Investigations in Science Grade 7 Syllabus

Ms. Lazarick-Ward
Rachel_K_Lazarick-Ward@mcpsmd.org

OVERVIEW

Welcome to Investigations in Science for grade 7. This curriculum is a unique problem/project based
curriculum. The learning is student-centered with the teacher acting as a facilitator. Instruction is woven
around one main problem within each unit of study. Minds-on inquiry and hands on explorations, productive
discourse, purposeful reading and meaningful writing will guide the students through this exciting Science
course! Students will be presented a request for proposals (RFP) at the start of each unit. They will then use a
design-folio throughout the quarter to research, develop, design and evaluate their proposal.

Units of Study
Unit Title Content Focus
1 Cellular Structure Students will research a process for growing plants without the use of soil called hydroponics.
and Processes Students will investigate a variety of different systems and growing mediums for raising
plants and will analyze such variables as growth rate and food production. Students will learn
that plants grown using this method take in oxygen and nutrients at a quicker pace and use
less energy to absorb them. Plants will be used to introduce the structure and function of
living organisms, and students will learn about the characteristics of living things, parts of the
cell, and cellular processes. Students will also learn what materials are required by living
things, how the materials are delivered, and how these materials sustain life.
2 Matter and Energy Students will study the body systems of organisms and explore how the interactions of those
Flow in Organism systems affect overall functions. Studentswilllearnaboutthelevelsoforganizationwithinan
organismandthecontributioncellsprovideasystemasthebasicbuildingblocksoflife.
Students will explore howmatterandenergyareprocessedbyorganismstobuild,maintain,
andrepairthemselves.Students will relate structure and function of body systems to
nutritional requirements and disease prevention.

3 Inheritance and
Variation of Traits
Students will study the principles of heredity and genetics. They will learn how organisms
reproduce and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. Students will study how
characteristics get passed on from generation to generation and research several genetic
disorders that affect human offspring. Students will use biotechnical processes to explore the
genetic characteristics of organisms. Students will conduct a DNA extraction and a
microarray will be performed as a way of checking the genotypes of the offspring.

4 Earths History and
Evolution
Students will study Earths history, geological time, and explore how organisms have evolved.
Students will examine the fossil record and construct explanations from mass extinctions.
Students will explore the concepts of natural selection and adaption and will learn that traits of
an organism can change as a result of environmental conditions or a need for survival.
Student will explore the similarities between organisms and use biotechnical processes, such
as DNA fingerprinting, as means of identification.

Types of Assignments
Types of Assignments for homework, formative assessments and summative assessments:
tests and quizzes lab activities/investigations
use of technology class work and homework
projects (individual & group) safety assessment
reading and writing explorations entrance & exit cards
presentations research explorations
making and using models design-folio
Overall:
Grades will reflect individual achievement of MCPS standards for a specific marking period.
Farquhar Grading Policy
Due date / Deadline (this will be determined in advance by the classroom teacher):
Each assignment will have a due date. This is the date by which you are expected to submit the
assignment. Your grade may drop one letter grade if it is not turned in by the due date.
The deadline is the last day an assignment will be accepted for a grade. Work not turned in by the
deadline will be considered missing and receive a 0%.
Reassessment of Student Work:
Only certain assignments may be reassessed. Summative assessments and projects will not be
reassessed.
The reassessment grade replaces the original grade even if the reassessed grade is lower.

Homework:
A set time to complete homework is a good way to help in establishing a priority at home and is 10% of
your Science grade. You will be required to keep track of your assignments (due dates and deadlines) in
your agenda book. This is intended to assist in organizing your work. If you need more help with
organization, please see your teacher.
Required Materials:
 3-ringed binder (Section for Science), pencil, and notebook paper.

Class Expectations:
1. All science students will be required to follow safety procedures as designated by
the MCPS safety contract. Failure to follow these results may result in dismissal
from the science laboratory for the remainder of that class period.
2. Students must be in their seats when the bell rings. Students who are not sitting in
their seats will be marked tardy. Three tardies will result in a lunch detention.
3. At the beginning of each class,
a. Read the daily objectives and agenda posted on the board.
b. Copy your homework assignment in your agenda book (If there is no
homework, write none.)
c. Work on the warm up assignment.
2. Writing must be legible.
3. Keep all papers, both graded and ungraded, in the Science section of your binder
until you are told to clean your binder.

Communication:
 Newsletter
Blog
Progress reports / Interims
Email: Rachel_K_Lazarick-Ward@mcpsmd.org
Report Card
 Return by Friday, September 8, 2017 to SCIENCE

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