The seventh grade science course is an introduction to living things . The curriculum dynamically investigates and analyzes important biological concepts. The course meets five times during the week. We attempt to instill in the beginning biology student a true interest in, and appreciation for, the natural order of living organisms and their relation to their environment. We examine the structures and activities fundamental to all forms of life. The functions of the human body compared with those of other organisms and life support systems form a major part of this course.
Major units of study include: microbiology, natural selection, body systems for several types of organisms, genetics, and ecology. Throughout the year we will study how living systems can be simple or complex, but must all carry on basic life functions.
Biological science is
a hands-on course balanced with higher level thinking, concept application,
and systems thinking. Students
actively participate
in on-going laboratory investigations. Activities vary depending on the
unit being
covered, but include: microscopic investigation of pond water, plant
genetics, studies of bacterial and cell growth, comparative anatomy, and
others.
The Spring curriculum will include research into several local ecosystems
and
the adaptations of the organisms that live there.
We have added short technology units at each of the three grade levels.
The focus in seventh grade will include the technology behind the structure
of
arches, tunnels and domes. We will have a geodesic dome design and building
activity.
An interdisciplinary research paper is scheduled for mid-year in conjunction with the language arts team. This project teaches the process involved in writing a research paper in a step-by-step manner. Students are required to reference, write, and report on an original piece of scientific research. Papers are graded on language mechanics, sentence flow, logic, process, and scientific content.
Students are quizzed and tested periodically throughout each unit; performance and thought processing approaches are tested and knowledge base is also assessed. Several times during the year, students will be expected to prepare oral presentations on topics that they have researched.
Multiple texts and videos will be used, as well as primary source materials, to stay abreast of constant new developments in the sciences. Students will be using STELLA models for a number of the topics that are covered, from natural selection processes to pond ecosystem dynamics. Current events in science are explored as time warrants and students are encouraged to make connections with the world around.
Reference Texts:
* Cells: Building Blocks of Life, Prentice-Hall, Needham, MA, 1997
* Heredity: The Code of Life, Prentice-Hall, Needham, MA, 1994
* Ecology: Earth's Living Resources, Prentice-Hall, Needham, MA, 1997