Wind, and  Cellular Energy  Ion Formation  Forces in One Dimension
Glaciers  Ionic Bonds and Compounds  Forces in Two Dimensions
Genetics  Names and Formulas for Ionic  Motion in Two Dimensions
The Atmosphere and the  Complex Inheritance and Compounds
Oceans Human Heredity  Metallic Bonds and the Waves and Light
 The Nature of Storms Properties of Metals  Vibrations and Waves
History of Biological Diversity  Sound
The Dynamic Earth  Evolution Covalent Bonding
 Volcanism  The Covalent Bond Electricity and Magnetism
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, and  Naming Molecules  Electric Fields
Geologic Time Fungi  Molecular Structures  Current Electricity
 Fossils and the Rock Record  Protists  Molecular Shapes
 Electronegativity and Polarity Modern Physics
Resources and the Plants  Quantum Theory
Environment  Plant Evolution and Chemical Reactions
 Energy Resources Adaptations  Reactions and Equations
 Classifying Chemical Reactions
GRADE 8

Beyond Earth Invertebrates  Reactions in Aqueous Solutions

 Our Solar System  Worms and Mollusks
The Mole
 Measuring Matter
Vertebrates
 Mass and the Mole
 Reptiles and Birds
 Moles of Compounds
 Empirical and Molecular
The Human Body
Formulas
 Nervous System
 Formulas of Hydrates
 Circulatory System
 Respiratory System Stoichiometry
 Defining Stoichiometry
Ecology  Stoichiometric Calculations
 Communities, Biomes, and  Limiting Reactants
Ecosystems  Percent Yield

States of Matter
 Gases
 Forces of Attraction
 Liquids and Solids
 Phase Changes

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GRADE LIVING THINGS AND THEIR
EARTH AND SPACE MATTER FORCE, MOTION, AND ENERGY
LEVEL ENVIRONMENT
Surface Processes on Earth The Cell Gases Mechanics
 Surface Water  Cellular Reproduction  The Gas Laws  Gravitation
 The Ideal Gas Law  Rotational Motion
The Atmosphere and the Genetics  Gas Stoichiometry  Momentum and Its
Oceans  Molecular Genetics Conservation
 Climate Mixtures and Solutions
History of Biological Diversity  Types of Mixtures States of Matter
The Dynamic Earth  Primate Evolution  Solution Concentration  Thermal Energy
 Earthquakes  Factors Affecting Solvation
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, and  Colligative Properties of Waves and Light
Geologic Time Fungi Solutions  Fundamentals of Light
 The Precambrian Earth  Fungi  Reflection and Mirrors
Energy and Chemical Change
Resources and the Plants  Energy Electricity and Magnetism
Environment  Plant Classification  Heat  Series and Parallel Circuits
 Human Impact on Resources  Plant Structure and Function  Thermochemical Equations  Magnetic Fields
 Calculating Enthalpy Change
Beyond Earth Invertebrates  Reaction Spontaneity Modern Physics
GRADE 9

 Stars  Arthropods  The Atom

Reaction Rates
Vertebrates  A Model for Reaction Rates
 Mammals  Factors Affecting Reaction
Rates
The Human Body  Reaction Rate Laws
 Excretory System  Instantaneous Reaction Rates
 Digestive System and Reaction Mechanisms
 Immune System
Chemical Equilibrium
Ecology  A State of Dynamic Balance
 Population Ecology  Factors Affecting Chemical
Equilibrium
 Using Equilibrium Constants

Acids and Bases

 Introduction to Acids and
Bases
 Strengths of Acids and Bases
 Hydrogen Ions and pH
 Neutralization

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 GRADE LIVING THINGS AND THEIR
EARTH AND SPACE MATTER FORCE, MOTION, AND ENERGY
LEVEL ENVIRONMENT
Surface Processes on Earth Genetics Redox Reactions Mechanics
 Groundwater  Genetics and Biotechnology  Oxidation and Reduction  Energy, Work, and Simple
 Balancing Redox Equations Machines
The Atmosphere and the Plants  Energy and Its Conservation
Oceans  Reproduction in Plants Electrochemistry
 Earth’s Oceans  Voltaic Cells States of Matter
 The Marine Environment Invertebrates  Batteries  States of Matter
 Echinoderms and Invertebrate  Electrolysis
The Dynamic Earth Chordates Waves and Light
 Mountain Building Hydrocarbons  Refraction and Lenses
Vertebrates  Introduction to Hydrocarbons  Interference and Diffraction
Geologic Time  Animal Behavior  Alkanes
 The Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and  Alkenes and Alkynes Electricity and Magnetism
Cenozoic Eras The Human Body  Hydrocarbon Isomers  Electromagnetic Induction
 Endocrine System  Aromatic Hydrocarbons  Electromagnetism
Beyond Earth  Human Reproduction and
 Galaxies and the Universe Development Substituted Hydrocarbons and Modern Physics
GRADE 10

Their Reactions  Solid-State Electronics

Ecology  Alkyl Halides and Aryl Halides  Nuclear Physics
 Biodiversity and Conservation  Alcohols, Ethers, and Amines
 Carbonyl Compounds
 Other Reactions of Organic
Compounds
 Polymers

The Chemistry of Life

 Proteins
 Carbohydrates
 Lipids
 Nucleic Acids
 Metabolism

Nuclear Chemistry
 Nuclear Radiation
 Radioactive Decay
 Nuclear Reactions
 Applications and Effects of
Nuclear Reactions

Instructors are encouraged to integrate scientific values and skills in activities.

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COMPETENCY COVERAGE MATRIX (CCM) FOR
LIVING THINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT
(GRADES 7 THROUGH 10)

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GRADE 7 (2nd Quarter)
By the end of the second quarter during 7th grade, the learners are expected to have mastered fundamental concepts about cellular structure and function,
genetics, history of life, life’s diversity, microorganisms, animals, covering and locomotion of the human body, and principles of ecology. These concepts will serve
as the learners’ foundation for the succeeding grade levels, including senior high school.

DOMAIN MODULES K-to-12 COMPETENCY

1. Cellular Structure and Function
a. Cell Discovery and Theory
S7LT-IId-4
The Cell b. The Plasma Membrane
S7LT-IIe-5
c. Structures and Organelles
d. Cellular Transport
S7LT-IIg-7
2. Sexual Reproduction and Genetics S7LT-IIg-8
a. Meiosis S8LT-IVd-16
Genetics
b. Mendelian Genetics S8LT-IVe-17
c. Gene Linkage and Polyploidy S8LT-IVf-18
S9LT-Id-28
3. The History of Life
a. Fossil Evidence of Change S8LT-IVg-19
b. The Origin of Life S8LT-IVh-20
History of Biological
4. Organizing Life’s Diversity S9LT-Ie-f-30
Diversity
a. The History of Classification S10LT-IIIf-39
b. Modern Classification S10LT-IIIg-40
c. Domains and Kingdoms
5. Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists,
a. Bacteria S7LT-IIf-6
and Fungi
b. Viruses and Prions
Plants - -
6. Introduction to Animals (Characteristics and Body Plans)
a. Animal Characteristics
Invertebrates -
b. Animal Body Plans
7. Sponges and Cnidarians
8. Fishes and Amphibians
a. Fishes
Vertebrates -
b. Diversity of Today’s Fishes
c. Amphibians
The Human Body 9. Integumentary System -

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 10. Skeletal System
11. Muscular System
S7LT-IIc-3
S7LT-IIh-9
S7LT-IIh-10
12. Principles of Ecology
S7LT-IIi-11
a. Organisms and Their Relationships
Ecology S7LT-IIj-12
b. Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem
S8LT-IVi-22
c. Cycling of Matter
S8LT-IVi-23
S8LT-IVi-24
S10LT-IIIh-41

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GRADE 8 (4th Quarter)
By the end of the fourth quarter during 8th grade, the learners are expected to have mastered intermediate concepts about cellular energy; inheritance and
heredity; evolution; protists; plants; animals; neural, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems of the human body; and communities, biomes, and ecosystems.
Concepts are still taught as applied, with proper integration of technology.

DOMAIN MODULES K-to-12 COMPETENCY

1. Cellular Energy
a. How Organisms Obtain Energy
The Cell S9LT-lg-j-31
b. Photosynthesis
c. Cellular Respiration
2. Complex Inheritance and Human Heredity
a. Basic Patterns of Human Inheritance S9LT-Id-28
Genetics
b. Complex Patterns of Inheritance S9LT-Id-29
c. Chromosomes and Human Heredity
3. Evolution S9LT-Ie-f-30
History of Biological a. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection S10LT-IIIf-39
Diversity b. Evidence of Evolution S10LT-IIIg-40
c. Shaping Evolutionary Theory S10LT-IIIh-41
4. Protists
a. Introduction to Protists
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists,
b. Protozoans S7LT-IIf-6
and Fungi
c. Algae
d. Funguslike Protists
Plants 5. Plant Evolution and Adaptations -
6. Worms and Mollusks
a. Flatworms
Invertebrates b. Roundworms and Rotifers -
c. Mollusks
d. Segmented Worms
7. Reptiles and Birds
Vertebrates a. Reptiles -
b. Birds
8. Nervous System
a. Structure of the Nervous System S9LT-la-b-26
The Human Body b. Organization of the Nervous System S9LT-lc-27
c. The Senses S10LT-IIIc-36
d. Effects of Drugs

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 9. Circulatory System
10. Respiratory System
11. Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems
S7LT-IIc-3
a. Community Ecology
Ecology S7LT-IIh-10
b. Terrestrial Biomes
S8LT-IVh-21
c. Aquatic Ecosystems

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GRADE 9 (1st Quarter)
By the end of the first quarter during 9th grade, the learners are expected to have mastered concepts about cellular reproduction; molecular genetics; evolution of
primates; fungi; plant classification, structure, and function; animals; digestion, excretion, and protection of the human body; and population ecology.

DOMAIN MODULES K-to-12 COMPETENCY

1. Cellular Reproduction
a. Cellular Growth
The Cell S8LT-IVd-16
b. Mitosis and Cytokinesis
c. Cell Cycle Regulation
2. Molecular Genetics
a. DNA: The Genetic Material
S10LT-IIId-37
Genetics b. Replication of DNA
S10LT-IIIe-38
c. DNA, RNA, and Protein
d. Gene Regulation and Mutation
3. Primate Evolution
History of Biological a. Primates
-
Diversity b. Hominoids
c. Human Ancestry
4. Fungi
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, a. Introduction to Fungi
S7LT-IIf-6
and Fungi b. Diversity of Fungi
c. Ecology of Fungi
5. Plant Classifications
a. Nonvascular Plants
b. Seedless Vascular Plants
c. Vascular Seed Plants
Plants -
6. Plant Structure and Function
a. Plant Cells and Tissues
b. Roots, Stems, and Leaves
c. Plant Hormones and Responses
7. Arthropods
a. Arthropod Characteristics
Invertebrates -
b. Arthropod Diversity
c. Insects and Their Relatives
8. Mammals
Vertebrates a. Mammalian Characteristics -
b. Diversity of Mammals
The Human Body 9. Excretory System S8LT-IVa-13
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 10. Digestive System S8LT-IVb-14
a. Nutrition S8LT-IVc-15
11. Immune System
12. Population Ecology S7LT-IIi-11
Ecology a. Population Dynamics S8LT-IVh-21
b. Human Population S10LT-IIIi-42

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GRADE 10 (3rd Quarter)
By the end of the third quarter during 10th grade, the learners are expected to have mastered advanced concepts about genetics; plant reproduction; animals and
their behavior; the endocrine system of the human body; reproduction and development of humans; and biodiversity and conservation. The students by then are
already proficient and well-adept with life science concepts, making them better individuals in terms of Science, health, and environment.

DOMAIN MODULES K-to-12 COMPETENCY

The Cell - -
1. Genetics and Biotechnology
a. Applied Genetics
Genetics -
b. DNA Technology
c. The Human Genome
History of Biological
- -
Diversity
Bacteria, Viruses, Protists,
- -
and Fungi
2. Reproduction in Plants
a. Introduction to Plant Reproduction
Plants -
b. Flowers
c. Flowering Plants
3. Echinoderms and Invertebrate Chordates
Invertebrates a. Echinoderm Characteristics -
b. Invertebrate Chordates
4. Animal Behavior
Vertebrates a. Basic Behaviors -
b. Ecological Behaviors
5. Endocrine System S7LT-IIg-8
6. Human Reproduction and Development S10LT-IIIa-33
The Human Body a. Reproductive Systems S10LT-IIIb-34
b. Human Development Before Birth S10LT-IIIc-35
c. Birth, Growth, and Aging S10LT-IIIc-36
S8LT-IVh-21
7. Biodiversity and Conservation
S8LT-IVj-25
a. Biodiversity
Ecology S9LT-Ie-f-30
b. Threats to Biodiversity
S10LT-IIIh-41
c. Conserving Biodiversity
S10LT-IIIj-43

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