7th Grade Science

Mrs. Mindy

Unit 1: Intro, Forces, Motion and Energy

Weekly Breakdown of the Unit with Goals:

Week 1: Scientific Method, Measurements and Metric Conversions
Goal: Science as Inquiry
Week 2: Creation of the Universe and Motion
Goals:
7.P.1.1: Explain how the motion of an object can be described by its position,
direction of motion, and speed with respect to some other object.
7.P.1.3: Illustrate the motion of an object using a graph to show a change in
position over a period of time.
7.P.1.4: Interpret distance versus time graphs for constant speed and variable
motion.
Week 3: Forces (Newtons Laws)
Goal:
7.P.1.2: Explain the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces acting on an object
(including friction, gravity and magnets).
Week 4: Potential/Kinetic Energy and Energy Transfer
Goals:
7.P.2.1: Explain how kinetic and potential energy contribute to the mechanical
energy of an object.
7.P.2.2: Explain how energy can be transformed from one form to another
(specifically potential and kinetic energy) using a model or a diagram of a moving
object (roller coaster, pendulum, or cars on ramps as examples).
7.P.2.3: Recognize that energy can be transferred from one system to another
when two objects push or pull on each other over a distance (work)and electrical
circuits require a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass.
Week 5: Simple Machines
Goal:
7.P.2.4: Explain how simple machines such as inclined planes, pulleys, levers and
wheel and axels are used to create mechanical advantage and increase efficiency.

Week 6: Wrap up all labs and activities, test taking strategies, test review and test!!!

Key Vocabulary

Position
Reference
Point

Control

Momentum

Hypothesis

Gravity

Motion

Inertia

Weight

Speed

Newtons 1st Law

Friction

Velocity

Newtons 2nd Law

Air Resistance

Vector
Control
Independent
Variable

Newtons 3rd Law

Acceleration

Work
Kinetic Energy

Work
Conservation of
Energy
Mechanical
Energy
Power
Mechanical
Advantage
Machine
Inclined Plane

Force

Potential Energy

Lever

Pulley
Wheel and Axle
Screw
Wedge
Simple Machine
Fulcrum

Key Essential Questions (these are BIG, overarching questions that you must be able to
answer in order to show mastery of this unit):
1. How do you describe the location of an object?
2. How is speed measured and displayed on a graph?
3. How does velocity change?
4. How can an objects motion be changed?
5. How are force and acceleration related?
6. How is energy transferred?
7. How do machines help you work and transfer energy?
8. How can you change a force?

Unit 1 Assignment Matrix: Science

How to Use this Matrix:
Shaded assignments are mandatory
At least 15 assignments must be completed by the end of Unit 1

 The blank spaces are student choice assignments. This means that you can create an
assignment of your choosing, but you must first submit a Proposal Form and wait for
approval before you begin, so plan carefully and use your time wisely!!!
Unit 1: Week 1
Topic: Scientific Method and Measurements
Goals: Science as Inquiry
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-A1
Science Safety Scavenger
Hunt/What Happened?
1-A2
Making Measurements Lab
1-A3
1-A4
1-A5
1-A6

Metric Mania Scavenger Hunt

Glow Stick Lab with Lab Report

Unit 1: Week 2
Topic: Creation of the Universe and Motion
Goals: 7.P1.1, 7.P.1.3 and 7.P.1.4
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-B1
Expansion Balloon Activity
1-B2
Graphing Motion Marble Lab
1-B3
Acting Out Motion Scenarios &
Graphs
1-B4
Speed Challenge Lab
1-B5
1-B6

Unit 1: Week 4
Topic: PE/KE and Energy Transfer
Goals: 7.P.2.1, 7.P.2.2 and 7.P.2.3
Assignment
#
1-D1
KE/PE Lab
1-D2
1-D3
1-D4
1-D5
1-D6

Kinetic Sculpture Video with

Writing Prompt
Work/Power Lab
Knock the Pin to Win Virtual Lab

Unit 1: Week 5
Topic: Simple Machines
Goals: 7.P2.4
Assignment
#
1-E1
1-E2
1-E3
1-E4

Can You Help Me Mr. Goldberg?

School Contest for Machines
Amusement Park Physics (Field
Trip)
The Wheel Deal Computer
Simulation Activity

1-E5
1-E6

Unit 1: Week 3
Topic: Motion and Forces
Goals: 7.P1.1, 7.P.1.2, 7.P.1.3 and 7.P.1.4
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-C1
Exploring Gravity Lab
1-C2
Newtons Race/Balloon Rockets
1-C3
Bonneville Salt Flats Passage
with Writing Prompt
1-C4
1-C5
1-C6

Unit 1: Week 6
Topic: Wrap Up and Test Review
Assignment
#
1-F1
1-F2
1-F3
1-F4
1-F5
1-F6

Unit 1 Scoring Log: Science

General Assignments:
Uni
t

Assignmen
t#

Assignment Title

Score

Comments:

Corrections
Required?

Old
Score

Formal Assessments (Tests/Quizzes/Labs/Projects):

Unit
1

Assignment
Title
Unit 1 Mid Unit
Quiz

Scor
e

Score Breakdown:
SR:___/____CR:____/____ER:____/____PT:____/_____

Unit 1 EOU Test

Score Breakdown:
SR:___/____CR:____/____ER:____/____PT:____/_____

1
1

Lab Report
Project
Component
(Qtr 1)

Comments

Corrections
Required

Old
Score