Download Overview of Seventh Grade Common Core Standards

The Common Core Standards for Seventh Grade Science
The Common Core Standards are those adopted by our district to align our curriculum
with national and state standards. You are probably familiar with the term “Learning
Targets,” statements of what your child should be able to do at the end of a unit.
Let’s explore the Seventh Grade Science Common Core Curriculum by looking at the
learning targets associated with each unit of study.
Conservation of Matter and Energy
#1: The properties of matter are determined by the arrangement of atoms.
Learning Targets:
1. I can explain what mixtures, compounds, and solutions are.
2. I can organize elements into groups based on their properties.
3. I can describe the properties of groups and families of elements.
4. I can explain that compounds with a pH of less than 7 are acids, those with a pH of 7
are neutral, and those with a pH greater than 7 are bases.
#2: Energy can be transferred or transformed but is never lost.
#3 Energy can be transferred in a variety of ways.
Learning Targets
1. I can explain that energy cannot be gained or lost, but it can be transformed or
transferred into another system.
2. I can explain that energy can be transferred from one object or substance to another.
3. I can explain that energy can be transferred through conduction, convection and
radiation and give examples.
4. I can explain that energy can be transferred through waves.
5. I can describe the properties of waves.
Cycles and Patterns of Earth and Moon
#1 The relative patterns of motion and positions of the Earth, moon, and sun
cause solar and lunar eclipses, tides and phases of the moon.
1. I can name the phases of the moon.
2. I can explain the causes of the changing moon phases.
3. I can explain why the phases of the moon are cyclical and predictable.
4. I can construct a moon/Earth/sun model to determine how and in what order the
phases of the moon occur.
5. I can make a chart and/or graph to show the moon’s phases, Earth’s rotation, and
sun’s position over the course of a month.
6. I can explain that gravitational forces between the Earth and moon cause tides.
7. I can explain that tides are cyclical and predictable.
8. I can make a chart that shows moon phases, Earth’s rotation, sun position, and tidal
data for one month, using actual data.
9. I can use a model or simulation to show how the changing positions of the Earth and
moon affect tides.
10. I can explain the causes of lunar and solar eclipses.
11.I can use a 3-D model to represent factors that must exist for a full or partial solar or
lunar eclipse.
The Common Core Standards for Seventh Grade Science
#2 Thermal energy transfers in the ocean and atmosphere contribute to the
formation of currents which affect global climate patterns.
Learning Targets:
1. I can explain the causes of moving water (currents.)
2. I can show how the properties of a current (e.g., temperature, density, composition,
etc.,) can affect its movement.
3. I can explain how Earth’s features (oceanic ridges, trenches, etc.,) can affect a
current’s movement.
4. I can use real-life data to map the patterns of ocean currents.
5. I can identify factors that contribute to the global climate.
6. I can use facts and evidence to evaluate and explain global climate patterns and
claims of global climate change.
#3: The hydrologic cycle illustrates the changing states of water as it moves
through the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
1. I can define open and closed systems and give examples (e.g., ecosystems,
atmosphere, solar systems, etc.)
2. I can explain that a closed system is one that does not interact with its surroundings,
and matter cannot get in or out.
3. I can explain that most systems on Earth are open, and energy can be transferred in
and out.
4. I can explain that the sun is the major source of energy for wind, air currents and the
water cycle.
5. I can explain that our atmosphere is held in place by gravity.
6. I can name the layers of the atmosphere.
7. I can explain why the atmosphere has layers.
8. I can give the properties and characteristics of each layer of the atmosphere.
9. I can name the gases that make up our atmosphere and give the proportion in which
they are found.
10.I can explain how Earth’s systems (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, etc.)
interact.
11.I can trace the different cycles--water cycle, nitrogen, and carbon cycle--through
Earth’s systems.
12.I can explain how the cycles transfer materials through Earth’s systems.
13.I can explain how natural events and human activities can change the properties of
the atmosphere.
14.I can use real-time scientific data to study atmospheric properties and air quality.
15.I can explain that the energy that drives the water cycle comes from the sun.
16.I can explain that energy is transferred as water changes states.
17.I can identify and explain the different ways in which water changes state (e.g.,
freezing, melting, evaporation, etc.)
18.I can explain that water flows through soil and rock at different rates, depending on
the properties of the rock and soil.
19.I can explain the importance of ground water and surface water quality and how they
are affected by the water cycle.
20.I can use topographic and aerial maps to identify drainage patterns and watersheds.
The Common Core Standards for Seventh Grade Science
Cycles of Matter and Flow of Energy
#1: In any particular biome, the number, growth and survival of organisms and
populations depends on biotic and abiotic factors.
Learning Targets:
1. I can explain the difference between biotic and abiotic factors and give examples.
2. I can explain that the variety of physical (abiotic) conditions that exists on Earth can
cause different biomes, each with its own variety of organisms.
3. I can compare the different biomes found on Earth.
4. I can use maps, models, and technology to explain how biomes and climates are
connected.
5. I can explain how ecosystems change as their biotic and abiotic factors interact.
6. I can explain how an ecosystem can recover after a natural or human-made disaster.
7. I can identify three types of interaction among organisms--mutualism, commensalism,
and parasitism--and give examples.
#2: Matter is transferred constantly between one organism and another and
between organisms and their physical environment.
1. I can construct an energy pyramid to show the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
2. I can explain how energy can change form in living things.
3. I can explain that the amount of matter and energy stays the same, even though their
form and location may change.
4. I can explain that the materials that make up living things are continually recycled.
5. I can explain the process of photosynthesis.
6. I can explain the process of respiration.
7. I can create a graph or picture to compare the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration.
8. I can explain the importance of decomposers.
9. I can evaluate the pros and cons of fossil fuels, such as petroleum or gasoline vs.
biomass products such as ethanol.