7th Grade Science Unit 4

Big Idea:

Energy is transformed in the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and in the flow of energy through living systems.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

7.5(A) [Readiness] recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.

7.5(B) [Readiness] diagram the flow of energy through living systems, including food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids

Focus TEKS

7.6(A) [Supporting] distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter

7.7(A) [Readiness] illustrate the transformation of energy within an organism such as the transfer from chemical energy to and thermal energy

Ongoing TEKS

7.1(A) [Tools To Know] Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations

7.1(B) [Tools to Know] Practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.

7.2(A) [Tools To Know] The student is expected to plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

7.2(E) [Ways to Show] analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

7.4(A) [Tools To Know] 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

7.4(B) [Tools To Know] 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.

Student Learning Targets:

• I will distinguish the differences between the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration using graphic organizers.
• I will trace the energy transformations through ecosystems using food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.
• I will correctly identify producers and consumers in food chains and food webs.
• I will demonstrate how energy is transformed during photosynthesis and cellular respiration using diagrams.
• I will write observations and conclusions during investigations

Essential Questions:

• Why is photosynthesis important?
• How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?
• How does energy move in an ecosystem?
• How is the movement of energy in an ecosystem modeled?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center