SC 4116: Life Science 7

Subject Area

Level

Middle School

This course provides students with a foundation in the biological sciences. Laboratory investigations and activities are the primary means for developing problem-solving skills and for understanding scientific concepts and principles. Students develop inquiry and problem-solving skills through research projects. Research and decision-making skills are further developed through the investigation of local or national issues and concerns that result from the interaction of science, technology, and society.

Parent Docs

Life Science 7 Parent Doc 2021-2022

Storyboard

Essential Questions:

How is life organized from the microscopic to macroscopic level?
What factors can affect the basic needs of living organisms and influence life processes?

Title	Quarter 1	Quarter 2	Quarter 3	Quarter 4
Title	Microscopic Machinery of Life (Units 1A and IB)	Unraveling the Genetic Code and Exploring the Art of Classification (Units 2 & 3)	Chronicles of Transformation: Tracing Energy in Ecosystems and Change Over Time (Units 4 & 5)	Beyond Balance: The Human Impact on Ecosystems (Unit 6)
Image
Focus of the Story	What characteristics do all living organisms share? We begin by revisiting and extending our understanding of the cell from Grade 4 Science. We will build on the concept of cell theory and focus on the relationships and interactions of the structure and function of cell parts known as organelles.	How and why do we classify organisms? We will then learn that DNA is key in the production and transfer of traits from one generation to another. Next, we will build on our understanding of classification from Grade 4 science. We will explore the idea that classification is useful in explaining relationships and organizing objects or processes into groups.	How does matter and energy enter and cycle through the ecosystem? We then explore how energy flows through ecosystems and how living and nonliving factors affect populations and communities. We continue our journey by examining that as conditions change, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems respond to those changes in order to survive.	How does human activity affect organisms within their ecosystem? In this final portion of the course we examine how human interactions affect ecosystem dynamics. This extends our understanding from Grade 6 Science of the impact of humans on air, water, and habitats.
Transfer Goals	Ask questions driven by curiosity on a given event or process in the natural world based on observations or data. (Thinkers and Inquirers) Plan and carry out investigations or use a design process to answer a question or solve a problem. (Problem Solvers and Value Creators)	Ask questions driven by curiosity on a given event or process in the natural world based on observations or data. (Thinkers and Inquirers) Analyze and interpret data to determine its validity or usefulness, identify patterns and relationships, and/or draw conclusions. (Thinkers and Inquirers; Knowledgeable)	Ask questions driven by curiosity on a given event or process in the natural world based on observations or data. (Thinkers and Inquirers) Communicate results, solutions, or findings to inspire further inquiry and courses of action. (Communicators and Collaborators; Personally and Socially Responsible)	Define problems through research into what is already known and think creatively about what solutions might be possible. (Problem Solvers and Value Creators; Personally and Socially Responsible) Analyze and interpret data to determine its validity or usefulness, identify patterns and relationships, and/or draw conclusions. (Thinkers and Inquirers; Knowledgeable)
Learning Targets	I will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory. I can describe how the structure of a cell determines many of its properties and functions.	I will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. I will describe the levels of structural organization in living things.	I will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. I will explain how adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. I will explain how ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time.	I will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public policy decisions related to energy and the environment. I will describe the relationship that exists between ecosystem dynamics and human activity.