Learning Objectives

Grade 7 - Life Science

Mrs. Purugganan

The objectives for each Science unit are:

Nature of Science (5 to 6 weeks, approx. Sept. to beginning of Oct.)

Describe what life scientists do. Explain the work of scientists.

Describe the branches of science.

Define life science. Define the branches of life science.

Explain the importance of safety in the science laboratory.

List and describe the steps of the scientific method.

Describe the tools of a life scientist.

Operate and identify the parts of a light microscope.

Demonstrate staining and making wet-mount slides.

Cells and Heredity (6 to 8 weeks, approx. mid Oct. through Nov.)

Compare/contrast the major discoveries that led to Cell Theory.

Identify and list the components of Cell Theory.

Explain the functions and interactions of various cell organelles.

Distinguish between animal and plant cells.

Distinguish between DNA, chromosomes, and genes.

Predict Mendelian patterns of inheritance based on dominant and recessive genes.

Explain how reproductive success over many generations contributes to natural selection.

Describe the causes of mutations and their impacts on an organism.

Explain how genetic material is used in selective breeding and biotechnology.

Living Organisms (4 to 5 weeks; Dec. and Jan.)

Distinguish between living and nonliving things.

List the characteristics of living things.

Explain the needs of living things.

Discuss the importance of classification of organisms.

Discuss the importance of using specific criteria when classifying.

Discuss the history of classification.

Identify and describe the current system of classification.

Survey all major kingdoms of organisms.

Describe the scientific theory of how life on earth evolved.

Discuss adaptation of living organisms over time.

Discuss natural selection.

Animal Diversity and Body Systems (10 to 12 weeks; Feb. - Apr.)

List and describe the general characteristics of invertebrates.

Compare and contrast human body systems to those of simple and complex invertebrates.

Use proper safety techniques during dissection.

List the levels of organization from simple to complex.

Describe the location, structure, and function of the major organs of these organ systems: skeletal system, muscular system, digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system, excretory system nervous system

Discuss diseases of each system.

Identify diseases/conditions associated with exposure to pollutants.

Environmental Science (4 to 5 weeks; May and June)

Interaction of Living Things

Describe how organisms interact with their environment.

Distinguish between biotic and abiotic environmental factors.

Describe the parts of an ecosystem, including population, community, species.

Describe symbiotic and predator/prey relationships.

Explain the relationship between carrying capacity and limiting factors.

Cycles in Nature

Define biogeochemical.

Explain the biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen) within an ecosystem.

Identify factors that contribute to change in natural and human-made systems.

Describe succession; contrast the processes of primary and secondary succession.

Biomes

Describe major biomes.

Compare/contrast different land, marine, freshwater biomes.

Energy Flow

Explain energy flow in an ecosystem.

Compare and contrast the flow of energy between organisms in different habitats.

Explain the concept of trophic levels.

Biodiversity

Explain how biodiversity is important to the success of ecosystems.

Compare and contrast monoculture and diverse ecosystems.

Explain the relationship between biodiversity and an ecosystem’s ability to adapt to change.

Explain how adaptation is an inherited structure, function, or behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

Identify reasons why organisms become endangered, threatened, or extinct.

Use natural selection to examine the causes and consequences of extinction.

Watersheds

Identify the five major watershed of Pennsylvania.

Explain how water enters/leaves/moves through a watershed.

Explain the concept of stream order.

Describe the factors that alter flow and water quality within a watershed.

Describe the factors that affect the quality of ground and surface waters.

Wetlands

Describe the characteristics of soils in wetlands.

Explain the primary functions of a wetland within a watershed.

Explain the value of wetlands to other living things.