Diocese of Harrisburg Science Curriculum Grade 7 The following document has been written to incorporate the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Science, Environment and Ecology, written by the Department of Education, January 5, 2002. Updated 6/6/08 Grade 7 Science Curriculum Page 1 of 6
EARTH Grade 7 Astronomy 1. Universe and Solar System (3.4.7.D) Identify theories of the formation of the universe and solar system. PA Standards Covered Model elliptical orbits, rotation and revolution, and inclination of planets in (3.4.7.D) the solar system. Diocese of Harrisburg Grade 7 Science Curriculum Earth s Interior and Surface PA Standards Covered (3.5.7.A) 2. Stars (3.4.7.D) Define basic categories and characteristics of stars and categorize the sun. Interpret graphs of stars varying temperatures. Illustrate how the positions of stars and constellations change in relation to the Earth during an evening and from month to month. 3. Extraterrestrial Bodies (3.4.7.D) Describe and differentiate between meteoroids, comets, and asteroids. Differentiate between meteoroids, meteors and meteorites. 1. Layers of the Earth (3.5.7.A) Review and describe the major layers of the earth: CRUST, MANTLE, OUTTER CORE and INNER CORE. 2. Rock Cycle (3.5.7.A) Explain how the rock cycle affected rock formations in the state of Pennsylvania. 3. Surface Changes (3.5.7.A) Distinguish between rapid and slow surface changes (earthquakes and volcanoes vs. weathering, erosion and deposition). 4. Geologic Features (3.5.7.A) Describe the processes involved in the creation of geologic features: FOLDING, FAULTING, VOLCANISM and SEDIMENTATION. Explain that geologic features seen today are similar to those in the past. Describe the processes that formed Pennsylvania geologic structures and resources including: MOUNTAINS, GLACIAL FORMATIONS, WATER GAPS and RIDGES. Earth s Waters Environmental 5. Geologic Time (3.5.7.A) Differential between relative and absolute time. Describe and differentiate between the four eras: PRECAMBIAN, PALEOZOIC, MEZOIC, CENOZOIC Weather and 1. Air and Atmosphere (3.5.7.C) Describe the composition of air. Climate Updated 6/6/08 Illustrate the major layers of Grade the atmosphere 7 Science and Curriculum discuss their properties. Page 2 of 6 PA Standards Covered Review air masses and cloud types. (3.5.7.C) 2. Weather (3.5.7.C)
LIFE Grade 7 Animals Cells and Heredity PA Standards Covered (3.3.7.C) (3.3.7.D) 1. Genetics/Heredity (3.3.7.C), (3.3.10.C) Discuss Mendel s Theory of Genetics. Identify and explain inheritable characteristics. Identify that the gene is the basic unit of inheritance. Identify basic patterns of inheritance: DOMINANCE, RECESSIVE and CODIMINANCE. Describe how traits are inherited. Distinguish how different living things reproduce, (e.g. vegetative budding and sexual). 2. Evolution (3.3.7.D), (3.3.10.D) Discuss Darwin s theory of evolution. Recognize that mutations can alter a gene. Describe how selective breeding, natural selection and genetic technologies can change genetic makeup of organisms. Describe the role that fossils play in studying the past and the study of evolution. Explain how biologic extinction is a natural process. Health and Biology Microorganisms and Plants 3. Adaptation (3.3.7.D), (3.3.10.D) Identify adaptations that allow organisms to survive in their environment. Describe how an environmental change can affect the survival of organisms and entire species. Know that differences in individuals of the same species may give some advantage in surviving and reproducing. Recognize that populations of organisms can increase rapidly. Updated 6/6/08 Grade 7 Science Curriculum Page 3 of 6
PHYSICAL Grade 7 Chemistry PA Standards Covered (3.4.7.A) (3.4.7.B) (3.1.7.C) 1. Matter (3.4.7.A) Identify sub-atomic particles. Distinguish compounds from mixtures. 2. Changes in Matter (3.4.7.B) Describe the phases of matter according to the Kinetic Molecular Theory. Predict the behavior of gases through the use of Boyle s, Charles, or the ideal gas law, in everyday situations. 3. The Periodic Table (3.1.7.C), (3.1.10.C) Explain the repeating pattern of chemical properties by using the repeating patterns of atomic structure within the periodic table. 4. Carbon Chemistry (3.4.10.A) Understand that carbon can form several types of compounds. Electricity and Magnetism Energy Motion and Forces Waves (sound, light) PA Standards Covered (3.4.7.B) (3.4.7.C) 1. Sound (3.4.7.B) Define: PITCH, INTENSITY and BEAT Visibly model sound through a vibration demonstration. Identify and describe sound changes in moving objects (the Doppler effect). Discuss the absence of sound in space. 2. Light (3.4.7.C) Define the terms: AMPLITUDE, CONVEX, CONCAVE, FREQUENCY, POLARIZATION, REFLECTION, REFRACTION, and WAVELENGTH. Model the electromagnetic spectrum. Know that the sun is a major source of energy that emits wavelengths of visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Explain how convex and concave mirrors and lenses change light images. 3. Technology Discuss fiber optics. Differentiate between nearsighted, farsighted, and stigmatism of the human eye. Updated 6/6/08 Grade 7 Science Curriculum Page 4 of 6
Inquiry and Design Inquiry and Design PA Standards Covered (3.2.7.A) (3.2.7.B) (3.2.7.C) (3.2.7.D) Grade 7 1. Explain and apply scientific knowledge (3.2.7.A) Distinguish between scientific belief, theory and law. Explain how new information may change existing theories. 2. Interpret Observations (3.2.7.B) Take measurements utilizing a variety of scales. Describe relationships by making inferences and predictions. Raise questions. Formulate hypotheses. Test and experiment. Design controlled experiments. Recognize variables. Manipulate variables. Interpret data. Formulate and design models. Produce solutions. 3. Solve inquiry based problems (3.2.7.C) Generate questions that can be answered through scientific investigation and evaluate their appropriateness. Design an investigation with limited variables to investigate a question. Conduct a two-part experiment. Judge the significance of results in answering the question. Communicate appropriate conclusions from the experiment. 4. Technical Design Process (3.2.7.D) Define types of problems. Define the question to be answered. Propose solutions. Apply a solution. Explain the results. Present improvements. Identify and infer the impacts of the solution. Updated 6/6/08 Grade 7 Science Curriculum Page 5 of 6
CURRICULUM MAP K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 EARTH Astronomy Earth s Interior & Surface Earth s Waters Environmental Weather & Climate LIFE Animals Cells & Heredity Health & Biology Microorganisms & Plants PHYSICAL Chemistry Electricity & Magnetism Energy (Kinetic, Potential & Nuclear) Motion & Forces Waves (sound, light) INQUIRY AND DESIGN Updated 6/6/08 Grade 7 Science Curriculum Page 6 of 6