Course Description
Open to: Grade 7 Semester Course
Prerequisite: None
Content: Students will study living processes in the
five main thematic areas of cells, genetics, evolution,
taxonomy, and ecology. Emphasis on laboratory investigation
encourages the student to make observations in the
field and classroom.
Adopted Materials
Title: Science Explorer: Life Science
Author: Coolidge et.al.
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Grades
The grade received in this course will be a reflection
of how students continue to develop their investigatory
skills, knowledge, and understanding of the natural
world. The course grade will be calculated from scores
obtained from labs, projects, essays and selected response
tests. The Final is the End of Course Exam (EOC), which
will count as 10% of the student’s final grade.
Copyright
Resources
Course Scope and Sequence
| Unit 0 |
Unifying Concepts |
Ongoing |
| Unit 1 |
Methods |
2 Weeks |
| Unit 2 |
Cells Structure |
2 Weeks |
| Unit 3 |
Cell Processes |
2 Weeks |
| Unit 4 |
Genetics |
2 Weeks |
| Unit 5 |
Evolution |
2 Weeks |
| Unit 6 |
Tissue/Organs/Organ Systems
- Skeletal/Muscular/Integumentary
- Exchanging Materials with the Environment
(Respiratory and Excretory)
- Transport Systems (Circulatory and Digestive)
- Responding to the Environment (Nervous and
Immune)
|
8 Weeks |
Assessment
Correlation acronyms key
|
Unit
0 |
Unifying Concepts |
Ongoing |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.00 Practice safe laboratory procedures |
Standard Reference
District |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
The student will practice laboratory safety
procedures and use of safety equipment. |
Prentice Hall Life Science text |
TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.01 Think critically to discern differences
between observations and inferences. |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.2.1, 7.S.1.2.2 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Use a discrepant event to make observations
and inferences to explain them. |
Teacher written activities |
TMA |
|
02 |
Develop scientific explanations based on scientific
knowledge, logic and analysis. |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
03 |
Know the difference between a hypothesis, theory,
and law. |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.02 Know the steps and value of the scientific
method that is used to identify and answer a
question, or solve a problem. |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.6.2, 7.S.1.6.3, 7.S.1.6.4, 7.S.1.6.6 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe how observations and data are evidence
on which to base scientific explanations and
predictions. |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Use observations to make defendable inferences. |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Designing appropriate and testable experiments |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
04 |
Identify controls and variables used in scientific
investigations. |
Ch. 1, Section 2 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Use metric units of measurements when recording
observations or data. |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
06 |
Use appropriate tools and techniques to collect
data |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
07 |
Create and use a data table for the orderly
recording of observations and measurement. |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
08 |
Create graphs of recorded data that include
labels and numerical values or scales for all
axes. |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
09 |
Evaluate data in order to form conclusions |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
10 |
Use evidence and critical thinking to accept
or reject a hypothesis |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
11 |
Evaluate alternative explanations or predictions |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
12 |
Use models to explain or demonstrate a concept |
Prentice Hall text |
EOC, TMA |
|
13 |
Communicate and defend scientific procedures
and explanations |
Prentice Hall text |
TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.03 Know the parts of plant and animal cells
and the functions of each cell part. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.3.1, 7.S.3.3.2 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Identify and describe the function at least
6 parts of plant and animal cells (cell wall,
cell membrane, nucleus, chromosomes, chloroplasts,
and mitochondria). |
Ch. 2
Sections 3 and 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Compare and contrast the structure and function
of a plant and animal cell. |
Ch. 2
Sections 3 and 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Verify differences between plant and animal
cells by observing actual cells using the microscope. |
Ch. 2
Sections 3 and 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Identify differences between plant and animal
cells. |
Ch. 2
Sections 3 and 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Define small systems as a part of a whole system. |
Ch.2
Section 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
06 |
Determine how small systems contribute to the
function of the whole. |
Ch. 2
Section 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
07 |
Identify the different structural levels of
an organism (cells, tissues, organs, and organ
systems). |
Ch. 2
Section 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
08 |
Recognize the 3 key features of the cell theory |
Ch. 2
Section 3 |
EOC, TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.04 Know the relationships among cells,
tissues, organs, and organ systems. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.3.1 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe the relationship between cell, tissues,
organs, organ systems, and the organism. |
Ch. 2
Sections 3 |
TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.05 Operate a compound microscope properly. |
Standard Reference
7.S.5.2.1 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Name at least 8 parts of a compound microscope
and state the function of each part (eyepiece,
objectives lenses, coarse adjustment knob, fine
adjustment knob, diaphragm, base, arm, and stage). |
Appendix B |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Calculate total magnification |
Appendix B |
EOC |
|
03 |
Make a wet mount slide using proper technique. |
Appendix B |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Explain how to use the microscope correctly. |
Appendix B |
TMA |
|
05 |
State how the microscope changes the position
of objects. |
Appendix B |
EOC, TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.06 Know that equilibrium is a physical
state of balance in which changes and forces
occur in opposite and offsetting directions. |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.2.3 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe diffusion and osmosis. |
Ch. 3
|
EOC, TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.07 Know that most cell
functions involve chemical reactions. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.2.1, 7.S.3.3.4 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Recognize cellular respiration and photosynthesis
including word descriptions. |
Ch. 3 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Understand how cells divide; mitosis and cytokinesis |
Ch. 3 Section 5 |
EOC, TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.08 Know that genes and chromosomes carry
traits and that genetic information is replicated
and passed on to new cells. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.3.5, 7.S.3.1.1 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe the process of meiosis and state its
importance. Recognize male and female sex cells
and their role in sexual reproduction. |
Ch. 4, Section 3 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Describe how dominant and recessive traits are
inherited. |
Ch. 4, Section 1 |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Recognize homozygous (pure) and heterozygous
(hybrid) combinations, phenotype and genotype. |
Ch. 4, Section 1 |
TMA |
|
04 |
Describe the pros and cons of mutations. |
Ch. 4, Section 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Understand the structure of DNA and how it relates
to genes and chromosomes. |
Ch. 4 |
|
|
Instructional Objective
1202.09 Know that genetic traits are passed
on to offspring through chromosomes. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.3.5 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Know the sex chromosomes for human males and
females and which parent determines the gender
of a child. |
Ch. 4 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Use a Punnett square to predict possible outcomes
in offspring for dominant and recessive traits. |
Ch. 4 |
TMA |
|
Instructional Objective
1202.10 Describe how natural selection relates
to evolution. |
Standard Reference
7.S.3.1.1, 7.S.1.3.2 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
State evidence that supports the theory of evolution
and apply to an example. |
Ch. 6 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Relate how Darwin’s observations led to his
hypothesis |
Ch. 6 |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Describe factors involved in natural selection |
Ch. 6 |
EOC, TMA |
|
Back to Top |
|
Unit
6 |
Tissue/Organs/Organ
Systems |
8 weeks |
| |
Skeletal/Muscular/Integumentary
|
2 weeks
|
|
Instructional Objective
1202.11 Understand that complex living organisms
are made up of organ systems which are essential
for life. |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.1.2, 7.S.1.1.3 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Define the function of the skeletal and muscular
system. |
Ch. 14, Section 2 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Identify three major muscles type and some bones
of the human body. |
Ch. 14, Section 2 |
TMA |
|
03 |
Explain the role joints play in the human body. |
Ch. 14 |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Describe the function and structures of the
skin and its role in homeostasis. |
Ch. 14 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Understand the role homeostasis has on the body
systems. |
Ch. 14 |
EOC, TMA |
| |
Transport
systems - Digestive and Circulatory
|
2 weeks
|
|
Instructional Objective
1203.11 Understand the functions carried out
in the digestive and circulatory systems |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.1.2, 7.S.1.1.3 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Understand the functions carried out in the
digestive system |
Ch. 15 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Understand the roles of the mouth, esophagus,
and stomach. |
Ch. 15 |
TMA |
|
03 |
Describe the digestive processes that occur
in the small and large intestines and how other
digestive organs are involved. |
Ch. 15 |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Understand the functions of the cardiovascular
system. |
Ch. 16 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Describe the function and structure of the heart. |
Ch. 16 |
EOC, TMA |
|
06 |
Sequence the path taken by blood through the
cardiovascular system |
Ch. 16 |
EOC, TMA |
|
07 |
Compare and contrast the transport system in
a plant to that of an animal. |
Teacher generated |
TMA |
| |
Exchanging
materials with the environment - Respiratory
and Excretory
|
2 weeks
|
|
Instructional Objective
1203.11 Understand the functions carried out
in the respiratory and excretory systems |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.1.2, 7.S.1.1.3 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe the functions of the respiratory system. |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Identify the structures that air passes through
as it travels to the lungs |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Describe what happens during gas exchange and
breathing |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Identify the structures and functions of the
excretory system |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Describe how the kidneys filter waste from the
blood. |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
|
06 |
Explain how excretion contributes to homeostasis |
Ch. 17 |
EOC, TMA |
| |
Responding
to the Environment – Nervous and Immune
|
2 weeks
|
|
Instructional Objective
1203.11 Understand the functions carried out
in nervous and immune systems |
Standard Reference
7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.1.2, 7.S.1.1.3 |
|
No.
|
Performance Objective
|
Resource Reference
|
Assessment Correlation
|
|
01 |
Describe the basic functions of the nervous
system |
Ch. 19 |
EOC, TMA |
|
02 |
Identify the structure and function of the neuron.
Describe the three types of neurons |
Ch. 19 |
EOC, TMA |
|
03 |
Identify the central and peripheral nervous
systems |
Ch. 19 |
EOC, TMA |
|
04 |
Identify and know the functions of the three
regions of the brain |
Ch. 19 |
EOC, TMA |
|
05 |
Identify how the five senses operate within
the nervous system |
Ch. 19 |
EOC, TMA |
|
06 |
Describe the body’s immune response to pathogens |
Ch. 18 |
TMA |
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