7th Grade Science Syllabus 

Course Description:  In 7th grade students will study life science and chemistry.  Students will focus on all aspects of the living world.  They will use microscopes and models to examine the structure and function of individual cells as well as complex organisms.  Students will explore how genetic variation and adaptations as well as group inter-relationships allow organisms to survive in various conditions.  They will analyze the relationships between organisms and their environment and how energy flows through ecosystems.  Students will apply reasoning and procedures to investigate the dynamics of these relationships.  Students will be able to apply to understanding of the physical and chemical properties of substances.  They will be able to describe and model characteristics of atoms and molecules Students will investigate and model chemical reactions.

Next Generation Science Standards Trimester Covered

Life Science 

LS1 - From Molecules to organisms: structures and Processes  

LS1.A - Structure & function Fall/Winter 

LS1.B - Development of organisms Fall/Winter

LS1.C - Organization of Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms Fall/Winter

LS1.D - Information processing Fall

LS2 - Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics

LS2.A - Interdependent relationships in ecosystems Winter/Spring

LS2.B - Cycle of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems Winter/ Spring

LS2.C - Ecosystem dynamics function and resilience Winter/Spring

LS2.D – Interactions & group behavior Winter/Spring

LS3 - Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

LS3.A - Inheritance of Traits Fall/Winter

LS3.B - Variation of Traits Fall/Winter

LS4 - Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

LS4.A - Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity Fall/Winter

LS4.B - Natural Selection Fall/Winter

LS4.C - Adaptation Fall/Winter/Spring

Physical Science

PS1 - Matter and Its interactions

PS1.A - Structure and properties of matter Spring

PS1.B - Chemical Reactions Spring

PS3 - Energy

PS3.D - Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life Fall/Winter/Spring

Science and Engineering Practices

Can develop and use models in science Fall/Winter/Spring

Can analyze and interpret data Fall/Winter/Spring

Can construct a scientific argument supported by evidence Fall/Winter/Spring

Resources

We have four small books from Prentice Hall that we will using for life science (“Cells & Heredity”, “From Bacteria to Plants”, “Animals” and “Environmental Science”).  For chemistry, we will be using the chemical interactions Foss kit for middle school.

Supplemental Resources

We will use Texas Instrument Nspire handhelds which is a hands-on learning tool the enables a deeper understanding with rigor and relevance.