This rigorous life science course encourages students to address real world science issues. The instructional program incorporates technology, community resources, laboratory experimentation, and field-based activities to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each student conducts an approved science research project. Students enrolled in this course will take the grade 8 Science Standards of Learning test at the end of grade 7. Students who successfully pass the test may be recommended for Earth Science in grade 8.
Advanced Science 6 or successful completion of the Physical Science modules.
Essential Questions:
- How is life organized from the microscopic to macroscopic level?
- What factors can affect the basic needs and influence life processes?
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Quarter 1 |
Quarter 2 |
Quarter 3 |
Quarter 4 |
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Microscopic Machinery of Life and Unraveling the Genetic Code (Units 1 & 2) |
Exploring the Art of Classification and Tracing Energy in Ecosystems (Units 3 & 4) |
Chronicles of Transformation: Change Over Time (Unit 5) |
Beyond Balance: Exploring Weather and the Impact of Humans on Ecosystems (Units 6 & 7) |
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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. We will then learn that DNA is key in the production and transfer of traits from one generation to another. |
How and why do we classify organisms? 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. We then investigate how energy flows through ecosystems and how living and nonliving factors affect populations and communities. |
How do organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems respond to change? We continue our journey by examining that as conditions change, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems respond to those changes in order to survive. This will build upon our understanding from Grade 6 science of the effect of large scale changes on plants and animals. |
How does human activity affect organisms within their ecosystem? In this final portion of the course we zoom out to learn that earth’s atmosphere and associated weather patterns are constantly changing. We then conclude by examining how human interactions affect ecosystem dynamics. This extends our understanding from Grade 6 Science of the impact of humans on air, water, and habitats. |
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Transfer Goals |
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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 explain how adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. I will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. |
I will explain how ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time. I will explain how adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. |
I will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is dynamic. 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. |