Grade 7 Science 

In this unit, students will investigate how Earth's surface is constantly changing through gradual processes. Through the study of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landform development, students will examine how tectonic activity influences landscapes over time. Students will analyze evidence from fossils, maps, and rock types to explain how Earth's surface has changed throughout its history. Using models and data, students will explore the interactions between Earth's systems and evaluate how geological processes can change landscapes. Students will develop explanations for observed changes in Earth's surface and use evidence to predict future changes. 

In this unit, students will investigate the processes that reshape Earth’s landforms. They will examine how weathering, erosion, deposition, tectonic activity, water, wind, ice, and gravity gradually or rapidly alter Earth’s surface. Using evidence from canyons, mountains, river systems, and coastlines, students will develop models explaining how landforms change and will predict possible future changes.

In this unit, students will investigate the structure of matter by exploring atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions. Using models and hands-on investigations, students will develop an understanding that all matter is composed of atoms that can combine and rearrange to form different substances. Students will examine the organization of elements on the periodic table and use patterns in atomic structure to explain the properties of matter. Through the study of physical and chemical changes, students will gather evidence to distinguish between changes that alter a substance's form and those that produce new substances. Students use particle models to explain how atoms are conserved during chemical reactions, even when matter appears to change dramatically. Students will construct explanations for chemical reactions based on the rearrangement of atoms and the conservation of mass. 

In this unit, students will investigate how the body's cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems interact to carry out essential life functions. Students will explore the structure and function of cells and examine how cellular chemical processes provide the energy and materials needed for growth, repair, and homeostasis. Through the study of cellular division, including mitosis, students will develop models to explain how organisms grow and replace damaged or worn-out cells. Students will also investigate how the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and other body systems work together to transport nutrients, oxygen, and wastes throughout the body. By analyzing how cells obtain resources and interact within larger systems, students will develop an understanding of how specialized structures support the health and functioning of complex organisms. Students will use evidence to explain how cellular processes and interconnected body systems maintain life and enable growth and repair. 

In this unit, students will investigate how traits are inherited and how genetic variation occurs within populations. Students will explore the structure and function of DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and develop models to explain how genetic information is stored and transmitted from one generation to the next. Through the study of meiosis, students will examine how reproductive cells are formed and how genetic information from parents is shuffled and distributed, contributing to variation among offspring. Students will analyze patterns of inheritance using pedigrees, Punnett squares, and real-world examples to predict the likelihood that specific traits will be passed to future generations. Students will construct evidence-based explanations of inheritance patterns and the roles of meiosis and genetic variation in the survival and diversity of organisms.