7th Grade Science Curriculum Scope & Sequence
A comprehensive year-long curriculum integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
Beginning of Year Foundation
1
Week 1: Get to Know You
Student introductions, Honor and Integrity, learn 7th grade procedures
2
Week 2: Integrity in Science
Scientific method, ethical research practices, data honesty
Instructional Tools: Interactive name games, Review handbook. Project: Create a Poster showing Integrity at BPS
Week 3: Laboratory Safety Essentials
Students learn proper lab protocols, safety equipment usage, and emergency procedures before beginning hands-on experiments.
Safety Equipment Orientation
Locate and practice using eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and protective gear.
Chemical Handling Procedures
Learn MSDS sheets, proper storage, and waste disposal techniques.
Emergency Response Training
Practice evacuation routes and basic first aid for common lab incidents.
Lab Safety Compact
Student and Parent Sign Lab Safety Compact before 1st lab activity
Periodic Table Foundations
Layout & Organization
Groups, periods, atomic number patterns, element families and their properties
Historical Origins
Mendeleev's discoveries, modern developments, scientific breakthroughs
Practical Applications
Real-world uses of elements, connections to daily life
Molecules
Understand that molecules are made up of atoms. Students will recognize most common molecules H20, Co2
Duration: 4 weeks. Tools: Interactive periodic table apps, element trading cards. Project: Create element superhero profiles.
The Water Cycle
A fundamental process on Earth, the water cycle continuously moves water through various states and locations. This natural phenomenon is vital for sustaining life and regulating the planet's climate.
Key Vocabulary: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Collection, Transpiration, Runoff, Groundwater. This unit provides a foundational understanding of Earth's interconnected systems.
Duration: 1 week.
Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
1
1
Light Absorption
Chlorophyll captures solar energy in chloroplasts
2
2
Carbon Fixation
CO2 combines with water to form glucose
3
3
Cellular Respiration
Glucose breaks down releasing ATP energy
4
4
Energy Transfer
ATP powers cellular processes and growth
Duration: 3.5 weeks. Tools: Microscopes, aquatic plants, pH indicators. Project: Create poster showing the movement of energy and molecules in a plant and animal.
Color & Light Chemistry
Light Properties
Wavelength, frequency, electromagnetic spectrum basics
  • Visible light range
  • Color wavelengths
  • Energy relationships
Light Behavior
Refraction, reflection, absorption principles
  • Prism experiments
  • Mirror reflections
  • Material interactions
Duration: 2.5 weeks. Tools: Prisms, lasers, colored filters, spectroscopes. Unit Test
Microorganisms & Cell Structure
Understanding the structure and function of cellular components is essential for comprehending how cells work as the basic units of life. Instruction will also include: Golgi bodies, cell wall (plant), ribosomes, chloroplast (plant), vacuole
Cell Membrane
Protective boundary controlling movement
Nucleus
Control center with genetic material
Mitochondria
Powerhouse producing energy
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Protein and lipid factory
Lysosomes
Digestive compartments breaking down waste
Duration: 4 weeks. Tools: Microscopes, prepared slides, cell models. Project: Create 3D cell model with functions using cereal.
Mitosis & Meiosis
Cell Growth
DNA replication and organelle duplication prepare cells for division
Mitosis Process
Chromosomes separate creating identical diploid daughter cells
Meiosis Process
Reduction division produces genetically diverse haploid gametes
Fertilization
Gametes combine restoring diploid chromosome number
Duration: 3 weeks. Tools: Chromosome models, microscopes, time-lapse videos. End of Unit Quiz
Force and Motion
Introduction to fundamental principles governing movement and interaction of objects. While not formally covering Newton's Laws, key concepts of inertia and action-reaction will be explored.
Understanding Force
Explore how pushes and pulls, both visible and invisible, cause changes in an object's motion or shape.
Gravity's Influence
Discover universal attraction, comparing its strength and effects on objects across different celestial bodies like Mars and Jupiter.
Exploring Friction
Investigate the resistance to motion between surfaces, understanding its role in slowing objects and enabling movement like walking or braking.
Duration: 3 weeks. Tools: Force meters, various surfaces for friction experiments, online simulations for planetary gravity. Centers: individual and group work will count towards project grade.
Earth's Atmosphere, Weather & Climate
Explore the dynamic systems that shape our planet's weather and climate, from the invisible layers of our atmosphere to the forces driving daily forecasts and global patterns.
Atmospheric Layers & Properties
Analyze the composition, temperature, and pressure variations within Earth's atmospheric layers.
Weather Systems & Air Movement
Investigate how air masses, pressure systems, and frontal boundaries influence local and global weather conditions.
Global Circulation & Climate
Understand the roles of convection, global winds, and the jet stream in shaping weather and long-term climate patterns.
Predicting Weather
Utilize models and data from clouds, air temperature, humidity, and weather maps to forecast conditions.
Duration: 3 weeks. Tools: Weather maps, anemometers, barometers, online weather simulations. Project: Students will design and present a daily weather forecast using real-time data and explain the atmospheric phenomena contributing to their predictions.
Magnetism & Electricity
Magnetic Fields
Ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, diamagnetic material properties and behaviors
Electric Fields
Electron movement, static electricity, current flow principles
Periodic Connections
Valence electrons determine magnetic and electrical properties
Basic Circuits
Series and parallel circuit construction and analysis
Duration: 3 weeks. Tools: Magnets, iron filings, circuit kits, multimeters. Unit Test.
Simple Machines
Force & Motion
Understanding mechanical advantage through various simple machine types
Machine Types
Inclined planes, screws, wedges, pulleys, wheel & axle, levers
Duration: 3 weeks. Tools: Simple machine kits, interactive simulations. Project: Design a Rube Goldberg machine and identify key vocabulary terms.
Integrated Unit: Hierarchical Organization & Body Systems (7.L.1.3 & 7.L.1.4)
Cells
The fundamental basic unit of life.
Tissues
Groups of similar cells working together for a specific function.
Organs
Structures composed of two or more different tissues working together.
Organ Systems
Groups of organs working together for major body functions.
Organisms
A complete living thing, made up of multiple organ systems.
Understanding how living things are organized from cells to organisms provides the foundation for exploring the complex systems that sustain life within those organisms.
Major Human Body Systems & Their Interactions

Digestive System
Breaks down food into smaller molecules and absorbs nutrients into the body, providing energy and building blocks for cells.

Respiratory System
Facilitates gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body for cellular respiration and expelling carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Circulatory System
Transports essential materials, including oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, throughout the body via blood vessels.

Excretory System
Removes metabolic waste products, excess water, and salts from the body to maintain internal balance.

Reproductive System
Produces offspring, ensuring the continuation and genetic diversity of the species.
System Interactions for Sustaining Life
  • Digestive and Circulatory Systems: The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream (circulatory system) and delivered to cells throughout the body.
  • Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: The respiratory system takes in oxygen, which is transported by the circulatory system to body cells. Simultaneously, the circulatory system carries carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the cells to the lungs for exhalation.
  • Excretory and Circulatory Systems: The circulatory system carries waste products from cells to the kidneys (part of the excretory system), which filter the blood and remove these wastes, excreting them from the body.
  • All Systems for Homeostasis: All major body systems work together in a coordinated manner to maintain homeostasis – a stable internal environment. For example, the nervous and endocrine systems regulate the functions of other systems to ensure balance and proper functioning.
Duration: 4 weeks. Tools: Microscopes, anatomical models, simple machine kits, interactive simulations.
Comprehensive Unit Test:
  • Describe the hierarchical organization of life, providing an example for each level from cell to organism.
  • Identify and explain the primary function of three major human body systems.
  • Using a specific example, explain how at least two human body systems interact to maintain homeostasis.
  • How does the organization of cells into tissues, organs, and organ systems contribute to the overall function of a complex organism like a human?
  • Trace the path of an oxygen molecule from the atmosphere to a body cell, explaining which body systems are involved and how they interact.