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, learning styles assessment, 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.
Probability & Data Analysis
1
Sample Spaces
Identify all possible outcomes
2
Event Types
Independent vs dependent events
3
Complements
Calculate opposite probabilities
4
Applications
Real-world probability scenarios
Duration: 4 weeks. Tools: Dice, coins, probability simulators. Project: Design probability-based game. Unit Test.
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
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 solution using mechanical principles.
Human Body Systems
Introduction to body systems not covered in 5th grade, focusing on structure and function relationships.
Integumentary System
  • Skin structure and layers
  • Protection functions
  • Temperature regulation
  • Sensation mechanisms
Endocrine System
  • Hormone production and function
  • Major glands identification
  • Feedback mechanisms
  • Homeostasis regulation
Excretory System
  • Kidney structure and function
  • Waste filtration process
  • Urinary tract components
  • Water balance maintenance
Reproductive System
  • Male and female anatomy
  • Gamete production
  • Hormonal control
  • Development changes
Note: Content depth dependent upon time and district guidelines
Duration: 5 weeks (time dependent). Tools: Anatomical models, microscopes, interactive diagrams. Project: Body systems poster illustrating interconnections between systems.