7th Grade Science Unit 9

Big Idea:

The instructions for traits are carried in genetic material that is passed from one generation to another through sexual and asexual reproduction.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

7.14(A) [Supporting] define heredity as the passage of genetic instructions from one generation to the next generation.

7.14(C) [Supporting] recognize that inherited traits of individuals are governed in the genetic material found in the genes within chromosomes in the nucleus.

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

7.14(B) [Readiness] compare the results of uniform or diverse offspring from sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction.

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 discuss how DNA contains the instructions for genetic traits.
• I will predict the traits that will be observed in the next generation after sexual or asexual reproduction, using Punnett squares when needed.
• I will compare and contrast sexual and asexaul reproduction using graphic organizers.
• I will write about how genes are passed down

Essential Questions:

• What is heredity?
• What are traits and how are they inherited?
• Why is the cell cycle important in sexual and asexual reproduction?
• What is the process of the cell cycle?
• Why is sexual reproduction important?
• Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?
• Why is asexual reproduction important?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center