Download science overview grade 7

CARY ACADEMY | M IDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
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SCIENCE OVERVIEW GRADE 7
The explanation of natural phenomena by utilizing atomic models is the central theme in seventh grade science. Everything from
chemical reactions to electricity to nuclear decay is understood with the help of atomic modeling. Topics covered in Science 7
include chemistry, forces and energy, electricity and magnetism, electronic circuits, robotics, astronomy, geology and biology. In
chemistry, students discover how matter interacts, experience the different types of chemical reactions, and learn how substances
can be identified. Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism are explored by using fun and interesting hands-on experiments.
Electric circuits are taught by creating simple circuits from electronic components such as batteries and light bulbs and then
advancing to snap circuits. Robotics includes programming and designing with the popular Lego Mindstorms kit. The focus in
astronomy is on origins: the origin of the universe, origins of galaxies, origins of stars, and origins of planets. In a theme unit
entitled “The Search for Life on Mars,” an understanding of basic geological principles allows students to look for conditions that
may have once promoted life. Finally, in biology (where the emphasis is on the characteristics of life), students learn how to
determine if a sample is living, non-living, dormant, or dead. The concept that science is universal and touches all aspects of life is
also emphasized.
Unit 1: Chemistry
Scientific Method Review
Skills reviewed include: designing a controlled experiment, recognizing variables (independent, dependent, constant), making
tables and graphs, and writing a proper scientific abstract.
Concepts reviewed include: matter, atoms and atomic structure, states of matter and changes of state, elements, compounds,
and mixtures.
States of matter and changes of state: definitions of changes of state, physical explanation for why matter changes state, hot wax
lab, changes of state stations.
Physical properties: Cube lab – identification of six unknown substances.
Complementary skills learned include: equation use, understanding of several physical properties, extensive table use,
researching physical properties, proper measurement and standards of length, mass, volume, and density. Density –how to
predict when substances will sink/float; how to calculate density properly.
Elements and the Periodic Table
Periodic table families, metals/nonmetals/metalloids (reading to accompany).
Atomic structure and quantum leaps.
Gas discharge tube observations – quantum leaps, emission spectra.
Chemical Properties
Exploding toy bag experiment.
Flame test lab – quantum leaps, emission spectra; write materials and method.
Chemical and Physical Changes
Chemical versus physical changes lab—endothermic/exothermic changes.
Physical and chemical changes reading.
Weak and strong bonds: why atoms stick together.
Types of Chemical Reactions
Chemical formulas and balancing equations.
Acids & Bases
Understanding pH, different acid/base tests, probe use.
Unit 2: FORCES, ENERGY, ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Four Fundamental Forces
Gravity, electromagnetic, strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force.
Force and Acceleration (conceptual), Work and Energy (conceptual)
Balanced and unbalanced forces, including free body diagrams.
Transfer of energy when work is done on an object.
Forms of Energy
Chemical, electromagnetic, nuclear, thermal, and mechanical.
Conservation of energy.
Basics of Electricity
Static electricity.
Batteries, circuits, loads, insulators, and conductors.
Basics of Magnetism
Magnetic poles and fields.
Metals and magnetism, compasses, and electromagnets.
Electronics – simple circuits
Simple circuits with batteries and bulbs.
Advanced circuits with components and snap circuits.
Unit 3: MARS MISSION—THE SEARCH FOR LIFE
Rocketry
Trigonometry.
Scratch programming – rocket stages.
Robotics
Basic programming using Lego Mindstorm software.
Astronomy Origins
Origin of the universe.
Origin of galaxies.
Formation of stars.
Formation of planets.
Geology
Rock versus minerals.
Rock and mineral field tests.
Biology
Characteristics of life.
Stimulus/response
Cells
Classification.
Detecting life on other planets.