7th Grade Science Unit 7

Big Idea:

Specific conditions are needed for exploration and travel to find new life in our solar system.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

7.9(A) [Readiness] analyze the characteristics of objects in our solar system that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water, and composition of the atmosphere

Focus TEKS

7.9(B) [Readiness] identify the accommodations, considering the characteristics of our solar system, that enable manned space exploration.

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 relate the characteristics of life to what is needed for life to exist in our solar system.
• I will discuss that Earth has specific conditions that support life.
• I will write about other solar objects and infer what conditions would be needed to support life.

Essential Questions:

• Why is Earth able to support life?
• How is life supported outside of Earth?
• How do challenges for humans in space affect space exploration?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center