Grade 7: Interactions in the Environment

Big Ideas: Ecosystems are made up of biotic and abiotic elements that depend on each other to survive. Ecosystems are in a constant state of change. The changes may be caused by nature or by human intervention. Human activities have the potential to alter the environment. Humans must be aware of these impacts and try to control them.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning about ecosystems so that we understand the essential elements of an ecosystem, how they interact, and that they are in a constant state of change.

2. We are learning changes to ecosystems can be caused by nature or human intervention.

3. We are learning that some human activities have the potential to alter the environment so that we understand these impacts so that we can control them.

Grade 8: Cells

Big Ideas: Cells are the basis of life. Cells organize into tissues, tissues into organs, organs into organ systems, and organ systems into organisms. Healthy cells contribute to health organisms. Systems are interdependent.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning that cells are the basis of life and that they have different components.

2. We are learning that cells are organized in certain ways and that healthy cells contribute to healthy organisms.

3. We are learning that systems are interdependent.

Grade 7: Substances & Mixtures

Big Ideas: Matter can be classified according to its physical characteristics. The particle theory of matter helps to explain the physical characteristics of matter. Pure substances and mixtures have an impact on society and the environment. Understanding the characteristics of matter allows us to make informed choices about how we use it.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning about matter and the particle theory so that we can understand how to classify matter and that the particle theory explores the physical characteristics of matter.

2. We are learning that pure substances and mixtures have an impact on society and the environment so that we can make more informed choices about how we use them.

Grade 8: Fluids

Big Ideas: Fluids are an important component of many systems. Fluids have different properties that determine how they can be used. Fluids are essential to life.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning that fluids are important to many systems.

2. We are learning that fluids have different properties that determine how they can be used.

3. We are learning that fluids are essential to life.

Grade 7: Form and Function

Big Ideas: Structures have a purpose. The form of a structure is dependent on its function. The interactions between structures and forces is predictable.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning that structures have a purpose.

2. We are learning that the form of a structure is dependent on its function.

3. We are learning that the interactions between structures and forces are predictable.

Grade 8: Systems in Action

Big Ideas: Systems are designed to accomplish tasks. All systems include an input and an output. Systems are designed to optimize human and natural resources. Therefore, we must determine how the needs of a society influence the evolution of systems that are designed to optimize human and natural resources.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning that systems are designed to accomplish a task and that all systems have an input and output.

2. We are exploring systems so that we understand they are designed to optimize human and natural resources.

3. We are learning how the needs of a society influence the evolution of systems.

Grade 7: Heat in the Environment

Big Ideas: Heat is a form of energy that can be transformed and transferred. These processes can be explained using the particle theory of matter. There are many sources of heat. Heat has both positive and negative effects on the environment.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning that heat is a form of energy that can be transformed and transferred so that we can understand these processes can be explained using the particle theory of matter.

2. We are exploring the many sources of heat so that we can understand both the positive and negative effects on the environment.

Grade 8: Water Systems

Big Ideas: Water is crucial to life on Earth. Water systems influence climate and weather patterns. Water is an important resource that needs to be managed sustainably.

Learning Goals:

1. We are learning how crucial water is to life on earth so that we understand the influence of water systems on climate and weather patterns.

2. We are learning that water is an important resource that needs to be managed sustainably.