• Course:   Seventh Grade Science 7A

    Overview of Course: Accelerated science program for seventh grade students is devoted to the study of Living Environment and topics from the eighth grade physical science curriculum. Accelerated students will be able to take the High School Earth Science Regents course in eighth grade. Students continue to develop process and inquiry skills through laboratory exercises, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

    REQUIRED AVERAGE FOR ACCELERATED CLASSES

    Students in accelerated Math and Science classes must maintain an 85 average to remain in these classes. Students whose report card grade falls below 85 for two consecutive quarters will be returned to the regular level class.

    Instructional Philosophy: The Garden City Science Department science program aligns with standards set forth by the NY State Regents curriculum. Additional information about the NYS Science Program can be found at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov

    Instruction is focused on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and applications of concepts. The primary objective is to engage our students in lessons that are meaningful, inspiring and enjoyable and promote a greater interest in Science. The assessments will test students’ ability to explain, analyze, and interpret scientific processes and phenomena. Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Therefore, the students will have the opportunity to develop their skills of analysis, inquiry, and design through various inquiry activities and laboratory work on a regular basis.

    Knowledge and Skills Objectives

    The course is designed to prepare students to explain in their own words, both accurately and with appropriate depth, the most important ideas about our physical setting and our living environment. Through this curriculum, students will be able to do the following:

    ·         Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

    ·         Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information, using appropriate technologies.

    ·         Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

    ·         Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

    General Skills

    1. follow safety procedures in the classroom and laboratory

    2. safely and accurately use the following measurement tools:

            metric ruler

            balance

            graduated cylinder

            thermometer

    3. use appropriate units for measured or calculated values

    4. recognize and analyze patterns and trends

    5. classify objects according to an established scheme and a student-generated scheme

    6. develop and use a dichotomous key

    7. sequence events

    Units of Study

    The Physical Science areas:

    1.      Atomic Structure

    2.      Periodic Table

    3.      Properties of Matter

    4.      Heat Energy

    The Living Environment (Life Science) areas:

    1.      Characteristics and Structure of Life

    2.      Heredity and Reproduction

    3.      Evolution and Classification

    4.      Plant types, Structure and Function

    5.      Human Life Processes and Organ Systems

    Major Resources:

    Title: New York Science Grade 7
    Authors: Biggs, Daniel, Feather, Ortleb, Snyder, Zyke
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill Glencoe
    Online resources corresponding to text: www.glencoe.com

    Title: Holt Science and Technology: Life Science 
    Publisher: Rheinhart and Winston Holt

    Title: Holt Science and Technology: Physical Science 
    Publisher: Rheinhart and Winston Holt