Earth Science Curriculum Seventh Grade The Seventh Grade earth science curriculum encompasses the study of the earth s composition, structure, processes, and history. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of maps and processes to explain the earth as we know it. Further emphasis is placed on data collection and analysis either in field studies or laboratory simulations to show relationships and processes at work around us. I. Scientific Investigation A. Scientific method 1. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting experiments 2. Use research methods in order to investigate practical problems and questions 3. Make inferences and draw conclusions about familiar objects and events 4. Develop a method to test the validity of predictions and inferences 5. Conduct experiments in order to answer questions 6. State the hypothesis in a way that identifies the independent and dependent variables 7. Manipulate one variable over time using repeated trials 8. Identify independent and dependent variables, constants, control, and need for repeated trials 9. Construct scale models in order to illustrate and explain phenomena 10. Use of chemicals and equipment is done in a safe manner B. Observations 1. Repeat observations to ensure accuracy 2. Describe experimental outcomes both pictorially and verbally C. Data 1. Collect and record data using proper graphical representations 2. Report independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials in a data table 3. Express data in scientific notation where appropriate 4. Analyze and display data using simple graphs and with written statements 5. Recognize unusual or unexpected results 6. Discuss the validity of experimental results 7. Present experimental results in appropriate written form 8. Draw valid conclusions based on interpretation of experimental results D. Measurement 1. Measure length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force accurately 2. Utilize triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, probeware, and spring scales to gather data 3. Make conversions among metric units, applying appropriate prefixes II. Physical Science
A. Matter a. Observe and describe the physical characteristics of an object: shape, color, texture, relative size and weight, and relative position and speed b. Observe and describe the physical properties such as melting point and boiling point c. Identify the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases d. Identify how the removal or addition of energy results in phase change of matter e. Identify various examples of physical changes f. Recognize examples of each state of matter 2. Periodic Table a. Basic principles i. Investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms ii. Identify the organizational pattern of the Periodic Table (metals, metalloids, nonmetals, etc.) iii. Explore the different information represented on the Period Table (atomic number, mass, groups, and periods) iv. Identify the chemical symbols of common elements v. Discuss the atomic structure of an atom, including protons, electrons, and neutrons vi. Explore the differences between atoms of different elements vii. viii. Compare particle arrangement of molecules Identify the limited number of elements that comprise the largest portion of the solid earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere b. Atomic bonds i. Investigate the bonds or electrical forces which hold two or more atoms together and form new substances (covalent, ionic, and metallic) ii. Utilize the Bohr model c. Chemical formulas i. Explore the chemical formulas of various common compounds ii. Model chemical changes using chemical formulas by representing the products and reactants in the change 3. Properties of acids and bases a. Recognize that ph is used as a measure of acids and bases b. Investigate the process of neutralization 4. Properties of water a. Investigate three states of water b. Explore the temperature change that is required to change the state of water c. Investigate the freezing point, melting point, and boiling point d. Explain how the water cycle involves several processes (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation) e. Introduce vaporization and condensation
f. Investigate and understand how different common materials interact with water g. Investigate solutions and mixtures h. Experiment with solids that will/will not dissolve in water i. Determine substances that will dissolve more readily in hot water than in cold water j. Understand how water on Earth is limited and needs to be conserved B. Force, motion, and energy a. Explore the relationship between force and motion b. Explore the effects of gravity and friction c. Explore the relationship between work and energy d. Explore Newton s First, Second and Third Laws of Motion e. Investigate the relationship between gravity, friction, and inertia f. Estimate and measure the speed, velocity, and acceleration of an object C. Magnetism 1. Investigate and understand that natural and artificial magnets have certain characteristics 2. Identify that magnets attract specific types of metals 3. Explore magnets and their effect on various objects 4. Investigate how magnets can attract and repel 5. Apply forces of magnets using opposite poles 6. Explore the presence of a magnetic field 7. Utilize a magnetic compass 8. Explore important applications of magnets D. Energy a. Investigate and understand the six forms of energy b. Explore the role of the sun in the formation of most energy sources on earth c. Investigate transformations between energy forms d. Explore the conservation of energy 2. Thermal energy (infrared radiation) a. Investigate and understand the role of solar energy in driving most natural processes within the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and on earth s surface b. Explore the role of radiation, conduction, and convection in the distribution of energy c. Examine earth s energy budget d. Examine the motion of the atmosphere and the oceans e. Experience ways to measure the amount of thermal energy f. Develop an understanding of cloud formation g. Identify the role of thermal energy in weather-related phenomena including thunderstorms and hurricanes
E. Sound 1. Investigate and understand how sound travels 2. Understand the molecular involvement necessary in order to produce sound 3. Identify the compression, wavelength, frequency, and amplitude 4. Explore the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound 5. Identify the uses and applications of sound waves 6. Apply the concepts of reflection and refraction 7. Discuss the property of resonance 8. Investigate the phenomena of seismic waves F. Electromagnetic Spectrum 1. Investigate the concept of color and the range of energy waves in the electromagnetic spectrum 2. Differentiate between color of light and its relationship to the spectrum and transmission of light 3. Investigate the visible spectrum and light waves III. Earth Science A. Weather a. Investigate and understand the properties of air and the structure and dynamics of the earth s atmosphere b. Identify air as a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds c. Identify the relationship between the changing atmospheric conditions with changes in altitude d. Investigate the different types of clouds : cirrus, cumulus, and stratus e. Apply concepts of convection currents f. Recognize what causes weather to change g. Investigate the movement of wind and its relationship to changing weather h. Investigate natural and human-caused changes to the atmosphere and the importance of protecting and maintaining air quality 2. Measurement a. Record weather observations and collect weather data b. Utilize equipment to measure properties of air c. Examine pressure, temperature, and humidity d. Use Celsius and Fahrenheit units e. Identify the relationship between atmospheric measures and weather conditions f. Utilize basic information recorded on weather maps, including fronts, systems, and basic measurements, in order to forecast a weather event g. Appreciate the technological advances used to aid in the measurement of weather indicators and in the prediction of weather related events 3. Weather phenomena a. Compare and contrast hurricanes and tornadoes b. Identify safety precautions during severe weather (hurricanes and tornadoes) B. Geology
1. Geological Time Scale a. Use the geologic time scale to recognize historical events, the beginning of new life forms, and the formation of mountain ranges b. Compare index fossils in different layers of rock to infer rock age c. Understand that fossils provide information about organisms that were on earth years ago d. Utilize maps and aerial photography 2. Weathering and erosion (slow land changes) a. Identify how plants are used to prevent erosion b. Explore the ways in which water changes the earth s surface c. Differentiate between surface water and groundwater d. Explore how the surface water and groundwater can have both positive and negative effects e. Examine different examples of physical and chemical weathering 3. Rocks a. Explore the formation of rocks b. Compare and classify rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic c. Classify minerals based on their luster and hardness d. Identify and classify kinds of rocks and their formations e. Investigate the fossilization process 4. Fast land changes a. Discuss the theory of plate tectonics and plate location b. Explain how faults are formed and how earthquakes are caused and measured c. Describe how volcanoes and plate tectonics are related and detected d. Identify ways to determine and measure plate tectonic movement e. Investigate the effects of plate tectonic movement f. Identify ways to determine and measure of earthquakes g. Identify ways to determine and measure of volcanoes h. Describe how volcanoes and earthquakes change the earth s surface i. Identify the role a volcano plays in the formation of new rocks C. Space 1. Universe a. Explore the universe, galaxy, and star systems b. Classify different types of galaxies c. Differentiate between asteroids, meteors, meteorites, and comets d. Explore the role of gravity e. Identify and describe quasars f. Describe the big bang theory g. Recognize the history and growth of technology in space exploration 2. Sun a. Describe the formation of the sun and its features b. Describe a star s life cycle c. Identify the sun as a source of light and heat d. Explore the movement of electromagnetic waves e. Explore how solar energy sustains life on earth f. Describe the influence of the sun on the earth
3. Earth and moon a. Investigate the composition of the earth s atmosphere b. Identify the earth s ability to sustain life c. Explore the reasons why earth is the only inhabited planet d. Investigate and model the interior structure e. Explore the relationship between the earth and moon f. Explore motion in space (rotation/revolution) g. Investigate how the earth s tilt causes seasonal changes h. Investigate the causes for the phases of the moon i. Determine the moon s role in the formation of tides j. Model natural cycles such as day and night, seasonal changes, phases of the moon and tides k. Compare and contrast lunar and solar eclipses l. Identify the solstices and equinoxes m. Determine historical contributions in space exploration D. Ecology/conservation 1. Ecosystems a. Basic principles i. Investigate the transfer of energy between organisms in an ecosystem ii. Explore the relationship between food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids iii. Explore the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle iv. Explore the nitrogen cycle b. Aquatic habitats i. Identify oceanic zones and their relationship to coral reefs ii. Identify the movement of warm and cold currents iii. Investigate physical oceanography terminology iv. Identify geological characteristics of the ocean floor v. Investigate interactions between marine organisms 2. Conservation a. Experience ways to save energy b. Identify different recyclable materials c. Identify the benefits of recycling d. Differentiate between conserving and wasting resources 3. Resources a. Investigate the limited resources available in an ecosystem b. Identify the resources available in watershed and wetland habitats c. Identify renewable energy resources (plants, water, air) d. Identify nonrenewable energy resources (fossil fuels and nuclear energy) e. Identify Virginia s natural resources 4. Effects of human activity a. Investigate human impact on natural habitats b. Investigate human impact on living things c. Explore human role in conserving limited resources in an ecosystem d. Identify ways to manage pollution
Evaluation Students will be evaluated by teacher observation, worksheets, quizzes, tests, reports, and projects. Resources Texts Earth Science, Geology, Environment, and the Universe, McGraw-Hill Earth Science, Amsco Publishing Websites Brain Pop Educational movies and activities Khan Academy Online tutorial videos and interactive practice simulations