Our Lady of the Assumption School 7th Grade Science

Mrs. Antonio

The focus for seventh grade is Life Science. The curriculum at Our Lady of the Assumption has always been aligned with the Diocesan Curriculum Standards (DCS) and California’s Common Core State Standards. Included in this curriculum are cell biology, genetics, evolution and Earth history, as well as structure and function in living things. Life science is a fascinating subject with a lot of recent advances. While we are dealing with scientific fact, we will always keep the doctrine of the Catholic Church as our guide in areas of controversy. The goal is to meet standards and have the students well prepared for high school science.

DCS 1.0 Cell Biology: God made all living things to be composed of cells, from just one to many trillions, whose details usually are visible only through a microscope. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 3: Cell Structure and Function Chapter 4: Cell Processes and Energy

DCS 2.0 Genetics: A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. These traits may be modified by environmental influences. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 5: Genetics: The Science and Heredity Chapter 6: Modern Genetics

DCS 3.0 Evolution: God initiated the biological evolution process, which accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 7: Changes Over Time

DCS 4.0 Earth and Life History: Evidence from rocks allows us to understand the evolution of life on Earth. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 8: Earth’s History Chapter 9: Viruses, Bacteria, Protists, and Fungi

DCS 5.0 Structure and Function In Living Systems: The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals of God’s world illustrate the complimentary nature of structure and function. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 10: Structure and Functions of Plants Chapter 11: Structure and Functions of Invertebrates Chapter 12: Structure and Functions of Vertebrates Chapter 16: The Endocrine System and Reproduction

DCS 6.0 Physical Principles In Living Systems: Physical principles underlie biological structures and functions of God’s universe. As the basis for understanding this concept, students will learn:

Chapter 2: Using Light Chapter 13: Bones and Muscles Chapter 14: Circulation and Respiration Chapter 15: The Nervous System

DCS 7.0 Investigation and Experimentation: Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept, students will be required to complete a SCIENCE PROJECT, and they will participate in the School Science Fair in February.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Life Science

(Please note: The Diocesan Content Standards will not necessarily be taught in numerical order. Please see our class website for topics currently being covered.)

The textbook for seventh grade is Focus on California Life Science from Prentice - Hall. There are many additional resources throughout each chapter that can be accessed online for review, reinforcement and enrichment. All Diocesan Standards are met with this text. In addition, the text can be downloaded onto a MP3 player through the website: www.californiascience.com

The Science field trip for seventh grade is our four – day trip to the Marin Headlands in the spring. This is a great and anticipated trip to a beautiful location. If you are interested in learning more about the Headlands Institute, their website is: www.naturebridge.org.