Grade 7: Life Science -- Synopsis

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OUSD Standard
California State Standard Reference Number
Comments

1)Investigation and Experimentation: Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations. Students will:

CA Std Grade Seven :7 Overarching Statement

Identical wording

Investigations and Experimentation should be included in the implementation of each of the other science standards.

a) select and use appropriate tools and technology (including calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes, and binoculars) to perform tests, collect data, and display data.

CA Std Grade Seven: 7.a

Identical wording

b) utilize a variety of print and electronic resources (including the World Wide Web) to collect information as evidence as part of a research project.

CA Std Grade Seven: 7.b

Identical wording

c) communicate the logical connection among hypothesis, science concepts, tests conducted, data collected, and conclusions drawn from the scientific evidence.

CA Std Grade Seven: 7.c

Identical wording

d) construct scale models, maps and appropriately labeled diagrams to communicate scientific knowledge (e.g., motion of Earths plates and cell structure).

CA Std Grade Seven: 7.d

Identical wording

e) communicate the steps and results from an investigation in written reports and verbal presentations.

CA Std Grade Seven: 7.e

Identical wording

The Diversity and Unity of Life: Cells, Genetics and Evolution: Organisms share common structures and a common evolutionary heritage. Through the study of cells, genetics and the history of life, students will learn about the unity and diversity of all living things.

"Focus on Life Science"

CA Standards does not have an overarching statement that ties together Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution.

1) Cell Biology: All living organisms are composed of cells, from just one to many trillions, whose details usually are visible only through a microscope. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std Grade 7:1. Overarching Statement

Identical Wording

a) cells function similarly in all living organisms.

CA Std Grade 7:1.a

Identical Wording

b) the characteristics that distinguish plant cells from animal cells, including chloroplasts and cell walls.

CA Std Grade 7:1.b

Identical Wording

c) the nucleus is the repository for genetic information in plant and animal cells.

CA Std Grade 7:1.c

Identical Wording

d) mitochondria liberate energy for the work that cells do, and chloroplasts capture sunlight energy for photosynthesis.

CA Std Grade 7:1.d

Identical Wording

e) cells divide to increase their numbers through a process of mitosis, which results in two daughter cells with identical sets of chromosomes.

CA Std Grade 7:1.e

Identical Wording

f) as multicellular organisms develop, their cells differentiate.

CA Std Grade 7:1.f

Identical Wording

2) Genetics: A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std Grade 7:2. Overarching Statement

Identical Wording

a) the differences between the life cycles and reproduction of sexual and asexual organisms.

CA Std Grade 7:2.

Identical Wording

b) sexual reproduction produces offspring that inherit half their genes from each parent.

CA Std Grade 7:2.

Identical Wording

c) an inherited trait can be determined by one or more genes.

CA Std Grade 7:2.

Identical Wording

d) plant and animal cells contain many thousands of different genes, and typically have two copies of every gene. The two copies (or alleles) of the gene may or may not be identical, and one may be dominant in determining the phenotype while the other is recessive.

CA Std Grade 7:2.

Identical Wording

e) DNA is the genetic material of living organisms, and is located in the chromosomes of each cell.

CA Std Grade 7:2.

Identical Wording

3) Evolution: Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std Grade 7:3. Overarching Statement

Identical Wording

a) both genetic variation and environmental factors are causes of evolution and diversity of organisms.

CA Std Grade 7:3.

Identical Wording

b) the reasoning used by Darwin in making his conclusion that natural selection is the mechanism of evolution.

CA Std Grade 7:3.

Identical Wording

c) how independent lines of evidence from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy provide a basis for the theory of evolution.

CA Std Grade 7:3.

Identical Wording

d) how to construct a simple branching diagram to classify living groups of organisms.

CA Std Grade 7:3.

Identical Wording

e) extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and the adaptive characteristics of a species are insufficient for its survival.

CA Std Grade Seven: 3.

Identical Wording

Structure and Function in Living Systems: Human anatomy and physiology show how structure and function work together to support life.

CA Std Grade Seven Topic for Standard 5.a - g

CA Std does not have an overarching statement that corresponds to tying togetherthe five main topics listed in OUSD's "Structure and Function." OUSD addresses Structure and Function in HUMAN organisms explicitly.

1) Levels of Organization: Plants and animals have levels of organization for structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std. Grade Seven: 5.a

Identical Wording

a) important levels of organization for structure and function include cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.

Not in CA Std

Added for clarification of concept

b) organ systems function because of the contributions of individual organs, tissues, and cells. The failure of any part can affect the entire system.

CA Std. Grade Seven: 5.a

Identical Wording

c) the major organs in each system.

Not in CA std

Added for clarification.

2) Movement and Support (The Skeletal-Muscular System): Bones and muscles work together to provide a structural framework for movement. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std. 6.h-i.

OUSD placed these standards under Structure and Function" rather than under "Physical Principles" as did the CA Stds.

a) how to compare joints in the body (wrist, shoulder, thigh) with structures used in machines and simple devices (hinge, ball-and-socket, and sliding joints).

CA Std. 6.h.

Identical Wording

b) how levers confer mechanical advantage and how this principle applies to the musculo-skeletal system.

CA Std. 6i.

Identical Wording

3) Obtaining Food and Deriving Energy From It (Digestion, Circulation and Respiration) The digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems interact with one another to supply the body with nutrients and energy, and remove waste. As a basis for understanding this concept. students know:

CA Std Grade Seven 1.d and Grade Five 2b - d

OUSD Elementary Standards do not address this topic. OUSD placed in Grade Seven to allow more in-depth coverage and to connect with "Structure and Function" in the human organism.

a) the route of food through the digestive system.

CA Std. Grade 5 c.

Modified wording. Concept is essentially the same.

b) the circulatory system carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and removes waste from them.

CA Std. Grade 5 b and d.

Modified wording. Concept is essentially the same.

4) Reproduction: Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA Std. Grade Seven d - f.

a) how the reproductive organs of the human female and male generate eggs and sperm, and how sexual activity may lead to fertilization and pregnancy.

CA Std. Grade Seven d.

Identical Wording

b) the structures and processes by which flowering plants generate pollen and ovules, seeds, and fruit.

CA Std. Grade Seven f.

Identical Wording

5) Interaction with the Environment: Interactions among the senses, nerves, and brain make possible the learning that enables human beings to cope with changes in our environment. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:

CA. Std. Does not include this statement. Instead lists topics a - d under CA Std, Grade Seven: 6 (Physical Principles of Living Things)

OUSD Std includes these topics under Structure and Function in humans.

a) the brain gets signals from all parts of the body telling what is going on there. The brain also sends signals to parts of the body to influence what they do.

Not included in CA std.

OUSD included to make connection to human Structure and Function

b) how simple lenses are used in a magnifying glass, the eye, camera, telescope, and microscope.

CA. Std. Grade Seven 6.d.

Identical Wording

c) sound energy travels by waves to the ear, and triggers nerve impulses to the brain.

Not included in CA Std.

OUSD included to make connection to human Structure and Function. It is not addressed anywhere in the CA std.

Comment: The California Science Standards for Grade Seven includes the topic: Earth and Life History. The OUSD Standards cover these topics in the Sixth Grade under the topic of "Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure."

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*OUSD Standard*	*California State Standard Reference Number*	*Comments*
1)Investigation and Experimentation: Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations. Students will:	CA Std Grade Seven :7 Overarching Statement	Identical wording Investigations and Experimentation should be included in the implementation of each of the other science standards.
a) select and use appropriate tools and technology (including calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes, and binoculars) to perform tests, collect data, and display data.	CA Std Grade Seven: 7.a	Identical wording
b) utilize a variety of print and electronic resources (including the World Wide Web) to collect information as evidence as part of a research project.	CA Std Grade Seven: 7.b	Identical wording
c) communicate the logical connection among hypothesis, science concepts, tests conducted, data collected, and conclusions drawn from the scientific evidence.	CA Std Grade Seven: 7.c	Identical wording
d) construct scale models, maps and appropriately labeled diagrams to communicate scientific knowledge (e.g., motion of Earths plates and cell structure).	CA Std Grade Seven: 7.d	Identical wording
e) communicate the steps and results from an investigation in written reports and verbal presentations.	CA Std Grade Seven: 7.e	Identical wording
*The Diversity and Unity of Life: Cells, Genetics and Evolution:* Organisms share common structures and a common evolutionary heritage. Through the study of cells, genetics and the history of life, students will learn about the unity and diversity of all living things.	"Focus on Life Science"	CA Standards does not have an overarching statement that ties together Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution.
1) Cell Biology: All living organisms are composed of cells, from just one to many trillions, whose details usually are visible only through a microscope. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std Grade 7:1. Overarching Statement	Identical Wording
a) cells function similarly in all living organisms.	CA Std Grade 7:1.a	Identical Wording
b) the characteristics that distinguish plant cells from animal cells, including chloroplasts and cell walls.	CA Std Grade 7:1.b	Identical Wording
c) the nucleus is the repository for genetic information in plant and animal cells.	CA Std Grade 7:1.c	Identical Wording
d) mitochondria liberate energy for the work that cells do, and chloroplasts capture sunlight energy for photosynthesis.	CA Std Grade 7:1.d	Identical Wording
e) cells divide to increase their numbers through a process of mitosis, which results in two daughter cells with identical sets of chromosomes.	CA Std Grade 7:1.e	Identical Wording
f) as multicellular organisms develop, their cells differentiate.	CA Std Grade 7:1.f	Identical Wording
2) Genetics: A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std Grade 7:2. Overarching Statement	Identical Wording
a) the differences between the life cycles and reproduction of sexual and asexual organisms.	CA Std Grade 7:2.	Identical Wording
b) sexual reproduction produces offspring that inherit half their genes from each parent.	CA Std Grade 7:2.	Identical Wording
c) an inherited trait can be determined by one or more genes.	CA Std Grade 7:2.	Identical Wording
d) plant and animal cells contain many thousands of different genes, and typically have two copies of every gene. The two copies (or alleles) of the gene may or may not be identical, and one may be dominant in determining the phenotype while the other is recessive.	CA Std Grade 7:2.	Identical Wording
e) DNA is the genetic material of living organisms, and is located in the chromosomes of each cell.	CA Std Grade 7:2.	Identical Wording
3) Evolution: Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std Grade 7:3. Overarching Statement	Identical Wording
a) both genetic variation and environmental factors are causes of evolution and diversity of organisms.	CA Std Grade 7:3.	Identical Wording
b) the reasoning used by Darwin in making his conclusion that natural selection is the mechanism of evolution.	CA Std Grade 7:3.	Identical Wording
c) how independent lines of evidence from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy provide a basis for the theory of evolution.	CA Std Grade 7:3.	Identical Wording
d) how to construct a simple branching diagram to classify living groups of organisms.	CA Std Grade 7:3.	Identical Wording
e) extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and the adaptive characteristics of a species are insufficient for its survival.	CA Std Grade Seven: 3.	Identical Wording
*Structure and Function in Living Systems:* Human anatomy and physiology show how structure and function work together to support life.	CA Std Grade Seven Topic for Standard 5.a - g	CA Std does not have an overarching statement that corresponds to tying togetherthe five main topics listed in OUSD's "Structure and Function." OUSD addresses Structure and Function in HUMAN organisms explicitly.
1) Levels of Organization: Plants and animals have levels of organization for structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std. Grade Seven: 5.a	Identical Wording
a) important levels of organization for structure and function include cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.	Not in CA Std	Added for clarification of concept
b) organ systems function because of the contributions of individual organs, tissues, and cells. The failure of any part can affect the entire system.	CA Std. Grade Seven: 5.a	Identical Wording
c) the major organs in each system.	Not in CA std	Added for clarification.
2) Movement and Support (The Skeletal-Muscular System): Bones and muscles work together to provide a structural framework for movement. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std. 6.h-i.	OUSD placed these standards under Structure and Function" rather than under "Physical Principles" as did the CA Stds.
a) how to compare joints in the body (wrist, shoulder, thigh) with structures used in machines and simple devices (hinge, ball-and-socket, and sliding joints).	CA Std. 6.h.	Identical Wording
b) how levers confer mechanical advantage and how this principle applies to the musculo-skeletal system.	CA Std. 6i.	Identical Wording
3) Obtaining Food and Deriving Energy From It (Digestion, Circulation and Respiration) The digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems interact with one another to supply the body with nutrients and energy, and remove waste. As a basis for understanding this concept. students know:	CA Std Grade Seven 1.d and Grade Five 2b - d	OUSD Elementary Standards do not address this topic. OUSD placed in Grade Seven to allow more in-depth coverage and to connect with "Structure and Function" in the human organism.
a) the route of food through the digestive system.	CA Std. Grade 5 c.	Modified wording. Concept is essentially the same.
b) the circulatory system carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and removes waste from them.	CA Std. Grade 5 b and d.	Modified wording. Concept is essentially the same.

4) Reproduction: Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA Std. Grade Seven d - f.
a) how the reproductive organs of the human female and male generate eggs and sperm, and how sexual activity may lead to fertilization and pregnancy.	CA Std. Grade Seven d.	Identical Wording
b) the structures and processes by which flowering plants generate pollen and ovules, seeds, and fruit.	CA Std. Grade Seven f.	Identical Wording
5) Interaction with the Environment: Interactions among the senses, nerves, and brain make possible the learning that enables human beings to cope with changes in our environment. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:	CA. Std. Does not include this statement. Instead lists topics a - d under CA Std, Grade Seven: 6 (Physical Principles of Living Things)	OUSD Std includes these topics under Structure and Function in humans.
a) the brain gets signals from all parts of the body telling what is going on there. The brain also sends signals to parts of the body to influence what they do.	Not included in CA std.	OUSD included to make connection to human Structure and Function
b) how simple lenses are used in a magnifying glass, the eye, camera, telescope, and microscope.	CA. Std. Grade Seven 6.d.	Identical Wording
c) sound energy travels by waves to the ear, and triggers nerve impulses to the brain.	Not included in CA Std.	OUSD included to make connection to human Structure and Function. It is not addressed anywhere in the CA std.