7.1 Scientific Method

· Make predictions based on their own and others’ theories.

· Plan and conduct simple experiments to answer questions.

· Seeks information from first hand experience (e.g. observing, measuring) and secondary sources (e.g. media).

· Makes connections between prior knowledge and new knowledge.

· Work individually and in teams to collect and share information and ideas with evidences.

· Use either deductive or inductive reasoning to explain observations and phenomena, or to predict answers to questions.

· Make predictions and create hypotheses for problems, design a “fair test” of their hypothesis, collect data through observation and instrumentation, and analyze data to draw conclusions; use conclusions to clarify understanding and generate new questions to be explored. (A “fair test” is a test in which only one variable at a time is changed).

· Seek, record, and use information from reliable sources, including scientific knowledge, observation; and experimentation and exploration.

· Identify problems, purpose and implement solutions, and evaluate products and designs.

· Use evidence and logical argument to back up claims.

· Work individually and in teams to collect, share, and present information and ideas with audiences.

· Base their explanations on observation and differentiate description from explanation.

· Design and execute investigations, interpret, data, use evidence to generate explanations, propose alternative explanations, and critique explanations and procedures.

· Review and summarize data to form a logical argument about the cause-and-effect relationships in the experiment.

7.2 Investigation

· Design and conduct a simple experiment involving observation, gathering data, and sharing results.

· Design and conduct a controlled experiment (a “fair test”).

· Complete a data study. · Plan and manage a schedule for an investigation.

· Complete a design of a physical structure or system (e.g. simple machines and measurement devices).

· Use data to draw conclusions and determine if evidence supports their predictions.

· Understand that scientific investigations may take many different forms including observing what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments.

· Understand that investigations can focus on physical biological, and social questions.

· Design and conduct a controlled experiment (a “fair test”).

· Design and conduct field work study.

· Students complete a data study based on civic, economic, or social issues.

· Use data to make comparisons and to identify trends or patterns in results.

7.3 Theory

· Understand that when people give different descriptions or explanations of the same thing, it is usually a good idea to make some first-hand observations instead of just arguing about who is right.

· Modify explanations when new observations are make or new knowledge is gained.

· Understand that science is a human endeavor.

· Gather evidence, observe and predict mathematical outcomes.

· Understand that scientists’ explanations (including principles and laws) about what happens in the world come partly from what they observe and partly from what they think. (Sometimes scientists have different explanations for the same set of observations, and they make more observations to resolve their differences).

· Show understanding that concepts form the foundation for theories.

· Develop theories based upon observations, concepts demonstrated and principles applied

· Test theories.

· Show understanding that new theories develop when phenomena are observed that are not fully explained by old theories.

· Show understanding that science is a human endeavor that requires abstract thinking, logic, and creativity.

· Develop and apply number theory concepts (e.g. prime factors, and multiples in real world and mathematical problem situations.

· Analyze theories.

7.4 History of Science, Mathematics, and Technology

· Investigage contributions made to mathematics by a variety of people.

· Investigage contributions made to mathematics by important people and respond to their impact on past, present, and future understanding.

· Examine important contributions made to the advancement of mathematics and respond to their impact on past, present and future understanding.

7.5 Roles and Responsibilities

· Discuss how discoveries or inventions can help or hurt people.

· Explain how discoveries or inventions can help or hurt people.

· Analyze how discoveries or inventions can help or hurt people, with emphasis on investigation in the areas of math, science, and technology.

7.2 INVESTIGATION: Students design and conduct a variety of their own investigations and projects.

7.3 THEORY: Students understand the nature of mathematical, scientific, and technological theory.

7.4 HISTORY OF SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND TECHNOLOGY: Students understand the history of science, mathematics, and technology.

7.5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Students analyze the roles and responsibilities of scientists, mathematicians, and technologist in social, economic, cultural, and political systems.

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

The Body

Weather

Geology

Matter and Energy

Living Systems

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.4

7.5

This may vary from team to team.

Guest speakers

Literature discussions

Simple machines

Guest speakers

Presentation by experts

Dialogue with experts using the Internet