BALDWIN SCHOOL OF PUERTO RICO
THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
SEVENTH GRADE
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course
is for the students to develop a better understanding of the scientific method
And be
able to develop it through laboratory activities and written reports that will improve their writing skills. Students will
also study the major body parts and functions. Chemistry will be another area of development for this course where students
will develop an understanding of the elements, compounds and mixtures. They will practice laboratory procedures, according
to the class subjects. Overall they will practice their analytical skills, writing skills and their critical thinking.
II.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students
should be able to achieve these objectives by the end of the school year.
1) Describe
the steps of the scientific method and understand how to use critical thinking to solve problems.
2) Interpret
line graphs, bar graphs and pie charts. Perform metric conversions with data given or obtained.
3) Explain
how technology differs from science and its effect on history.
4) Elucidate
the properties and states of matter.
5) Illustrate
the energy transfers involved in changes of matter.
6) Distinguish
between chemical and physical properties of matter.
7) Understand
the atomic structure and be able to use the periodic table as an instrument that gives information about an element.
8) Give
explanation how elements are created in stars.
9) Classify
a variety of materials, by comparison and contrast of their properties.
10) Recognize the cell
structure and function.
11) Know from the principles
of genetics: the work of Mendel, principles of probability, DNA connection to inheritance.
12) Be familiar with Darwin’s theory,
the evidence of evolution and the fossil record.
13) Describe the role
of different nutrients in the body.
14) Identify the organs
of the digestive system, explain their functions, and explain how food is mechanically and chemically digested.
15) Name the human body
circulatory and respiratory system organs: explain transport system, blood vessels, cardiovascular health.
16) Recognize the major
organs of the nervous system: how it works, its divisions, the senses, and the effect of alcohol and drugs on it.
17) Identify the female
and male reproductive organs of the human body and list their functions.
18) Describe how the
endocrine system controls body processes.
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III.
COURSE CONTENT
- Introduction to Science
- What is Science?
a) Thinking
like a scientist
b) Scientific
inquiry
c) Why
study science?
d) Careers
in science
e) The
scientific method
- The work of a scientist
a) Measurements- a common language
b) Integrating mathematics and science
c) Graphs in science
d) Safety in the Science laboratory
- Technology and Engineering
a) understanding
technology
b) technology
design skills
c) technology
and society
- Cells and Heredity
- Cell structure and function
a) Discovering
cells
b) Looking
inside of cells
c) Integrating
Chemistry: Chemical compounds in cells
d) The
cell environment
- Cell processes and energy
a) Photosynthesis
b) Respiration
c) Cell
division
d) Integrating
health: Cancer
- The science of heredity: Genetics
a) Mendel’s
work
b) Integrating
mathematics: Probability and heredity
c) The
cell and inheritance
d) The
DNA connection
- Modern genetics
a) Human
inheritance
b) Human
genetic disorders
c) Tech
& design: Advances in genetics
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- Changes over time
a) Darwin’s
theory
b) Evidence
of evolution
c) Integrating
earth science: The fossil record
- Human Biology and Health
- Bones, muscles and skin
a) Body
organization and homeostasis
b) The
skeletal system
c) Tech
& design: Diagnosing Bone and joint Injuries
d) The
muscular system
e) The
skin
- Circulation
a) The
body’s transport system
b) Blood
vessels
c) Blood
and lymph
d) Integrating
health: Cardiovascular health
- Respiration and excretion
a) The
respiratory system
b) Smoking
and your health
c) The
excretory system
- Fighting disease
a) Infectious disease
b) The body’s defenses
c) Preventing infectious diseases
d) Noninfectious diseases
e) Integrating environmental science: Cancer and the environment
- The nervous system
a) How
the nervous system works
b) Divisions
of the nervous systems
c) The
senses
d) Integrating
Health: Alcohol and other drugs
- The endocrine system and reproduction
a) The
endocrine system
b) The
male and female reproductive systems
c) The
human life cycle
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- Chemical Building Blocks
- Elements and the Periodic Table
a) Introduction
to atoms
b) Organizing
the elements
c) Metals
d) Nonmetals
and metalloids
e) Integrating
astronomy: elements from stardust
- Exploring materials
a) Tech
and design: polymers and composites
b) Metals
and alloys
c) Ceramics
and glass
d) Radioactive
elements
IV.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
1. Tests
2. Projects
3. Laboratory
Experiments
4. Assignments
5. Quizzes
V.
MATERIALS
1) Kemp,
Andrew; and Miaoulis Beth. Prentice Hall Science Explorer:The Nature of Science and Technology. Boston: Pearson Prentice
Hall 2007
2) Cronkite,
Donald. Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Cells and Heredity Boston: Prentice Hall 2007
3) Coolidge-Stolz,
Elizabeth. Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Human Biology & Health Boston: Pearson Prentice Hall 2007
4) Frank,
David V; Little, John G; and Miller,Steve. Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks Boston: Pearson
Prentice Hall 2007
5) Prentice
Hall Science Explorer: Human Biology & Health G. Reading &
Study Workbook ©2007, PH.
6) Prentice
Hall Science Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks G. Reading &
Study Workbook ©2007, PH.
7) 1
Composition notebook
8) 1
Quadruled Labnotebook 4 x 4 ( it makes copies)
9) Lab
Safety goggles(optional)
10) Labcoat (optional)
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Please sign and return this page to the teacher
I _________________________ have received the 7th grade science class syllabus.
