Pennsylvania Academic Standards - Science and Technology and Engineering: Grade 7
Skills available for Pennsylvania seventh-grade science standards
Topic
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3.1
Biological Sciences
3.1.A Organisms and Cells
3.1.A1 Common Characteristics of Life
3.1.A1 Common Characteristics of Life
3.1.7.A1: Describe the similarities and differences of physical characteristics in diverse organisms.
3.1.7.A1: Describe the similarities and differences of physical characteristics in diverse organisms.
3.1.A2 Energy Flow
3.1.A2 Energy Flow
3.1.7.A2: Describes how organisms obtain and use energy throughout their lives.
3.1.7.A2: Describes how organisms obtain and use energy throughout their lives.
3.1.A3 Life Cycles
3.1.A3 Life Cycles
3.1.7.A3: Explain why the life cycles of different organisms have varied lengths.
3.1.7.A3: Explain why the life cycles of different organisms have varied lengths.
3.1.A4 Cell Cycles
3.1.A4 Cell Cycles
3.1.7.A4: Explain how cells arise from pre-existing cells.
3.1.7.A4: Explain how cells arise from pre-existing cells.
3.1.A5 Form and Function
3.1.A5 Form and Function
3.1.7.A5: Explain how the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of living things.
3.1.7.A5: Explain how the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of living things.
3.1.A6 Organization
3.1.A6 Organization
3.1.7.A6: Identify the levels of organization from cell to organism.
3.1.7.A6: Identify the levels of organization from cell to organism.
3.1.A7 Molecular Basis of Life
3.1.A7 Molecular Basis of Life
3.1.7.A7: Compare life processes (e.g. growth, digestion) at the organism level with life processes at the cellular level.
3.1.7.A7: Compare life processes (e.g. growth, digestion) at the organism level with life processes at the cellular level.
3.1.A8 Unifying Themes
3.1.A8 Unifying Themes
3.1.7.A8: Apply the appropriate models to show interactions among organisms in an environment.
3.1.7.A8: Apply the appropriate models to show interactions among organisms in an environment.
3.1.B Genetics
3.1.B1 Heredity
3.1.B1 Heredity
3.1.7.B1.a: Explain how genetic instructions influence inherited traits.
Genes and traits
Punnett squares
3.1.7.B1.a: Explain how genetic instructions influence inherited traits.
Genes and traits
Punnett squares
3.1.7.B1.b: Identify Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
Genetics
Punnett squares
Traits
3.1.7.B1.b: Identify Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
Genetics
Punnett squares
Traits
3.1.B2 Reproduction
3.1.B2 Reproduction
3.1.7.B2: Compare sexual reproduction with asexual reproduction.
3.1.7.B2: Compare sexual reproduction with asexual reproduction.
3.1.B4 Biotechnology
3.1.B4 Biotechnology
3.1.7.B4: Describe how selective breeding and biotechnology can alter the genetic composition of organisms.
3.1.7.B4: Describe how selective breeding and biotechnology can alter the genetic composition of organisms.
3.1.B5 Unifying Themes
3.1.B5 Unifying Themes
3.1.7.B5: Compare and contrast observable patterns in the physical characteristics across families, strains and species.
3.1.7.B5: Compare and contrast observable patterns in the physical characteristics across families, strains and species.
3.1.C Evolution
3.1.C1 Natural Selection
3.1.C1 Natural Selection
3.1.7.C1: Describe how natural selection is an underlying factor in a population's ability to adapt to changes.
3.1.7.C1: Describe how natural selection is an underlying factor in a population's ability to adapt to changes.
3.1.C2 Adaptation
3.1.C2 Adaptation
3.1.7.C2.a: Explain why the extinction of a species may occur when the environment changes.
3.1.7.C2.a: Explain why the extinction of a species may occur when the environment changes.
3.1.7.C2.b: Explain that mutations can alter a gene and are the original source of new variations in a population.
3.1.7.C2.b: Explain that mutations can alter a gene and are the original source of new variations in a population.
3.1.C3 Unifying Themes
3.1.C3 Unifying Themes
3.1.7.C3: Identify evidence drawn from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy that provides the basis for the theory of evolution.
3.1.7.C3: Identify evidence drawn from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy that provides the basis for the theory of evolution.
3.2
Physical Sciences: Chemistry and Physics
3.2.A Chemistry
3.2.A1 Properties of Matter
3.2.A1 Properties of Matter
3.2.7.A1.a: Differentiate between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
3.2.7.A1.a: Differentiate between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
3.2.7.A1.b: Identify groups of elements that have similar properties.
3.2.7.A1.b: Identify groups of elements that have similar properties.
3.2.7.A1.c: Explain how materials are characterized by having a specific amount of mass in each unit of volume (density).
3.2.7.A1.c: Explain how materials are characterized by having a specific amount of mass in each unit of volume (density).
3.2.A2 Structure of Matter
3.2.A2 Structure of Matter
3.2.7.A2: Identify atoms as the basic building blocks of matter and that elements are composed of one type of atom.
Atoms and molecules
Chemical formulas and models
3.2.7.A2: Identify atoms as the basic building blocks of matter and that elements are composed of one type of atom.
Atoms and molecules
Chemical formulas and models
3.2.A3 Matter & Energy
3.2.A3 Matter & Energy
3.2.7.A3: Explain how energy transfer can affect the chemical and physical properties of matter.
3.2.7.A3: Explain how energy transfer can affect the chemical and physical properties of matter.
3.2.A4 Reactions
3.2.A4 Reactions
3.2.7.A4: Describe how reactants change into products in simple chemical reactions.
3.2.7.A4: Describe how reactants change into products in simple chemical reactions.
3.2.B Physics
3.2.B1 Force & Motion of Particles and Rigid Bodies
3.2.B1 Force & Motion of Particles and Rigid Bodies
3.2.7.B1.a: Describe how unbalanced forces acting on an object change its velocity.
Calculate measurements
Forces
3.2.7.B1.a: Describe how unbalanced forces acting on an object change its velocity.
Calculate measurements
Forces
3.2.7.B1.b: Analyze how observations of displacement, velocity, and acceleration provide necessary and sufficient evidence for the existence of forces.
3.2.7.B1.b: Analyze how observations of displacement, velocity, and acceleration provide necessary and sufficient evidence for the existence of forces.
3.2.B2 Energy Storage and Transformations: Conservation Laws
3.2.B2 Energy Storage and Transformations: Conservation Laws
3.2.7.B2: Describe how energy can be changed from one form to another (transformed) as it moves through a system or transferred from one system to another system.
3.2.7.B2: Describe how energy can be changed from one form to another (transformed) as it moves through a system or transferred from one system to another system.
3.2.B3 Heat/Heat Transfer
3.2.B3 Heat/Heat Transfer
3.2.7.B3.a: Differentiate among convection, conduction, and radiation.
3.2.7.B3.a: Differentiate among convection, conduction, and radiation.
3.2.7.B3.b: Explain why heat energy consists of the random motion and vibrations of the particles of matter.
3.2.7.B3.b: Explain why heat energy consists of the random motion and vibrations of the particles of matter.
3.2.B4 Electrical and Magnetic Energy
3.2.B4 Electrical and Magnetic Energy
3.2.7.B4.a: Explain how electrical current is produced by the flow of electrons.
3.2.7.B4.a: Explain how electrical current is produced by the flow of electrons.
3.2.7.B4.b: Explain and demonstrate how electric current produces magnetic forces and how moving magnets produce electric current.
3.2.7.B4.b: Explain and demonstrate how electric current produces magnetic forces and how moving magnets produce electric current.
3.2.B5 Nature of Waves (Sound and Light Energy)
3.2.B5 Nature of Waves (Sound and Light Energy)
3.2.7.B5.a: Demonstrate that visible light is a mixture of many different colors.
3.2.7.B5.a: Demonstrate that visible light is a mixture of many different colors.
3.2.7.B5.b: Explain the construct of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3.2.7.B5.b: Explain the construct of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3.2.7.B5.c: Describe how sound and light energy are transmitted by waves.
3.2.7.B5.c: Describe how sound and light energy are transmitted by waves.
3.2.B6 Unifying Themes
3.2.B6 Unifying Themes
3.2.7.B6.a: Demonstrate that heat is often produced as energy is transformed through a system.
3.2.7.B6.a: Demonstrate that heat is often produced as energy is transformed through a system.
3.2.7.B6.b: Demonstrate how the transfer of heat energy causes temperature changes.
3.2.7.B6.b: Demonstrate how the transfer of heat energy causes temperature changes.
3.3
Earth and Space Sciences
3.3.A Earth Structure, Processes and Cycles
3.3.A1 Earth Features and the Processes that Change It
3.3.A1 Earth Features and the Processes that Change It
3.3.7.A1.a: Define basic features of the rock cycle.
3.3.7.A1.a: Define basic features of the rock cycle.
3.3.7.A1.b: Describe the layers of the earth.
3.3.7.A1.b: Describe the layers of the earth.
3.3.7.A1.c: Differentiate among the mechanisms by which heat is transferred through the Earth's system.
3.3.7.A1.c: Differentiate among the mechanisms by which heat is transferred through the Earth's system.
3.3.A2 Earth's Resources/Materials
3.3.A2 Earth's Resources/Materials
3.3.7.A2: Explain land use in relation to soil type and topography.
3.3.7.A2: Explain land use in relation to soil type and topography.
3.3.A3 Earth's History
3.3.A3 Earth's History
3.3.7.A3.a: Explain and give examples of how physical evidence, such as fossils and surface features of glaciation support theories that the Earth has evolved over geologic time.
3.3.7.A3.a: Explain and give examples of how physical evidence, such as fossils and surface features of glaciation support theories that the Earth has evolved over geologic time.
3.3.7.A3.b: Compare geologic processes over time.
3.3.7.A3.b: Compare geologic processes over time.
3.3.A4 Water
3.3.A4 Water
3.3.7.A4.a: Differentiate among Earth's water systems.
3.3.7.A4.a: Differentiate among Earth's water systems.
3.3.7.A4.b: Describe the motions of tides and identify their causes.
3.3.7.A4.b: Describe the motions of tides and identify their causes.
3.3.A5 Weather and Climate
3.3.A5 Weather and Climate
3.3.7.A5.a: Describe basic elements of meteorology.
3.3.7.A5.a: Describe basic elements of meteorology.
3.3.7.A5.b: Explain the relationship between the energy provided by the sun and the temperature differences among water, land and atmosphere.
3.3.7.A5.b: Explain the relationship between the energy provided by the sun and the temperature differences among water, land and atmosphere.
3.3.A6 Unifying Themes
3.3.A6 Unifying Themes
3.3.7.A6.a: Locate significant geologic structures using various mapping representations.
3.3.7.A6.a: Locate significant geologic structures using various mapping representations.
3.3.7.A6.b: Describe changes in atmospheric conditions associated with various weather patterns.
3.3.7.A6.b: Describe changes in atmospheric conditions associated with various weather patterns.
3.3.7.A6.c: Describe geologic time as it relates to earth processes.
3.3.7.A6.c: Describe geologic time as it relates to earth processes.
3.3.B Origin and Evolution of the Universe
3.3.B1 Composition and Structure
3.3.B1 Composition and Structure
3.3.7.B1.a: Explain how gravity is the major force in the formation of the planets, stars, and the solar system.
3.3.7.B1.a: Explain how gravity is the major force in the formation of the planets, stars, and the solar system.
3.3.7.B1.b: Describe gravity as a major force in determining the motions of planets, stars, and the solar system.
3.3.7.B1.b: Describe gravity as a major force in determining the motions of planets, stars, and the solar system.
3.3.7.B1.c: Compare and contrast properties and conditions of objects in the solar system to those on Earth.
3.3.7.B1.c: Compare and contrast properties and conditions of objects in the solar system to those on Earth.
3.3.B2 Unifying Themes
3.3.B2 Unifying Themes
3.3.7.B2.a: Identify a variety of instruments used to gather evidence about the universe.
3.3.7.B2.a: Identify a variety of instruments used to gather evidence about the universe.
3.3.7.B2.b: Describe repeating patterns in the Sun- Earth-Moon system and the positions of stars.
3.3.7.B2.b: Describe repeating patterns in the Sun- Earth-Moon system and the positions of stars.
3.3.7.B2.c: Relate planetary size and distance in our solar system using an appropriate scale model.
3.3.7.B2.c: Relate planetary size and distance in our solar system using an appropriate scale model.
3.4
Technology and Engineering Education
3.4.A The Scope of Technology
3.4.A1 Characteristics Of Technology
3.4.A1 Characteristics Of Technology
3.4.7.A1: Explain how technology is closely linked to creativity, which has resulted in innovation and invention.
3.4.7.A1: Explain how technology is closely linked to creativity, which has resulted in innovation and invention.
3.4.A2 Core Concepts of Technology
3.4.A2 Core Concepts of Technology
3.4.7.A2: Explain how different technologies involve different sets of processes.
3.4.7.A2: Explain how different technologies involve different sets of processes.
3.4.A3 Technology Connections
3.4.A3 Technology Connections
3.4.7.A3: Explain how knowledge gained from other fields of study has a direct effect on the development of technological products and systems.
3.4.7.A3: Explain how knowledge gained from other fields of study has a direct effect on the development of technological products and systems.
3.4.B Technology and Society
3.4.B1 Effects of Technology
3.4.B1 Effects of Technology
3.4.7.B1: Explain how the use of technology can have consequences that affect humans in many ways.
3.4.7.B1: Explain how the use of technology can have consequences that affect humans in many ways.
3.4.B2 Technology and Environment
3.4.B2 Technology and Environment
3.4.7.B2: Explain how decisions to develop and use technologies may be influenced by environmental and economic concerns.
3.4.7.B2: Explain how decisions to develop and use technologies may be influenced by environmental and economic concerns.
3.4.B3 Society and Development of Technology
3.4.B3 Society and Development of Technology
3.4.7.B3: Describe how invention and innovation lead to changes in society and the creation of new needs and wants.
3.4.7.B3: Describe how invention and innovation lead to changes in society and the creation of new needs and wants.
3.4.B4 Technology and History
3.4.B4 Technology and History
3.4.7.B4: Explain how many inventions and innovations have evolved by using deliberate and methodical processes of tests and refinements.
3.4.7.B4: Explain how many inventions and innovations have evolved by using deliberate and methodical processes of tests and refinements.
3.4.C Technology and Engineering Design
3.4.C1 Design Attributes
3.4.C1 Design Attributes
3.4.7.C1: Describe how design, as a creative planning process, leads to useful products and systems.
3.4.7.C1: Describe how design, as a creative planning process, leads to useful products and systems.
3.4.C2 Engineering Design
3.4.C2 Engineering Design
3.4.7.C2: Explain how modeling, testing, evaluating, and modifying are used to transform ideas into practical solutions.
3.4.7.C2: Explain how modeling, testing, evaluating, and modifying are used to transform ideas into practical solutions.
3.4.C3 Research & Development, Invention & Innovation, Experimentation / Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
3.4.C3 Research & Development, Invention & Innovation, Experimentation / Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
3.4.7.C3: Describe how troubleshooting as a problem-solving method may identify the cause of a malfunction in a technological system.
3.4.7.C3: Describe how troubleshooting as a problem-solving method may identify the cause of a malfunction in a technological system.
3.4.D Abilities for a Technological World
3.4.D1 Applying the Design Process
3.4.D1 Applying the Design Process
3.4.7.D1: Identify and collect information about everyday problems that can be solved by technology and generate ideas and requirements for solving a problem.
3.4.7.D1: Identify and collect information about everyday problems that can be solved by technology and generate ideas and requirements for solving a problem.
3.4.D2 Using and Maintaining Technological Systems
3.4.D2 Using and Maintaining Technological Systems
3.4.7.D2: Select and safely use appropriate tools, products and systems for specific tasks.
3.4.7.D2: Select and safely use appropriate tools, products and systems for specific tasks.
3.4.D3 Assessing Impact of Products and Systems
3.4.D3 Assessing Impact of Products and Systems
3.4.7.D3: Use data collected to analyze and interpret trends in order to identify the positive or negative effects of a technology.
3.4.7.D3: Use data collected to analyze and interpret trends in order to identify the positive or negative effects of a technology.
3.4.E The Designed World
3.4.E1 Medical Technologies
3.4.E1 Medical Technologies
3.4.7.E1: Investigate recent advancements in medical technologies and their impact on quality of life.
3.4.7.E1: Investigate recent advancements in medical technologies and their impact on quality of life.
3.4.E2 Agricultural and Related Biotechnologies
3.4.E2 Agricultural and Related Biotechnologies
3.4.7.E2: Examine specialized equipment and practices used to improve the production of food, fiber, fuel, and other useful products and in the care of animals.
3.4.7.E2: Examine specialized equipment and practices used to improve the production of food, fiber, fuel, and other useful products and in the care of animals.
3.4.E3 Energy and Power Technologies
3.4.E3 Energy and Power Technologies
3.4.7.E3: Examine the efficiency of energy use in our environment.
3.4.7.E3: Examine the efficiency of energy use in our environment.
3.4.E4 Information and Communication Technologies
3.4.E4 Information and Communication Technologies
3.4.7.E4: Illustrate how information can be acquired and sent through a variety of technological sources, including print and electronic media.
3.4.7.E4: Illustrate how information can be acquired and sent through a variety of technological sources, including print and electronic media.
3.4.E5 Transportation Technologies
3.4.E5 Transportation Technologies
3.4.7.E5: Explain how processes, such as receiving, holding, storing, loading, moving, unloading, delivering, evaluating, marketing, managing and communicating are necessary for the entire system to operate efficiently.
3.4.7.E5: Explain how processes, such as receiving, holding, storing, loading, moving, unloading, delivering, evaluating, marketing, managing and communicating are necessary for the entire system to operate efficiently.
3.4.E6 Manufacturing Technologies
3.4.E6 Manufacturing Technologies
3.4.7.E6: Examine the processes involved in extracting (e.g., harvesting, drilling, mining) raw materials from the earth for use in manufacturing processes.
3.4.7.E6: Examine the processes involved in extracting (e.g., harvesting, drilling, mining) raw materials from the earth for use in manufacturing processes.
3.4.E7 Construction Technologies
3.4.E7 Construction Technologies
3.4.7.E7: Examine subsystems found in the construction of a building.
3.4.7.E7: Examine subsystems found in the construction of a building.