Ms. McCarter's Science Page
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Ms. McCarter's Eboard |
Welcome to your 7th grade science class. In this class, your goal will be to use the inquiry process to construct your own understanding of some of the major concepts in the three main areas of science while engaging in relevant and important activities.
Click on one of the following links to view the information for the unit.
Physical Science
-Part 1
-Part 2
-Part 3
Earth Science
-Part 1
-Part 2
-Part 3
Life Science
-Part 1
-Part 2
-Part 3
Energy, Machines and Motion Module (8 to 12 weeks)
In Part 1 of this unit, students will investigate energy transformations and how forces do work to transform energy. We will be using batteries and small motors to try to lift a K'NEX sled they build.
Part 2 of the unit centers on a study of simple machines. At the end of this part, students will design a motor/machine combination that will lift their weighted sled.
In Part 3, students will explore motion using 3 vehicles (fan car, mousetrap car and roller coaster) that they construct. The Anchor Activity (a research project) will give students the opportunity to analyze a device they use in their everyday lives. They demonstrate and explain the physical principles of the device and share what they learned through visual and oral presentations.
Catastrophic Events Module (8 to 12 weeks)
In Part 1 of this unit, Storms, students investigate the cause and effect of thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes, along with the effect of the ocean currents on global weather patterns.
Part 2, Earthquakes, focuses on wave motion, plate tectonics, earthquake data and the factors that cause earthquakes. Students design and build model structures that can reduce the risks associated with earthquakes as an assessment for Part 2.
In Part 3, Volcanoes, students simulate the movement of magma and lava and its effects on land formation. This is followed by an investigation of viscosity and crystallization and an examination of igneous rocks and volcanic ash. The Anchor activity is a research project on the risks associated with natural hazards.
Populations and Ecosystems Module (8 to 12 weeks)
In Part 1 of this unit, students utilize milkweed bugs to investigate some of the organizing concepts in ecology. Students then construct aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the classroom and observe them over time to understand ecosystem interactions.
In second part of the unit, student explore the idea of energy in living systems and population size. This knowledge is used to analyze a specific ecosystem and prepare reports.
This unit ends with an introduction to adaptations, an investigations of genetic variation in a population of imaginary animals and a study of natural selection.
Page designed and created by Sarah Brimm, 2005.