Grrade 7 Sciience Currrriicullum Overrviiew Middle School Science Hands-on, Minds-On, Science is the primary focus of the middle school science program, and includes content from Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. The knowledge, process, and applications of science introduced in middle school will expand knowledge of scientific concepts learned in grades K-5. The science program in middle school focuses on concepts that are of immediate concern to the middle school student: problems of the environment, the place of technology in helping humans to investigate and adapt to their environment as well as special aspects of human growth and development of the adolescent. Middle school students demonstrate an advancing ability to think abstractly, but concrete experiences provide the principal means for constructing knowledge. There is a coordination of areas of study within a grade as well as a progressive development of concepts and applications across grades. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore scientific ideas, discuss issues concerning science, and take risks as they search for answers to questions about the world and the universe. Students readily respond to activities that require them to exercise their auditory, visual and tactile skills. The need for social contact with their peers helps them work well in small groups, which is an integral part of science lab work. Students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the classroom and thus to develop higher-order thinking skills that will promote life-long learning. Grade 7 Integrated Science Integrated Science enables students to understand the nature of life and basic ecological principles. Laboratory investigations, research projects, and activities are inquiry based and are a primary means for developing problem-solving skills and an understanding of scientific concepts and principles. Curriculum focuses on the life science and its processes, but integrates ecology, chemistry, astronomy and the evolution of the Earth. Students investigate local and national issues, as well as issues resulting from the interaction of science, technology, and society. 33
Strand 1: Classification Classification is essential for organizing all living things. What are the major kingdoms? What types of organisms are found in each kingdom? What are some basic characteristics of species within each kingdom? What is the importance of classification? Classification systems consist of kingdoms or domains. Kingdoms consist of Moneran, Protist, Fungi, Plant and Animal. Domains consist of Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. Organisms are most often classified into kingdoms. Classify organisms into the major kingdoms. Focus the microscope on bacteria cells. Observe the spores found in fungi with a hand lens. Put a slide on the stage of a microscope and focus in on a given specimen. Classify organisms based on their characteristics. Identify the three domains. Create a dichotomous key. Strand 2: Cells Cells are the basic unit of all life. What are the characteristics of living things? Explain why cells are the basic unit of structure and function? Why do cells come from other living cells? What are the organic compounds necessary in all cells? How are cells organized in multicellular organisms? Characteristics of living things. Metabolic processes that define living thing. Atoms and organic compounds are needed by living things. Organic compounds are necessary for life. Carbon is the key element to life. Living things are composed of one or more cells. Identify the characteristics of living things. Distinguish types of living cells using a compound microscope. Distinguish unicellular from multicellular organisms. Identify foods containing basic organic compounds. Identify organizational levels in multicellular organisms. Plant and animal cells have distinct differences. What organelles are shared by plant and animal cells? What organelles are found only in plants? What organelles are found only in animals? Names of the Organelles in a cell including: o Nucleus o Mitochondria o Ribosomes o E. R. Locate and name cell organelles. Distinguish plant from animal cells by using a microscope. Explain the function of the organelles by observing its structure. 34
o Golgi Apparatus o Vacuoles o Centrioles o Lysosomes o Chloroplast o Cell Wall o Plasma Membrane Cell walls and chloroplasts are only found in plant cells. All organelles listed above, aside from the cell walls and chloroplasts, are found in animals. Strand 3: Chemistry Living cells need energy to live. Complex multicellular organisms are composed of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. How do living cells obtain energy? How do living cells get rid of waste? What is photosynthesis? What is cellular respiration? What is a multicellular organism? How do cells arrange into complex groupings? Why are the levels of organization important in multicellular organisms? Sun is the primary source of energy for metabolic processes to occur. Basic metabolic processes which include excretion and digestion. Chemical equation for photosynthesis and respiration. Levels of cellular organization within complex organisms. Importance of cellular communication within levels. Design an experiment in which they collect and analyze data using Wisconsin Fast Plants. Explain the process of excretion and digestion. Distinguish between autotrophs and heterotrophs. Describe the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Compare cells within a complex organism to show that specific tasks occur. Compare and contrast differences in cells based on cell structure. Explain how each level in the multicellular organism is dependent on the next. 35
Strand 4: Heredity DNA is the mechanism in which living things transmit genetic information to offspring. Chromosomes carry basic genetic information for living organisms All living things reproduce or become extinct. What is the structure of DNA? Where is DNA found in the cells? How does DNA copy and transmit information? How is a Punnett square used to explain Mendelian genetics? What are chromosome and genes? What is the relationship among DNA, genes and chromosomes? What is asexual reproduction? What is sexual reproduction? 3D structure of DNA. DNA replication and its implications in the transfer of genetic information from parent to offspring. How protein synthesis occurs using RNA, as a template. Difference between genotype and phenotype. A chromosome is composed of DNA and proteins. Genes are segments of chromosomes. Genes encode for proteins composed of amino acids. Process of mitosis. Importance of mitosis for growth and repair. Process of meiosis. Identify where DNA is located within eukaryotic cells. Identify the steps in DNA transformation. Identify DNA by using a spooling technique. Demonstrate an understanding of Mendelian genetics by using Punnett squares. Draw a Punnett square and extrapolate information. Determine the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Distinguish between types of cells based on chromosome number. Demonstrate an understanding of cloning. Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis by using diagrams or slides. Demonstrate an understanding of sexual and asexual cell division through classroom activities. 36
Strand 5: Evolution Genetic variations can be inherited and lead to evolutionary diversity. What is evolution? What is genetic variation? What is the process of natural selection? How do animals become endangered or extinct? How do environmental factors affect the success of competing organisms? Present organisms on Earth are a result of successful genetic variation caused by mutations. Successful genetic variations are defined as the best suited variations within the given environment. Difference between non-extinct and extinct organisms. Only mutations that are found in the sex cells can be transmitted to offspring. Draw an evolutionary tree. Explain that variations are due to natural selection. Give examples of organisms that have become extinct and explain why. Describe examples of successful adaptations. Strand 6: Earth Science The current theory of evolution is based on DNA evidence, fossils, and comparative anatomy. Organisms are evolving as the earth evolves. What DNA evidence is available? How old is the Earth? How has the Earth changed over time? When did life first appear? How have organisms changed over time? What are the evidences for the Earth s age? DNA evidence has only recently been available. There are various proofs of evolution including fossil and DNA evidence. Earth s age is measured in eons and eras. Theory of Evolution and the idea of Natural Selection. Earth and life are always changing. Demonstrate the idea of how the Earth has evolved by studying fossils. Demonstrate how organisms have evolved through mapping. Organize events in the evolutionary history of the Earth. Distinguish between different eons and eras through research. 37
Strand 7: Biomes/Ecology All living organisms interact with their biotic environment and are affected by their abiotic environment. Energy is transferred through food chains. What is biotic? What are abiotic factors? What is a biome? What is an ecosystem? What is symbiosis? How is energy transferred? What is a food chain? Interactions among living organisms exist for survival. Living organisms are affected by nonliving factors. Major land and water biomes found on Earth. Ecosystems are terestrial or acquatic. Types of symbiotic relationships that exist. Transfer of energy enables organisms to perform life functions. Organic materials are broken down by decomposers resulting in the recycling nitrogen and other elements. Organisms can be producers, consumers, and/or decomposers. Identify the common biomes based on characteristics and organisms. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors. Identify the different types of biomes. Differentiate the types of ecosystems found in a biome. Demonstrate that symbiotic relationships are necessary for a homeostasis. Explain the importance of food webs and energy transfer. Give examples of producers, consumers, and decomposers from different ecosystems. Construct a food web showing producers, consumers, and decomposers. Strand 8: Solar System The Universe is essentially infinite and our solar system is a small part of the whole. What are the parts of the solar system? How is one able to identify the celestial bodies? What are the characteristics of the bodies of the solar system? What is the electromagnetic spectrum? Major features of each body in the solar system. Constellations are composed of stars. Universe is composed of a series of galaxies. Significance of the electromagnetic spectrum. Identify the planets in the solar system. Name the different types of celestial bodies. Identify the different types of bodies in our solar system. Explain how the electromagnetic spectrum works. 38