7th Grade Science Schedule of Units

- Mrs. Brunners and Mrs. Oranges Classes-

As stated in the syllabus, we will be covering many topics this year that will help you discover many answers to questions that you may have. Below we have written a tentative schedule for the
units we will be covering, as well as a brief description of each. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding the units as we get closer to them.
Topic/Timeframe
Overview
Objectives/Goals
Major Activities
o Find a Friend Scavenger Hunt
Introduction to the To be covered:
o People in the Class
To
get
to
know
one
another
and
the
classroom
or Walk About Bingo or Move
Classroom (1 week)
o The Classroom
Your Butt or Mingle
o The Classroom Procedures
o Science Classroom Scavenger
Hunt
o Binder Set-up
o If time allows:
o 2 Truths and 1 Lie

Unit 1: Science and Engineering Skills

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Scientific Inquiry
and the Engineering
Process
(8 weeks and ongoing)

be covered:
Lab Safety and Measurement
Engineering Design Process
Scientific Inquiry
o Observations (quantitative vs. qualitative)
o Graphing
o Variables
o Procedures
o Conclusions

Big Idea:
o The Engineering Design Process is a method that is used
to solve technological challenges to change and improve
products for the way we live.
o Scientific inquiry involves generating questions,
conducting investigations, and developing solutions to
problems through reasoning and observation.

S.IP.07.11 Generate scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and

research.
S.IP.07.12 Design and conduct scientific investigations.
S.IP.07.13 Use tools and equipment (spring scales, stop watches, metersticks and
tapes, models, hand lens, thermometer, models, sieves, microscopes, hot plates, pH
meters) appropriate to scientific investigations.
S.IP.07.14 Use metric measurement devices in an investigation.
S.IP.07.15 Construct charts and graphs from data and observations.
S.IP.07.16 Identify patterns in data.
S.IA.M.1 Inquiry includes an analysis and presentation of findings that lead to future
questions, research, and investigations.
S.IA.07.11 Analyze information from data tables and graphs to answer scientific
questions.
S.IA.07.12 Evaluate data, claims, and personal knowledge through collaborative science
discourse.
S.IA.17.13 Communicate and defend findings of observations and investigations.

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Lab Safety Project

Length, Area, and Mass mini
lab
Volume Lab
Metric Scavenger Hunt or
Metric Olympics
Catapult Design Challenge
Bridge Design Project
Lemon Observations
DiHydrogen Monoxide Demo
Observations vs Inferences
activity
Coke and Mentos Demo
Spongebob Scientific Method
M&M Graphing Activity
PB& J Activity
Write-It-Do-It
Pirate Ship Ride and/or Come
Fly with Me Lab
Paper Towel Lab
Brand X Project

S.IA.07.14 Draw conclusions from sets of data from multiple trials of a scientific
investigation to draw conclusions.
S.IA.07.15 Use multiple sources of information to evaluate strengths and weaknesses
of claims, arguments, or data.
S.RS.07.11 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and data.
S.RS.07.12 Describe limitations in personal and scientific knowledge.
S.RS.07.13 Identify the need for evidence in making scientific decisions.
S.RS.07.14 Evaluate scientific explanations based on current evidence and scientific
principles.
S.RS.07.15 Demonstrate scientific concepts through various illustrations,
performances, models, exhibits, and activities.
S.RS.07.16 Design solutions to problems using technology.
S.RS.07.17 Describe the effect humans and other organisms have on the balance of
the natural world.
S.RS.07.18 Describe what science and technology can and cannot reasonably contribute
to society.
S.RS.07.19 Describe how science and technology have advanced because of the
contributions of many people throughout history and across cultures.

Unit 2: The Non-Living Earth

Matter and
Chemistry
(10
weeks)

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be covered:
Introduction to Matter
Atomic Structure
Classification of Matter
The Periodic Table of Elements

Big Ideas:
o Matter is made up of atoms and molecules that are
represented through models.
o Each pure substance has characteristic physical and
chemical properties
o
Elements are chemical substances that make up all other
substances and are composed of one kind of atom.
o Elements are organized on the Periodic Table in families.

Matter
P.PM.M1 Chemical Properties Matter has chemical properties. The understandings of
chemical properties helps to explain how new substances are formed.
P.PM.07.11 Classify substances by their chemical properties (flammability, pH,
reactivity).
P.PM.M.2 Elements and Compounds Elements are composed of a single kind of atom
that is grouped into families with similar properties on the periodic table. Compounds
are composed of two or more different elements. Each element and compound has a
unique set of physical and chemical properties such as boiling point, density, color,
conductivity, and reactivity.
P.PM.07.21 Identify the smallest component that makes up an element.
P.PM.07.22 Describe how the elements within the Periodic Table are organized by
similar properties into families (highly reactive metals, less reactive metals, highly
reactive nonmetals, and some almost completely non-reactive gases).

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Chemistry Textbook
Scavenger Hunt
Something that Matters
Density Lab(s)
Density Design Challenge
Physical Properties of Matter
Lab
Physical vs Chemical Changes
Demonstrations
Physical vs Chemical Changes
Stations Lab
Bunsen Burner Lab
Popcorn Lab

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Energy
(3-4 weeks)

Physical and chemical properties identify substances and

determine when a chemical change has occurred.
Nuclear reactions that take place in the sun produce heat
and light.
Substances react chemically in characteristic ways. In a
chemical process, the atoms that make up the original
substances are regrouped into different molecules, and
these new substances have different properties from
those of the reactants.

To be covered:
o Types of Energy
o Waves
o Electromagnetic Spectrum
o Sound
Big Ideas:
o Waves are produced through vibrations.
o Waves transfer energy when they interact with matter.
o A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific
wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

P.PM.07.23 Illustrate the structure of molecules using models or drawings (water,

carbon dioxide, table salt).
P.PM.07.24 Describe examples of physical and chemical properties of elements and
compounds (boiling point, density, color, conductivity, reactivity).
P.CM.M.2 Chemical Changes-Chemical changes occur when elements and/or compounds
react or decompose to produce new substances. These new substances have different
physical and chemical properties than the original elements and/or compounds. During
the chemical change, the number and kind of atoms in the reactants are the same as
the number and kind of atoms in the products. Mass is conserved during chemical
changes. The mass of the reactants is the same as the mass of the products.
P.CM.07.21 Identify evidence of chemical change through color, gas formation, solid
formation, and temperature change.
P.CM.07.22 Compare and contrast the chemical properties of a new substance with the
original after a chemical change.
P.CM.07.23 Describe the physical properties and chemical properties of the products
and reactants in a chemical change.
P.EN.M.6 Solar Energy Effects Nuclear reactions take place in the sun producing
heat and light. Only a tiny fraction of the light energy from the sun reaches Earth,
providing energy to heat the Earth.
P.EN.07.61 Identify that nuclear reactions take place in the sun, producing heat and
light.

Energy
P.EN.M.4 Energy Transfer Different forms of energy can be transferred from place
to place by radiation, conduction, or convection. When energy is transferred from one
system to another, the quantity of energy before the transfer is equal to the quantity
of energy after the transfer.
P.EN.06.41 Explain how different forms of energy can be transferred from one place
to another by radiation, conduction, or convection.
P.EN.06.42 Illustrate how energy can be transferred while no energy is lost or gained
in the transfer.
P.EN.M.3 Waves and Energy Waves have energy and transfer energy when they
interact with matter. Examples of waves include sound waves, seismic waves, waves on
water, and light waves.
P.EN.07.31 Identify examples of waves, including sound waves, seismic waves, and
waves on water.
P.EN.07.32 Describe how waves are produced by vibrations in matter.

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Bending Glass Lab

Bill Nye Atoms
Build an Atom Project
Atoms Family
M&M Bohr Diagrams
Counting Atoms
Classification of Matter
Activity
SuperElements Project
Element Bingo
Periodic Table Basics Activity
Atomic Math
Element Puns
Operation Periodic Table or
Alien Periodic Table Activity
Candy Compounds Activity
Candy Chemical Reaction
Bill Nye Chemical Reactions
Conservation of Mass Lab
Iron Pyrite Lab
Endothermic vs Exothermic
Lab

Energy Webquest
Energy Transformations
Energy Presentations
Slinky Labs
Bill Nye- Waves
Energy Concept Map
Sound Station Lab
Make an Instrument Project
EM Spectrum Activity
Inter-occular Pressure
Sensor Design Challenge (?)

P.EN.07.33 Demonstrate how waves transfer energy when they interact with matter
(for example: tuning fork in water, waves hitting a beach, earthquake knocking over
buildings).
To
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Weather
(3-4 weeks)

be covered:
The Atmosphere
Principles of Weather
Weather vs Climate

Big Ideas:
o The sun is the major source of energy for phenomenon on
Earth.
o The suns warming relates to weather, climate and the
water cycle.
o The Earths atmosphere is a mixture of gases and water
vapor.
o A fraction of the light energy from the sun provides
energy to heat the Earth.
o Weather and climate are influenced by interactions involving
sunlight, the ocean, the atmosphere, ice, landforms, and
living things.
o

E.ES.M.1 Solar Energy The sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on the
surface of the Earth.
E.ES.07.11 Demonstrate, using a model or drawing, the relationship between the
warming by the sun of the Earth and the water cycle as it applies to the atmosphere
(evaporation, water vapor, warm air rising, cooling, condensation, clouds).
E.ES.07.12 Describe the relationship between the warming of the atmosphere of the
Earth by the sun and convection within the atmosphere and oceans.
E.ES.07.13 Describe how the warming of the Earth by the sun produces winds and
ocean currents.
P.EN.07.62 Explain how only a tiny fraction of light energy from the sun is
transformed to heat energy on Earth.
P.EN.M.4 Energy Transfer Different forms of energy can be transferred from place
to place by radiation, conduction, or convection. When energy is transferred from one
system to another, the quantity of energy before the transfer is equal to the quantity
of energy after the transfer.
P.EN.06.41 Explain how different forms of energy can be transferred from one place
to another by radiation, conduction, or convection.
P.EN.06.42 Illustrate how energy can be transferred while no energy is lost or gained
in the transfer.
E.ES.M.7 Weather and Climate Global patterns of atmospheric and oceanic movement
influence weather and climate.
E.ES.07.71 Compare and contrast the difference and relationship between climate and
weather.
E.ST.07.72 Describe how different weather occurs due to the constant motion of the
atmosphere from the energy of the sun reaching the surface of the Earth.
E.ES.07.73 Explain how the temperature of the oceans affects the different climates
on Earth because water in the oceans holds a large amount of heat.
E.ES.07.74 Describe weather conditions associated with frontal boundaries (cold,
warm, stationary, and occluded) and the movement of major air masses and the jet

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Bill Nye-The Atmosphere

Layers of the Atmosphere
Board Game Project
Greenhouse Effect Webquest
Global Climate Change
Expedition Activity
Air Pressure Demos
Heat Transfer Demos
Water Cycle Activity
Weather Project or Save the
Penguins Project

stream across North America using a weather map.

E.ES.M.8 Human consequence Water circulates through the four spheres of the
Earth in what is known as the water cycle.
E.ES.07.81 Explain the water cycle and describe how evaporation, transpiration,
condensation, cloud formation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff and ground
water occur within the cycle.
E.ES.07.82 Analyze the flow of water between the components of a watershed,
including surface features (lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands) and groundwater.
E.FE.M.1 Atmosphere The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace
gases that include water vapor. The atmosphere has different physical and chemical
composition at different elevations.
E.FE.07.11 Describe the atmosphere as a mixture of gases.
E.FE.07.12 Compare and contrast the atmosphere at different elevations

Unit 3: The Living Earth

Study of Life
(2-3 weeks)

Cells and
Organization
(3-4 weeks)

To
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be covered:
Characteristics of Life
Classification of Life
Necessities of Life

Big Ideas:
o Specialized cells within multicellular organisms form
different kinds of tissues and organs and organ systems
that function together.
o All living organisms are composed of cells
To be covered:
o Cell Structure and Function
o Microscopes
o Cellular Transport
o Organization of Life
Big Ideas:
o All living organisms are composed of cells, from one cell to
many cells
o Within cells, special structures are responsible for
particular functions, and the cell membrane forms the

L.OL.M.2 Cell Functions All organisms are composed of cells, from one cell to many
cells. In multicellular organisms, specialized cells perform specialized functions. Organs
and organ systems are composed of cells, and function to serve the needs of cells for
food, air, and waste removal. The way in which cells function is similar in all living
organisms.

L.OL.07.21 Recognize that all organisms are composed of cells (single cell organisms,
multicellular organisms).
L.OL.07.22 Explain how cells make up different body tissues, organs, and organ
systems.
L.OL.07.23 Describe how cells in all multicellular organisms are specialized to take in
nutrients, which are used to make the materials that a cell or organism needs.
L.OL.07.24 Recognize that cells function in a similar way in all organisms.

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Classification Lab
Characteristics of Life Comic
Marty the Martian
Characteristics of Life Lab
(Bacteria)

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Microscope Labs
Cell Analogy Project
Intro to dissection Lab
Frog dissection
Organ System Project (?)
Macromolecules Lab

boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

o Specialized cells within multicellular organisms form
different kinds of tissues and organs and organ systems
that function together.
o An organisms structure contribute to lifes functions
o Each sense receptor responds to different inputs
(electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting
them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain.
The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in
immediate behaviors or memories
To be covered:
o Cellular Transport
o Digestion and Macromolecules
o Photosynthesis
o Cellular Respiration

Cellular Energetics
(2
weeks)

Growth,
Development, and
Reproduction (2
weeks)

Big Ideas:
o Photosynthesis transforms light energy to chemical
energy making possible the building of key chemical
building blocks of living organisms.
o Cellular respiration in plants and animals involve chemical
reactions with oxygen that release stored energy. In
these processes, complex molecules containing carbon
react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and other
materials.
o Within individual organisms, food moves through a series
of chemical reactions in which it is broken down and
rearranged to form new molecules, to support growth, or
to release energy

To
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be covered:
Growth and Development
Asexual vs Sexual Reproduction
Stem Cells
Human Reproduction (at district designated time)

Big Ideas:
o All living organisms are composed of cells, from one cell to
many cells and they exhibit cell growth and division.
o All organisms have a life span and must reproduce in order
to continue the species. Reproduction may be asexual or
sexual.
o In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes

L.OL.M.6 Photosynthesis - Plants are producers; they use the energy from light to
make sugar molecules from the atoms of carbon dioxide and water. Plants use these
sugars along with minerals from the soil to form fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
These products can be used immediately, incorporated into the cells of a plant as the
plant grows, or stored for later use.
L.OL.07.61 Recognize the need for light to provide energy for the production of
carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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L.OL.07.62 Explain that carbon dioxide and water are used to produce carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats.

Photosynthesis Lab
Cellular Respiration Waste
Lab
Photosynthesis vs Cellular
Respiration Lab

L.OL.07.63 Describe evidence that plants make, use, and store food.
P.EN.07.43 Explain how light energy is transferred to chemical energy through the
process of photosynthesis.
L.OL.07.23 Describe how cells in all multicellular organisms are specialized to take in
nutrients, which are used to make the materials that a cell or organism needs.
L.OL.07.31 Describe growth and development in terms of increase of cell number
and/or cell size.
L.OL.M.3 Growth and Development Following fertilization, cell division produces a
small cluster of cells that then differentiate by appearance and function to form the
basic tissues of multicellular organisms.
L.OL.07.32 Examine how through cell division, cells can become specialized for specific
functions.
L.HE.M.2 Reproduction Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems; because
no individual organism lives forever, reproduction is essential to the continuation of
every species. Some organisms reproduce asexually. Other organisms reproduce

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Diffusion Lab
Osmosis Labs
Ideal Cell Size Lab
Specialized Cell Project
Mitosis and Cancer Lab
Reproductive Strategies
National Geographic Clone

half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring.

Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two
alleles of each gene, one acquired from each parent.
These versions may be identical or may differ from each
other.

To be covered:
o DNA Structure and Function
o Heredity and Genetics
o Adaptations and Natural Selection

DNA, Genetics, and

Adaptations
(1-2 weeks)

Big Ideas:
o Traits are influenced by both genetics of the individual
and the environment.
o Animals engage in characteristic behaviors that increase
the odds of reproduction.
o Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each
chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many
distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the
production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the
traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can
result in changes to proteins, which can affect the
structures and functions of the organism and thereby
change traits.
o In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes
half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring.
Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two
alleles of each gene, one acquired from each parent.
These versions may be identical or may differ from each
other.

o Genetic information can be altered because of mutations.

Though rare, mutations may result in changes to the
structure and function of proteins. Some changes are
beneficial, others harmful, and some neutral to the
organism.

o In artificial selection, humans have the capacity to

influence certain characteristics of organisms by

selective breeding. One can choose desired parental traits
determined by genes, which are then passed on to
offspring.

sexually.
L.HE.07.21 Compare how characteristics of living things are passed on through
generations, both asexually and sexually.
L.HE.07.22 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of sexual vs.
asexual reproduction.
L.HE.07.21 Compare how characteristics of living things are passed on through
generations, both asexually and sexually.
L.HE.M.1 Inherited and Acquired Traits The characteristics of organisms are
influenced by heredity and environment. For some characteristics, inheritance is more
important; for other characteristics, interactions with the environment are more
important.
L.HE.05.11 Explain that both the environment and the genetics of the individual
influence the traits of an individual.

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DNA and Genetics Webquest

DNA Extraction Lab
DNA Model Project
Karyotype Activity
Human Genetics Activity
Designer Babies (?)
Blood Testing Lab (?)
GATTACA Movie and essay (?)
Adaptation of the Human
Hand (if time)
Natural Selection Lab (if
time)
Mutation Lab (if time)

o Natural selection leads to the predominance of certain

traits in a population, and the suppression of others.

o Adaptation by natural selection acting over generations is

one important process by which species change over time

in response to changes in environmental conditions. Traits
that support successful survival and reproduction in the
new environment become more common; those that do not
become less common. Thus, the distribution of traits in a
population changes.

Unit 4: Human Impact on the Living and Non-Living Earth (IF TIME ALLOWS)

Human
Consequences in the
Living and NonLiving Earth
(1-2 weeks)

To
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be covered:
Global Climate Change
Pollution
Energy and Resource Use
Humans and Other Species

Big Idea:
o Human interaction and use of natural resources affects
the environment.
o Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere,
sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and
causing the extinction of other species. But changes to
Earths environments can have different impacts (negative
and positive) for different living things.

E.ES.M.4 Human Consequence Human activities have changed the land, oceans, and
atmosphere of the Earth resulting in the reduction of the number and variety of wild
plants and animals sometimes causing extinction of species.
E.ES.07.41 Explain how human activities (surface mining, deforestation, overpopulation,
construction and urban development, farming, dams, landfills, and restoring natural
areas) change the surface of the Earth and affect the survival of organisms.
E.ES.07.42 Describe the origins of pollution in the atmosphere, geosphere, and
hydrosphere, (car exhaust, industrial emissions, acid rain, and natural sources), and
how pollution impacts habitats, climatic change, threatens or endangers species.
L.EC.06.41 Describe how human beings are part of the ecosystem of the Earth and
that human activity can purposefully, or accidentally, alter the balance in ecosystems.
L.EC.06.42 Predict and describe possible consequences of overpopulation of organisms,
including humans, (for example: species extinction, resource depletion, climate change,
pollution).

Ways In Which Humans

Impact Earth Project