Life Science
7th Grade

Week Objectives: 

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (lab 1 - 263)

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

1. Binder for organization of handouts, notes, and graded assignments. 

2. Loose leaf paper or notebook for note taking 

3. Multiple writing utensils including 1 red pen 

4. A planner - for assignment tracking 

5. Colored Pencils (yes we will be coloring in this class) 

Course Description

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge in physical matter, chemistry, cellular biology, genetics, and the development of life on Earth. Students will briefly review concepts from previous courses before progressing to more in-depth study of chemical reactions, cellular processes, heredity, and the history of life. Through laboratory investigations and the scientific method, students will explore the world around them while studying the discoveries and contributions of historical figures who have shaped our understanding of modern science. 

Required Course Learning Outcomes (Competencies)

1. Understand the basic structure of atoms and molecules.

2. Identify and describe chemical bonds and reactions.

3. Identify the structures and functions of cells.

4. Explain basic cellular processes and the flow of energy.

5. Describe the basic principles of genetics and heredity.

6. Explain how life has changed over time using evidence from paleontology.

7. Safely conduct laboratory investigations and analyze experimental data.

Topical Outline

UNIT 1: Introduction to Matter 

• Describing matter

• Measuring matter

• Changes in matter

UNIT 2: Solids/Liquids/Gasses

• States of matter 

• Changes of state

• Gas behavior

UNIT 3: Elements and the Periodic Table

• Introduction to atoms and models 

• Mendeleev and the Periodic Table

• Elements and bonding 

• Metals and alloys

UNIT 4: Chemical Reactions

• Observing and describing chemical reactions 

• Conservation of mass

• Chemical equations-reading and writing simple equations 

• Classification of chemical reactions

• Rates of chemical reactions

UNIT 5: Carbon Chemistry

• Properties of carbon 

• Carbon compounds 

• Macromolecules 

UNIT 6: Cell Structure and Function

• Cell theory

• Microscope history 

• Cellular structure and function

UNIT 7: Cell Processes and Energy

• Photosynthesis

• Cellular Respiration

• Cell Division 

UNIT 8: Genetics

• The work of Gregor Mendel

• Probability and Heredity 

• Cell Inheritance 

• DNA Connection 

• Modern genetics 

UNIT 9: Changes Over Time

• Darwin’s Theory 

• Paleontology 

• The Fossil Record