Unit Plans

Unit Plans 7th grade science

1st semester

Students will learn to organize, analyze, infer, and predict based on data collected during descriptive, comparative and experimental investigations.

First Semester

• Life on Earth

Students will learn characteristics for setting the stage for life on Earth and for manned space exploration.

• Matter & Energy in Ecosystems

Students will learn energy transformations through the process of photosynthesis.

Students will learn the flow of energy through living systems, including food chains, food webs, and energy pyramid.

• Analyzing Ecosystems

Students will learn the characteristics of ecosystems.

Students will predict and describe the different types of catastrophic events and how they impact ecosystems.

Students will learn ecological succession and how organisms (plants and animals) respond to external and internal stimuli.

• Genetics

Students will identify that sexual reproduction results in more diverse offspring.

Students will distinguish between dominant and recessive traits and compare the traits that allow for survival and reproduction (Genetics).

Second Semester

• Natural Selection & Adaptations

Students will learn the adaptations of plants and animals to their changing environments.

• Cells/Levels of Organization

Students will learn the different levels of organization of living things and how to differentiate the structure and function in plant and animal cells.

• Body Systems

Students will describe homeostasis.

Students will identify the systems of the human body, describe their functions, and identify responses to stimuli.

• Worth the Wait

Scientific Investigation and Reasoning (TEKS/SE taught throughout the year)

Safety and procedures

1A demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas

Safety Standards; and

1B practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.

Scientific investigation

2A plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

2B design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

2C collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers;

2D construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns; and

2E analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

3A in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

3B use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as human body systems and plant and animal cells

3C identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials; and

3D relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content.

4A use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including life science models, hand lens, stereoscopes, microscopes, beakers, Petri dishes, microscope slides, graduated cylinders, test tubes, meter sticks, metric rulers, metric tape measures, timing devices, hot plates, balances, thermometers, calculators, water test kits, computers, temperature and pH probes, collecting nets, insect traps, globes, digital cameras, journals/notebooks, and other equipment as needed to teach

the curriculum; and

4B use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.