Download - 7 th Grade Life Science
7th Grade Life Science Investigations in
Environmental Science
Course Description• Builds Upon Experiences & Provides Foundation• Four Content Strands
– Observing Living Things– Understanding Populations and Ecosystems– Chesapeake Bay– Exploring Heredity and Diversity
• Strands developed through variety of instructional strategies – Emphasis on observation, experimentation, discussion, generalization
and application, 85% Hands-On---Learn Through Doing• Learn concepts in a variety of ways
– laboratory investigation, making predictions, designing experiments, collect and organize data in charts and graphs, models, communicate results
• Computer technologies integrated with instruction– CD-ROMS, interactive videodisc, digital camera, application software, flex camera, laser disc players. wireless lab stations
First Semester• Students investigate interactions of living things
with environment• Observations, Scientific Drawing
– Work in small groups to build mini ecosystems
– Make detailed observations and inferences about the interdependence of living and nonliving things
– Create Food Chains and Food Webs– Apply basic ecological concepts to explore human interactions
with Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Second Semester• Students investigate characteristics of living things
– Classification– Experimental Design– Use compound microscopes to observe a variety of
plant and animal cells to see similarities and differences– Study pattern of organization in multicellular organisms,
look at cell processes – osmosis, diffusion, photosynthesis– Review life processes of living things– Introduced to genetic principles of how living things pass traits from one generation to the next, DNA – Change over time
Investigating Matter & Energy
8th grade Physical Science
Course Description
• The 8th grade physical science course, titled “Investigating Matter and Energy,” builds upon the physical science experiences introduced in upper elementary school.
• There are three content strands developed through a sequence of varied instructional strategies with an emphasis on experimentation, observation, generalization, application, and discussion.
• Students learn physical science concepts through hands-on laboratory investigations.
Concept strands
Energy
Matter Force
Investigating Matter & Its Changes
• Through hands-on experiences, students examine different types of matter and create generalizations about the nature of matter including physical and chemical changes.
• They build on their knowledge of the atom and study the organization of the periodic table to gain a better understanding of chemicals and their properties. Topics
Physical PropertiesMass, Volume, Density
Atoms & the Periodic TableChemical Bonds
Chemical ReactionsAcids & Bases
Investigating Energy & Its Changes
• Students analyze energy transformations and apply their general knowledge of the forms of energy to understand the how work occurs.
• Hand-on activities focus on particular forms of energy and their application to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts.
TopicsForms of Energy
Heat & TemperatureWaves, Light & Sound
Electricity & Magnetism
Investigating Forces & Motion
• Students form a stronger conceptual understanding of work, force and motion.
• Activities engage students in learning the relationships of physics principles. They are designed to build confidence in examining and discussing physics concepts based on data and theoretical knowledge.
TopicsForce & Motion
Speed, Velocity & AccelerationNewton’s LawsWork & Power
Mechanical AdvantageEfficiency
STUDENT GOALSCommunicating Problem-Solving
Thinking Professional
Collaborating Meeting Standards
Other Items
• Binders/Lab Manuals/Textbook• Planners• Tests/Review• Portfolio Folders• Blackboard
Keys for Success
• Organization– Planners– Homework buddies– Blackboard
• Get Involved– Team Events– Team Parent– Clubs/Activities– Dances
• Study Skills– Study Space at Home– Review notes/chapter– Study-Quiz-Study
• Parent/Guardian– Check Homework– Check Planner– We need your help