Course Description
The academic standards for seventh grade establish the content knowledge and skills for Tennessee students necessary to prepare them for the rigorous levels of higher education and future job markets. The course provides students with a wealth of experiences for both science practices and content knowledge. The academic standards for science in seventh grade are research-based and supported by the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education. The academic standards herein establish the core content and practices of science and engineering, as well as what Tennessee students need to know by the end of seventh grade. Disciplinary core ideas for seventh grade include:
The theme for seventh grade science is how matter and reactions are the basis for life science, particularly the molecules that make up life (LS1) DNA/proteins, and their hierarchy to organ systems and heredity; and biogeochemical cycles (LS2) carbon and oxygen cycling through photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration. Earth and space science standards are addressed from a perspective based on matter and reactions (atmospheric composition, combustion, and climate change). Tennessee's state mathematics standards are integrated into the science standards, specifically connecting proportional reasoning with whole number multiplication and division. Special attention is given to science literacy through the use of the science and engineering practices. Students are often required to gather information from reliable sources to construct evidenced-based arguments (e.g., 7.LS1.6).
Units:
Matter and Its Interactions
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Earth and Human Activity
