Science Curriculum
Northern Illinois District
Grade 7
XI. The Nature and Practice of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will be able to understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.
Learning Standard A: Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry.
Problem
identification
Objective 1: Identify a topic or question about an object or event
Objective 2: Formulate a testable question
Formulate a
hypothesis
Objective 3: Define hypothesis
Objective 4: Predict outcomes by using existing knowledge and/or simple research
Conduct scientific
experiments
Objective 5: Identify controls and variables
Objective 6: Limit experiment to all but one variable
Objective 7: Determine quantities and qualities of materials used
Objective 8: Conduct tests a reasonable number of times
Observations and descriptions
Objective 9: Observe without inferences an object or event using one or more of the five senses
Objective 10: Describe an event using words, tables, and/or diagrams
Data collection
Objective 11: Gather information using quantitative and qualitative measurements
Objective 12: Demonstrate a knowledge of using measurement instruments
Objective 13: Organize and record collected data
Analysis and conclusion
Objective 14: Perform necessary calculations (e.g., formula, statistics, etc.)
Objective 15: Construct a visual representation of data (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.)
Objective 16: Compare results with predicted outcome
Objective 17: Identify and hypothesize the existence of unexpected results
Objective 18: Interpret the data
Objective 19: Summarize and present the data
Learning Standard B: Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of technological design.
Experimental design
Objective 1: Identify a design problem or need
Objective 2: Establish a design criteria
Objective 3: Gather necessary background information
Objective 4: Propose solution to meet need
Objective 5: Create a design solution
Objective 6: Identify limitations to design
Objective 7: Modify and select the best design
Execution of a design
Objective 8: Build a prototype or simulation
Objective 9: Test the prototype
Objective 10: Record data and observations
Objective 11: Evaluate test results
Objective 12: Present conclusions
XII. The Fields of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and interconnections of the life, physical, and earth/ space sciences.
Life Sciences
Learning Standard A: Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt, and change.
Cell biology
Objective 1: Demonstrate a knowledge of basic cell structure and function
Objective 2: Differentiate between the cells of each kingdom
Kingdoms
Objective 3: Use taxonomy to classify organisms
Objective 4: Identify kingdoms and sample organisms within them
Microorganisms
Objective 5: Identify the differences between protists, bacteria, and viruses
Objective 6: Understand the roles of beneficial bacteria
Objective 7: Explain how diseases are spread
Body systems
Objective 8: Understand how the body maintains homeostasis
Objective 9: Identify the structures and functions of the circulatory system
-major organs, blood pressure, heart rate
Objective 10: Identify the structures and functions of the respiratory system
-major organs, gas exchange
Objective 11: Identify the structures and functions of the skeletal system
-joints, cartilage, bones
Objective 12: Identify the structures and functions of the muscular system
-voluntary, involuntary, muscle types
Objective 13: Identify the structures and functions of the nervous system
-major organs, central and peripheral, senses, nerve cells
Objective 14: Identify the structures and functions of the digestive system
-major organs, conversion of food to energy
Objective 15: Make distinctions between the digestive and excretory systems
-urinary, secretory, respiratory, lymphatic
Objective 16: Identify the structures and functions of the reproductive system
-major organs, primary and secondary sexual characteristics
Objective 17: Know how to care for and maintain their bodies in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle
-cardiovascular health, healthy diet, diseases, immunizations, immune system, AIDS, disorders, rest, exercise
Objective 18: Introduce the role of the endocrine system and the structures therein
Human development
Objective 19: Understand stages of development from conception through adulthood
Objective 20: Develop an appreciation for the sanctity of life
Objective 21: Understand changes that occur during puberty and adolescence
Objective 22: Know causes and effects of sexually transmitted diseases
Objective 23: Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis
Objective 24: Trace inherited traits
Objective 25: Make predictions about inherited traits through Punnett squares, statistics, etc.
Objective 26: Differentiate between dominant and recessive traits and how they are expressed
Plants
Objective 27: Differentiate between vascular and non-vascular
Objective 28: Explain photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Objective 29: Identify the structures and their functions
Objective 30: Compare and contrast gymnosperms and angiosperms
Animals
Objective 31: Compare and contrast how different forms and structures reflect different functions (e.g., similarities and differences between animals that fly, walk, swim, etc.)
Learning Standard B: Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
Environment and
adaptations for survival
Objective 1: Identify and classify biotic and abiotic factors
Objective 2: Identify factors that affect a population
Objective 3: Explain how organisms are adapted for their habitat/environment; microevolution
Objective 4: Demonstrate knowledge of relationships between organisms within an energy pyramid
Objective 5: Understand current conservation issues (e.g., tropical deforestation, greenhouse effect, acid rain, etc.)
Evolution
Objective 6: Differentiate between microevolution and macroevolution
Objective 7: Discriminate between fact and theory
Objective 8: Identify existing fallacies in evolutionary “theories”
Objective 9: Confess the Christian faith when faced with macroevolution
Physical Sciences
Learning Standard C: Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
Matter
Objective 1: Identify physical and chemical properties and changes of matter (length, mass, volume, density, weight, etc.)
Objective 2: Describe how all matter, living and non-living, begins at the sub-atomic and atomic level
Objective 3: Explain and apply the laws of conservation of mass, motion, and energy (entopy and kinetic and potential energy) to everyday examples
Objective 4: Explain the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum and the various forms that energy takes
Objective 5: Identify and explain the various forms of waves, their properties, and relationships (electromagnetic and mechanical waves)
Objective 6: Model and describe the chemical and physical characteristics of matter (e.g., atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures)
Objective 7: Identify the various parts, location, charges, and functions of the atom
Objective 8: Compare and contrast atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures (heterogeneous, homogeneous, solutions, colloids, and suspensions) and give examples of each
Objective 9: Identify basic elements and compounds by their symbols and formulas
Objective 10: Write formulas of various substances and write and balance chemical equations
Objective 11: Explain and interpret the Periodic Table through its organization by families/groups, and periods
Objective 12: Identify, explain, and classify the various types of atomic bonds (covalent and ionic) and the charges involved
Learning Standard D: Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
Objective 1: Explain
and demonstrate how forces affect motion (e.g.,
Objective 2: Explain and illustrate the basic forces (gravity, strong, weak, and electromagnetic and equilibrium)
Objective 3: Identify the principles and relationships of electrical and magnetic forces/energy
Objective 4: Identify, explain, and apply the concepts of buoyancy, density, and fluid forces
Objective 5: Identify and demonstrate simple machines and calculate the forces involved
Objective 6: Explain the factors that affect the gravitational forces on objects (e.g., changes in mass, distance)
Objective 7: Explain
the concept of weight and calculate the weight of a variety of objects in
Objective 8: Explain the concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum and apply them to everyday situations
Learning Standard E: Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.
Weather
Objective 1: Predict weather for the next 12 – 24 hours based upon current wind, clouds, and atmospheric pressure
Objective 2: Describe the factors affecting weather
Objective 3: Explain large-scale forces, events, and processes that affect the earth
Water
Objective 4: Explain the water cycle process
Objective 5: Explain water’s affect on erosion and weathering
Objective 6: Investigate freshwater sources
Objective 7: Identify characteristics of the ocean floor
Objective 8: List and describe landforms created by glaciers
Geology
Objective 9: Create, recreate, and interpret a variety of maps
Objective 10: Classify rocks, minerals, and gems using common identification techniques
Objective 11: Describe the rock cycle
Objective 12: Identify characteristics and formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock
Objective 13: List types of fossils and describe how they are formed
Earth’s structure
Objective 14: Describe earth’s interior structure and processes
Objective 15: Explain forces that shape the earth’s surface (volcanoes, earthquakes, plate movement)
Objective 16: Explain plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, and continental drift theory
Conservation of materials
Objective 17: Describe methods of soil conservation
Objective 18: Explain use and conservation of mineral resources, including crude oil
Objective 19: Puts into practice water conservation methods
Objective 20: Evaluate biodegradability of renewable and nonrenewable resources
Space Sciences
Learning Standard F: Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth’s place in it.
Observational
astronomy
Objective 1: Identify the circumpolar constellations
Objective 2: Understand the ecliptic and its 13 constellations in the northern hemisphere
Objective 3: Know that five planets can be seen by the naked eye from earth
The solar system
Objective 4: Explain organization and characteristics of the solar system to include planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteors
Objective 5: Explain the earth’s seasons in its position and relationship to the sun
Objective 6: Compare and contrast solar and lunar eclipses
Objective 7: Identify the characteristics and structure of the sun
Stars, galaxies and the universe
Objective 8: Discover methods for measuring distances in space
Objective 9: Understand characteristics of stars, including brightness, color, temperature, life cycle
Objective 10: Recognize that the universe is expanding at an increasing rate
Objective 11: Explain theories for the origin and history of the universe
XIII. The History and Application of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will be able to understand the relationships among science, technology, and society in historical and contemporary contexts.
Learning Standard A: Know and apply the accepted practices of science.
History of science
Objective 1: Understand that scientific theory has and continues to change through time
Objective 2: Identify scientists though history who have made large-scale contributions to scientific disciplines
Safety practices
Objective 3: Identify and practice safety measures during scientific laboratory activities
Validity and reliability
Objective 4: Understand that scientific theory historically changes through new discoveries
Objective 5: Identify bias in results and conclusions in experiments
Objective 6: Explain why similar investigations might not produce similar results
Learning Standard B: Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology, and society.
Technology and
society
Objective 1: Identify scientific and technological skills used in various occupations
Objective 2: Describe how science and technology affect our society
Environmental social issues
Objective 3: Apply classroom concepts to local environmental issues
Objective 4: Carry out local conservation activity
Industrial design
Objective 5: Construct and improve models using scientific principles
Objective 6: Demonstrate and explain the design process while constructing models