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Description of Course:

7th grade science is an integrated course covering topics in environmental science, biology, and chemistry.

 

Expectations of My Students:

  1. Treat all people, their possessions, and yourself with respect.
  2. Come to class on time and prepared.
  3. Put forth your best effort
  4. Follow all laboratory safety rules

 

Materials: Keeping Organized 101

  • Choose your own method of organization      

      **Suggestion: 1 inch, 3 ring binder - not shared with another subject - with 3 dividers (labeled   "Important Info", "Do Now Questions", and "All Other Work")

  • Writing Utencil - Pencil or Pen (Blue or Black only) 
  • A smile (corny, I know. But it makes a difference!)

 

Homework Policy:

  • Homework is expected to be completed using complete sentences
  • Nightly homework (such as worksheets and vocabulary) is due the next day or it is a 0 
  • Other types of late work (such as labs or projects) will  be accepted for a reduced grade (reduction varies for each assignment)
  • Copying is strictly prohibited. Working together is encouraged, but be sure to think for yourself!

 

Tests/Quizes:

  • All tests/quizes will be announced
  • Study guides will be given before each test
  • Extra help/Study guide review will be held during lunch, the day before each test
  • DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE FOR HELP

 

Grading:

  • Varies for each assignment
  • For each marking period
    • Assessments - 40%
    • Labs - 30%
    • Classwork/Homework/Participation - 30%

  

Listing of Units:

 

  • Ecology: The first unit in the 7th grade science curriculum covers matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems. Students will be able to describe the flow of energy between the living and nonliving part of the environment and how it is constantly being recycled throughout the ecosystem. They will also explore how both behavior and the environment effect the changes a population goes through.

 

  • Cells: The second unit in the 7th grade science curriculum introduces cells as the building blocks of living organisms. Cell structure and functions are identified and compared amongst different organisms. As organisms become more complex, different levels of organization exist. We will also explore how organisms respond to stimuli.

 

  • Heredity: The third unit in the 7th grade science curriculum is heredity. This unit describes the location and function of genes and how their expression creates the traits organisms possess. Further we will compare the variety associated with sexual reproduction versus asexual reproduction. The unit will be explored through the lens of how organisms have changed over time through natural and artificial selection.

 

  • Chemistry: The fourth and final unit in the 7th grade science curriculum is Chemistry. The focus of this unit is on physical and chemical properties and changes of matter. Students will explore and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after they interact and construct tests to measure and identify the changes that took place.

 

Resources:

  • Environmental Science (Pearson Prentice Hall)
  • Cells and Heredity (Pearson Prentice Hall)
  • Chemical Building Blocks (Pearson Prentice Hall)

 

 

Major Required Assignments or Projects:

  • Food Webs and Carbon Cycle Activity
  • Population Dynamics Lab
  • Exploring How Communities Change Activity​
  • Cell Structure Project
  • Plant and Animal Cell Labs
  • Punnett Square Activity
  • Dominant Recessive Coin Toss Lab
  • Baby Genes Lab
  • Toothpick Fish Lab
  • Peppered Moth or Nature at Work Lab
  • Homologous Structures Activities
  • Using Chemical Change to Identify an Unknown Lab
  • Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions Activity
  • Chemical Reactions and Engineering Design Project