7th Grade Science Unit 8

Big Idea:

Organisms can be classified by their traits. Certain traits allow organisms to survive and these traits can change over time.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

7.11(B) [Readiness] explain variation within a population or species by comparing external features, behaviors, or physiology of organisms that enhance their survival such as migration, hibernation, or storage of food in a bulb.

Focus TEKS

7.3(D) [Ways to Show] relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content

7.11(A) [Supporting] examine organisms or their structures such as insects or leaves and use dichotomous keys for identification.

7.11(C) [Supporting] - identify some changes in genetic traits that have occurred over several generations through natural selection and selective breeding such as the Galapagos Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis) or domestic animals

7.12(A) investigate and explain how internal structures of organisms have adaptations that allow specific functions such as gills in fish, hollow bones in birds, or xylem in plants

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 classify organisms based on variations in traits by using a dichotomous key.
• I will discuss how variations can change over time through natural selection.
• I will investigate how behavioral and physiological traits affect the survival of organisms.
• I will write observations and conclusions relating a lab investigation to a real life example of natural selection.

Essential Questions:

• How are traits used to classify organisms?
• How do adaptations relate to natural selection?
• How can adaptations allow members of a population to survive?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center