Grade 7—Planet Earth

This course focuses on investigations of Earth, its atmosphere, its changing surface, its water resources, and its place in the solar family.  Students will explore those systems and phenomena of planet Earth which require knowledge and skills of the earth and space sciences, as well as interactions and properties of matter. Connections to life sciences and physical sciences are also emphasized. The course provides for a variety of practical laboratory experiences and engineering tasks that help students gain a better grasp of the fundamental concepts of our world and the Universe. Throughout the course, students will apply inquiry skills and the engineering design process when exploring science concepts.  The curriculum for this course is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.

Planet Earth is offered at two different levels of challenge. Level 2 is for most students. Students in this course explore grade level content, and sets achievement expectations appropriate for typical seventh graders. Level 1 is intended for students who desire, and are capable of, greater academic challenges. Students enrolling in Level 1 should have an excellent academic record as well as excellent critical thinking and laboratory skills. In addition, they should be independent and self-motivated learners, and exhibit a genuine curiosity about the natural world. 

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