7th Grade Science
“It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed in a sinister way, will continue to exist; the threat is rather to life itself.”
Rachel Carson
Dear Parents,
My class heavily relies on Google Classroom. All parents will receive an email invitation to join the 7th Science Google Classroom as a Guardian. I kindly request, that you accept the invitation.
Sincerely,
Mr. Choi
Grade Determination:
Summative = 40%
**Exams, assignments, projects and other assessments at the end of a unit of study demonstrating mastery of NGSS and CCSS.
Formative = 30%
*Quizzes, assignments, investigation/labs, presentations, projects, and other assessment during a unit of study demonstrating attainment of NGSS and CCSS.
Participation and S.E.L. = 30%
Daily preparedness (homework and study of course material), effort, cooperation, and meeting class expectations demonstrating attainment and mastery of CCSS in listening and speaking and ISBE S.E.L. Standards.
*Students may retake formatives assessments once per quarter by appointment, while we are learning skills/concepts.
** Summative assessments are designed to measure mastery of skills/concepts at the end of a unit of study. As such, retake opportunities are not generally available.
Scope and Sequence
Unit 1
Middle School Geology
Throughout the rocks and minerals unit, students develop a deeper appreciation for the Earth's dynamic processes and the role that rocks and minerals play in shaping our planet's history and present landscape. This unit provides a strong foundation for further studies in Earth sciences and environmental science.
Introduction to Geology: The unit often begins with an overview of geology, explaining what rocks and minerals are and why they are important. Students learn about the Earth's composition and the role of rocks and minerals in shaping the planet's surface.
Types of Rocks: Students delve into the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They discover how these rocks form, their distinctive characteristics, and where they are commonly found.
Minerals: This part of the unit explores minerals, which are the building blocks of rocks. Students learn to identify and classify minerals based on their properties such as color, hardness, luster, and streak. They also discover how minerals are used in various industries.
Rock Cycle: The concept of the rock cycle is a central theme. Students explore how rocks change over time through processes like weathering, erosion, and heat and pressure, transitioning from one type to another.
Formation and Geologic History: Students gain an understanding of the Earth's geologic history by studying the formation of different rock layers and the fossils found within them. This helps them unravel the story of our planet's past.
Practical Applications: The unit may also include real-world applications of rocks and minerals, such as how they are used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Hands-On Activities: To reinforce their learning, students often engage in hands-on activities like rock and mineral identification, creating rock collections, and even field trips to observe geological features in their local area.
Assessment: Evaluation methods can include quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations to assess students' understanding of the material.
UNIT 2
Introduction to the Scientific Process
Physical science is the fundamental study of the matter and energy of the natural world. Our study of physical science this year will cover Chemistry and Physics.
In our introductory unit we will dissect science as a process, master making accurate and precise measurements, become competent in the use of basic laboratory tools, review the essential mathematics used in empirical science, and learn how to support our observations and conclusion with quantitative data.
Recommended Math Primer: (Arguably the best introductory math textbook for geometry, algebra, and trigonometry in 119 pages.)
Precalculus in a Nutshell by George F. Simmons
UNIT 3
Introduction to Physical Chemistry
Chemistry, a branch of physical science, is the study of the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Chemistry is chiefly concerned with atoms and molecules and their interactions and transformations, for example, the properties of the chemical bonds formed between atoms to create chemical compounds.
In our survey of chemistry we will examine physical and chemical properties, the atomic structure of matter, properties of elements, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, and the ideal gas law.
Unit 4
From Molecules to Organisms - Structures and Processes (AKA Molecular Cell Biology)
All objects are made up of matter, and all matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are the building blocks of elements, which have specific properties and interact with one another to form different molecules. The study of these interactions is called chemistry.
Organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based molecules, molecules of infinite variety and size. There are four families of carbon-based biological molecules. Carbohydrates are used for energy and as building blocks. Lipids are another important source of energy, and lipids also form biological membranes. Nucleic acids carry genetic material from parent to offspring (DNA) and play a key role in protein synthesis (RNA). Proteins are amino acids bound by peptide bonds. They carry out a number of tasks, from regulating chemical reactions to contracting muscles.
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. All living things are made of cells, and all cells arise from other cells. Together, these tenets form the basis of the cell theory—a simple theory that has profound significance for the study of cell biology. It means that all living things are related, descendants of a cell that arose on Earth billions of years ago. It also means that despite differences in form, all cells have inherited similar components that function in similar ways to convert nutrients to energy, export wastes, grow, and reproduce.
*Unit 5 (optional enrichment)
Animal Bodies and Organ Systems (If Time Permitting)
The diversity of animal bodies is obvious. Animals come in all sizes. They can be long, short, round, flat, hard, or soft. By studying how all the parts fit together, we can begin to see the interrelatedness of all of live.
