Grade 7 Science Intensified is a core course that adds more depth and complexity to student learning experiences and is open to all MS students. This course provides additional opportunities for students to engage in extended application and analysis designed to deepen understanding of outlined content based on increased ability to extrapolate information from novel concepts, employ the use of mathematical analysis, and engage in more intensive reading and writing opportunities. Students will use abstract, critical thinking approaches through inquiry-based projects focusing on the nature of science and the use of science and engineering skills as indicated by the Grade 7 Virginia Standards of Learning.
Students will focus on the change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. In addition, the Life Science standards continue to focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science.
Students will demonstrate a more advanced understanding and application of scientific and engineering practices by asking questions and defining problems, planning, and carrying out investigations (using SI – International System of Units), interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data, constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations, developing and using models, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students may prepare for individual projects by working within a team to design a project around a shared interest.
Students will investigate and understand that:
- all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory.
- there are levels of structural organization in living things.
- there are chemical processes of energy transfer which are important for life,
- biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem.
- populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent.
- adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem.
- ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time.
- relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity.
- organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations.
- populations of organisms can change over time.