Course Name:
Seventh Grade Science
Course Information
Seventh Grade Science is a full‑semester course designed to deepen scientific understanding and strengthen analytical thinking. Students will explore physical, life, and Earth sciences through hands‑on investigations, engineering design, and data‑driven problem‑solving. Each unit connects scientific concepts to real‑world applications, empowering learners to think critically, evaluate evidence, and communicate scientific ideas clearly.
Through digital labs, inquiry‑based activities, and engineering challenges, students will build scientific literacy and confidence to apply science in everyday life and future STEM learning.
Course Delivery Method
Online
Contacting Your Instructor
You may contact your instructor through the Learndash messaging system. Technical support is available 24/7.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students should be able to:
- Apply the scientific method to design and conduct investigations.
- Analyze and interpret data using graphs, tables, and models.
- Explain the structure, properties, and behavior of matter.
- Describe chemical reactions and conservation of mass.
- Apply Newton’s laws to real‑world motion and force interactions.
- Explore Earth’s structure, plate tectonics, and natural hazards.
- Evaluate human impact on Earth’s resources and ecosystems.
- Understand photosynthesis, respiration, and energy flow in living systems.
- Integrate engineering design principles to solve scientific problems.
Textbook and Materials
No required textbook. All materials are provided digitally through EduMonitor. Optional: household items for experiments (listed per unit).
Technical Requirements
- Internet access (high speed recommended)
- Word processing software (Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
- Presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
- Adobe Reader
- Audio and video capabilities
- PDF app (free options available)
Technical Skill Requirements
Be comfortable with:
- Using a word processor
- Internet search engines and browsers
- Creating PDFs
- Uploading assignments and projects
Course Organization
This course consists of 15 units, each with 3–4 topics, one project per unit, one quiz per unit, a mid‑term exam, and a final exam.
Each unit includes:
- Introduction and Instructions
- Learning Objectives and Standards
- Learning Activities
- Assignments and Projects
Course Outline
| Unit | Topics | Project | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Scientific Inquiry & Experimental Design | Variables, Fair Tests, Data Interpretation | Design a Controlled Experiment | 2 weeks |
| Unit 2: Engineering & Design | Problem Definition, Prototyping, Optimization | Build & Improve a Simple Prototype | 2 weeks |
| Unit 3: Earth’s Structure | Earth’s Layers, Minerals, Rock Cycle | Create a Rock Cycle Diagram Model | 2 weeks |
| Unit 4: Plate Tectonics | Plate Boundaries, Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Model Plate Movements Using Clay | 2 weeks |
| Unit 5: Natural Hazards | Hazard Types, Prediction, Mitigation | Design a Hazard‑Resistant Structure | 2 weeks |
| Unit 6: Earth’s Resources | Renewable/Nonrenewable, Petroleum, Human Impact | Create a Resource Use Infographic | 2 weeks |
| Unit 7: Matter & Properties | Density, Mass/Volume, Particle Motion | Build a Multi‑Layer Density Column | 2 weeks |
| Unit 8: Chemical Reactions | Physical/Chemical Changes, Conservation of Mass | Perform a Safe Reaction & Record Data | 2 weeks |
| Unit 9: Synthetic Materials | Sources, Chemical Structure, Societal Impact | Investigate a Synthetic Material & Report | 2 weeks |
| Unit 10: Forces & Motion | Newton’s Laws, Collisions, Force Predictions | Create a Balloon Rocket Demonstration | 2 weeks |
| Unit 11: Energy in Living Systems | Photosynthesis, Respiration, Matter Cycling | Build a Photosynthesis‑Respiration Model | 2 weeks |
| Unit 12: Ecosystem Interactions | Food Webs, Symbiosis, Energy Pyramids | Construct a Local Ecosystem Web | 2 weeks |
| Unit 13: Ecosystem Stability & Change | Biodiversity, Succession, Human Impact | Design a Biodiversity Conservation Plan | 2 weeks |
| Unit 14: Human Body Systems | Organization, Circulatory, Respiratory | Create a Body System Flow Chart | 2 weeks |
| Unit 15: Environmental Science & Climate | Climate Systems, Greenhouse Gases, Mitigation | Build a Climate Change Solutions Poster | 2 weeks |
| Mid‑Term Exam | Covers Units 1–7 | Mid‑Term Exam | 1 week |
| Final Exam/Project | Covers Units 1–15 | Final Exam + Capstone Project “Science in My World” | 3 weeks |
- 60% Coursework Average
- 40% Summative Assessment Average (Mid‑Term + Final Exam)
- Passing grade: 60% or higher
Grades: A: 90–100% B: 80–89% C: 70–79% D: 60–69% F: Below 60%
Coursework
Each unit includes a project that applies the concept to real life.
Examples:
- Unit 1: Design a controlled experiment using household materials.
- Unit 7: Build a density column to compare matter properties.
- Unit 10: Demonstrate Newton’s laws with a balloon rocket.
- Unit 12: Construct a food web from a local ecosystem.
- Unit 15: Create a climate change solutions poster.
Summative Assessments
- Mid‑Term Exam: Covers Units 1–7
- Final Exam: Covers Units 1–15
- Capstone Project: “Science in My World” — students choose one scientific concept and explain how it applies to everyday life.
Summative assessments may be proctored using Proctorio.
Course Completion
- Minimum completion time: 30 days
- Course expires six months after enrollment
Academic Integrity
Students must submit original work. Cheating, plagiarism, or falsifying data will result in disciplinary action according to EduMonitor’s K‑12 Student Handbook.
Student Expectations
Students must:
- Log in regularly
- Follow online netiquette
- Use respectful language
- Avoid spamming, hacking, or inappropriate content
- Maintain academic honesty
Communication
Instructor replies within 2 business days. Use Learndash Course Messages for all communication.
Submitting Assignments
Submit all assignments and projects through the Learndash Assignment Tool.
Technical Difficulties
If you experience issues, contact EduMonitor K‑12 Support. Always keep backup copies of your work.