7th Grade

Ask Questions & Define Problems

Structure and Functions of Living Organisms

Demonstrate that scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence collected from scientific investigations that use a variety of methods.

 Interpret scientific explanations as uncertain and subject to revision based on new evidence.

Independently or collaboratively, plan and efficiently execute lab techniques to collect sufficient data

Collect relevant evidence to communicate findings.

Create appropriate tables and graphs using mathematical representations.

Construct predictions and explanations based on evidence and data. 

 Evaluate a claim based on qualitative and quantitative evidence.

 Read and analyze scientific text to communicate and propose solutions.

Appropriately use scientific tools of measurement and data collection.

Explain and analyze ways of collecting information.

Explain and analyze achievements and milestones in scientific exploration.

Explain and analyze how technology has increased our scientific knowledge.

 Identify that all matter, living and nonliving, is made up of atoms which make up the molecules that are found in cells. 

Compare the structures and life functions of single-celled organisms that carry out all of the basic functions of life.

Summarize the hierarchical organization of multi-cellular organisms. 

Compare the structures and functions of plant and animal cells, including major organelles (cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and vacuoles). 

Summarize how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce sugars (photosynthesis). 

Explain why offspring that result from plant reproduction (fertilization and meiosis) have greater variation than offspring (budding and mitosis). 

Infer patterns of heredity using information from Punnett squares and pedigree analysis.

Explain the impact of the environment and lifestyle choices on biological inheritance (to include common genetic diseases) and survival. 

Analyze how the structure and function of DNA contribute to cellular growth and inherited traits of organisms.

Summarize evidence drawn from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy to form the basis for the theory of evolution by natural selection. 

Explain the evolution of life on earth over time using the geologic time scale. 

Assess how living things are sorted into groups based on shared characteristics.

Describe the characteristics of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists. 

Explain the significance of the processes of homeostasis, photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration to the survival of green plants and other organisms. 

Describe the structures and functions of flowering plants and what is required for survival, reproduction, and defense. 

Explain how plants respond to external stimuli (including dormancy and forms of tropism) to enhance survival in an environment. 

Analyze structures and behaviors that help animals survive and reproduce.