Seventh Grade Benchmark Standards	Fifth	Sixth	Seventh
3.1.7 Unifying Themes
A.   Explain the parts of a simple system and their relationship to each other.	B	D	S
Describe a system as a group of related parts that work together to achieve a desired result (e.g., digestive system).	ü	ü	ü
Explain the importance of order in a system.	ü	ü	ü
Distinguish between system inputs, system processes and system outputs.	ü		ü
Distinguish between open loop and closed loop systems.	ü		ü
Apply systems analysis to solve problems.	ü		ü
B.    Describe the use of models as an application of scientific or technological concepts.	B	D	S
Identify and describe different types of models and their functions.	ü	ü	ü
Apply models to predict specific results and observations (e.g., population growth, effects of infectious organisms).	ü	ü	ü
Explain systems by outlining a system’s relevant parts and its purpose and/or designing a model that illustrates its function.	ü	ü	ü
C.    Identify patterns as repeated processes or recurring elements in science and technology.	B	D	S
Identify different forms of patterns and use them to group and classify specific objects.	ü	ü	ü
Identify repeating structure patterns.	ü		ü
Identify and describe patterns that occur in physical systems (e.g., construction, manufacturing, transportation), informational systems and biochemical-related systems.	ü		ü
D.    Explain scale as a way of relating concepts and ideas to one another by some measure.	B	D	S
Apply various applications of size and dimensions of scale to scientific, mathematical, and technological applications.	ü	ü	ü
Describe scale as a form of ratio and apply to a life situation.	ü	ü	ü
E.     Identify change as a variable in describing natural and physical systems.	B	D	S
Describe fundamental science and technology concepts that could solve practical problems.	ü	ü	ü
Explain how ratio is used to describe change.	ü	ü	ü
Describe the effect of making a change in one part of a system on the system as a whole.	ü	ü	ü
3.2.7  Inquiry and Design
A.   Explain and apply scientific and technological knowledge.	B	D	S
Distinguish between a scientific theory and a belief.	ü	ü	ü
Answer “What if” questions based on observation, inference or prior knowledge or experience.	ü	ü	ü
Explain how skepticism about an accepted scientific explanation led to a new understanding.	ü	ü	ü
Explain how new information may change existing theories and practice.	ü	ü	ü
B.    Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations.	B	D	S
Measure materials using a variety of scales.	ü	ü	ü
Describe relationships by making inferences and predictions.	ü	ü	ü
Communicate, use space / time relationships, define operationally, raise questions, formulate hypotheses, test and experiment,	ü	ü	ü
Design controlled experiments, recognize variables, and manipulate variables.	ü	ü	ü
Interpret data, formulate models, design models, and produce solutions.	ü	ü	ü
C.    Identify and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.	B	D	S
Generate questions about objects, organisms and/or events that can be answered through scientific investigations.	ü	ü	ü
Evaluate the appropriateness of questions.	ü	ü	ü
Design an investigation with limited variables to investigate a question.	ü	ü	ü
Conduct a two-part experiment.	ü	ü	ü
Judge the significance of experimental information in answering the question.	ü	ü	ü
Communicate appropriate conclusions from the experiment.	ü	ü	ü
D.    Know and use the technological design process to solve problems.	B	D	S
Define different types of problems.	ü	ü	ü
Define all aspects of the problem, necessary information and questions that must be answered.	ü	ü	ü
Propose the best solution.	ü	ü	ü
Design and propose alternative methods to achieve solutions.	ü	ü	ü
Apply a solution.	ü	ü	ü
Explain the results, present improvements, identify and infer the impacts of the solution.	ü	ü	ü
3.3.7  Biological Sciences
A.   Describe the similarities and differences that characterize diverse living things.	B	D	D, S
Describe how the structures of living things help them function in unique ways.	ü		ü
Explain how to use a dichotomous key to identify plants and animals.			ü
Account for adaptations among organisms that live in a particular environment.	ü	ü	ü
B.    Describe the cell as the basic structural and functional unit of living things.	B	N	D, S
Identify the levels of organization from cell to organism.			ü
Compare life processes at the organism level with life processes at the cell level.			ü
Explain that cells and organisms have particular structures that underlie their functions.	ü		ü
Describe and distinguish among cell cycles, reproductive cycles and life cycles.	ü		ü
Explain disease effects on structures or functions of an organism.	ü		ü
C.    Know that every organism has a set of genetic instructions that determines its inherited traits.	N	B	D, S
Identify and explain inheritable characteristics.		ü	ü
Identify that the gene is the basic unit of inheritance.			ü
Identify basic patterns of inheritance (e.g., dominance, recessive, co-dominance).			ü
Describe how traits are inherited.			ü
Distinguish how different living things reproduce (e.g., vegetative budding, sexual). Recognize that mutations can alter a gene.			ü
Describe how selective breeding, natural selection and genetic technologies can change genetic makeup of organisms.			ü
D.    Explain basic concepts of natural selection.	N	B	D, S
Identify adaptations that allow organisms to survive in their environment.		ü	ü
Describe how an environmental change can affect the survival of organisms and entire species.			ü
Know that differences in individuals of the same species may give some advantage in surviving and reproducing.			ü
Recognize that populations of organisms can increase rapidly.			ü
Describe the role that fossils play in studying the past.			ü
Explain how biologic extinction is a natural process.			ü
3.4.7  Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics
A.   Describe concepts about the structure and properties of matter.	B	N	D, S
Identify elements as basic building blocks of matter that cannot be broken down chemically.	ü		ü
Distinguish compounds from mixtures.			ü
Describe and conduct experiments that identify chemical and physical properties.			ü
Describe reactants and products of simple chemical reactions.			ü
B.    Relate energy sources and transfers to heat and temperature.	B	D,S	N
Identify and describe sound changes in moving objects.		ü
Know that the sun is a major source of energy that emits wavelengths of visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation.		ü
Explain the conversion of one form of energy to another by applying knowledge of each form of energy.	ü
Explain the parts and functions in an electrical circuit.	ü
C.    Identify and explain the principles of force and motion.	B	D,S	N
Describe the motion of an object based on its position, direction and speed.	ü
Classify fluid power systems according to fluid used or mode of power transmission (e.g., air, oil).
Explain various motions using models.	ü
Explain how convex and concave mirrors and lens change light images.		ü
Explain how sound and light travel in waves of differing speeds, sizes and frequencies.		ü
D.      Describe essential ideas about the composition and structure of the universe and the earth’s place in it.	N	B, D, S	N
Compare various planets’ characteristics.		ü
Describe basic star types and identify the sun as a star type.		ü
Describe and differentiate comets, asteroids and meteors.		ü
Identify gravity as the force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun and governs the rest of the movement of the solar system and the universe.		ü
Illustrate how the positions of stars and constellations change in relation to the Earth during an evening and from month to month.		ü
Identify equipment and instruments that explore the universe.		ü
Identify the accomplishments and contributions provided by selected past and present scientists in the field of astronomy.		ü
Identify and articulate space program efforts to investigate possibilities of living in space and on other planets.		ü
3.5.7  Earth Sciences
A.   Describe earth features and processes.	N	B, D, S	N
Describe major layers of the earth.
Describe the processes involved in the creation of geologic features (e.g., folding, faulting, volcanism, sedimentation) and that these processes seen today (e.g., erosion, weathering crustal plate movement) are similar to those in the past.
Describe the processes that formed Pennsylvania geologic structures and resources including mountains, glacial formations, water gaps and ridges.
Explain how the rock cycle affected rock formations in the state of Pennsylvania.
Distinguish between examples of rapid surface changes (e.g., landslides, earthquakes) and slow surface changes (e.g., weathering).
Identify living plants and animals that are similar to fossil forms.		ü
B.    Recognize earth resources and how they affect everyday life.	N	B	D, S
Identify and locate significant earth resources (e.g., rock types, oil, gas, coal deposits) in Pennsylvania.			ü
Explain the processes involved in the formation of oil and coal in Pennsylvania.			ü
Explain the value and uses of different earth resources (e.g., selected minerals, ores, fuel sources, agricultural uses).			ü
Compare the locations of human settlements as related to available resources.		ü	ü
C.    Describe basic elements of meteorology.	N	B, D	N
Explain weather forecasts by interpreting weather data and symbols.		ü
Explain the oceans’ impact on local weather and the climate of a region.		ü
Identify how cloud types, wind directions and barometric pressure changes are associated with weather patterns in different regions of the country.		ü
Explain and illustrate the processes of cloud formation and precipitation.		ü
Describe and illustrate the major layers of the earth’s atmosphere.		ü
Identify different air masses and global wind patterns and how they relate to the weather patterns in different regions of the U.S.		ü
D.  Explain the behavior and impact of the earth’s water systems.	N	B, D, S	N
Explain the water cycle using the processes of evaporation and condensation.		ü
Describe factors that affect evaporation and condensation.
Distinguish salt from fresh water (e.g., density, electrical conduction).
Compare the effect of water type (e.g., polluted, fresh, salt water) and the life contained in them.		ü
Identify ocean and shoreline features, (e.g., bays, inlets, spit, tidal marshes).
3.6.7  Technology Education
A.   Explain biotechnologies that relate to related technologies of propagating, growing, maintaining, adapting, treating and converting.	B	N	D, S
Identify the environmental, societal and economic impacts that waste has in the environment.			ü
Identify and explain the impact that a specific medical advancement has had on society.			ü
Explain the factors that were taken into consideration when a specific object was designed.	ü
Define and describe how fuels and energy can be generated through the process of biomass conversion.
Identify and group basic plant and animal production processes.	ü	ü	ü
Explain the impact that agricultural science has had on biotechnology.
B.    Explain information technologies of encoding, transmitting, receiving, storing, retrieving and decoding.	B	D	S
Demonstrate the effectiveness of image generating technique to communicate a story (e.g., photography, video).	ü
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of a graphic object designed and produced to communicate a thought or concept.	ü	ü	ü
Apply basic technical drawing techniques to communicate an idea or solution to a problem.	ü	ü	ü
Apply the appropriate method of communications technology to communicate a thought.	ü	ü	ü
C.    Explain physical technologies of structural design, analysis and engineering, personnel relations, financial affairs, structural production, marketing, research and design.	B, D	N	N
Use knowledge of material effectiveness to solve specific construction problems (e.g., steel vs. wood bridges).	ü
Differentiate among the different types of construction applications (e.g., microwave tower, power plants, aircrafts).
Explain basic material processes that manufactured objects undergo during production. (e.g., separating, forming, combining).
Evaluate a construction activity by specifying task analyses and necessary resources.	ü
Explain the relationships among the basic resources needed in the production process for a specific manufactured object.	ü
Explain the difference between design engineering and production engineering processes.	ü
Analyze manufacturing steps that affect waste and pollutants.
Explain transportation technologies of propelling, structuring, suspending, guiding, controlling and supporting.	ü
Identify and explain the workings of several mechanical power systems.
Model and explain examples of vehicular propulsion, control, guidance, structure and suspension systems.	ü
Explain the limitations of land, marine, air and space transportation systems.
3.7.7  Technological Devices
A.   Describe the safe and appropriate use of tools, materials and techniques to answer questions and solve problems.	B,D	D	S
Identify uses of tools, machines, materials, information, people, money, energy and time that meet specific design criteria.	ü
Describe safe procedures for using tools and materials.	ü		ü
Assess materials for appropriateness of use.	ü	ü
B.    Use appropriate instruments and apparatus to study materials.	B,D	D	S
Select appropriate instruments to measure the size, weight, shape and temperature of living and non-living objects.	ü	ü	ü
Apply knowledge of different measurement systems to measure and record objects’ properties.	ü	ü	ü
3.8.7  Science, Technology and Human Endevors
A.   Explain how sciences and technologies are limited in their effects and influences on society.	B	N	D, S
Identify and describe the unavoidable constraints of technological design.	ü
Identify changes in society as a result of a technological development.	ü
Identify and explain improvements in transportation, health, sanitation and communications as a result of advancements in science and technology and how they effect our lives.	ü		ü
B.    Explain how human ingenuity and technological resources satisfy specific human needs and improve the quality of life.	B	N	D, S
Identify interrelationships between systems and resources.	ü		ü
Identify and describe the resources necessary to solve a selected problem in a community and improve the quality of life.	ü		ü
identify and explain specific examples of how agricultural science has met human needs and has improved the quality of life.
C.    Identify the pros and cons of applying technological and scientific solutions to address problems and the effect upon society.	B	D	S
Describe the positive and negative expected and unexpected effects of specific technological developments.	ü
Describe ways technology extends and enhances human abilities.	ü	ü	ü
4.1.7  Watersheds and Wetlands
A.   Explain the role of the water cycle within a watershed.	N	B, D, S	N
Explain the water cycle.
Explain the water cycle as it relates to a watershed.
B.    Understand the role of the watershed.	N	B, D, S
Identify and explain what determines the boundaries of a watershed.
Explain how water enters a watershed.
Explain factors that affect water quality and flow through a watershed.
C.    Explain the effects of water on the life of organisms in a watershed.	N	B, D, S	N
Explain how water is necessary for all life.		ü
Explain how the physical components of aquatic systems influence the organisms that live there in terms of size, shape and physical adaptations.
Describe the life cycle of organisms that depend on water.
Identify organisms that have aquatic stages of life and describe those stages.
D.    Explain and describe characteristics of a wetland.	N	B, D, S	N
Identify specific characteristics of wetland plants and soils.		ü
Recognize the common types of plants and animals.		ü
Describe different types of wetlands.		ü
Describe the different functions of a wetland.		ü
E.     Describe the impact of watersheds and wetlands on people.	N	B, D, S	N
Explain the impact of watersheds and wetlands in flood control, wildlife habitats and pollution abatement.
Explain the influence of flooding on wetlands.		ü
4.2.7  Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
A.   Know that raw materials come from natural resources.	N	B, D	N
Identify resources used to provide humans with energy, food, housing and water.		ü
Explain how plants and animals may be classified as natural resources.		ü
Compare means of growing or acquiring food.		ü
Identify fiber and other raw materials used in clothing and shelter production.		ü
Identify types of minerals and fossil fuels used by humans.		ü
B.    Examine the renewability of resources.	N	B, D	N
Identify renewable resources and describe their uses.		ü
Identify nonrenewable resources and describe their uses.		ü
Compare finished products to their original raw material.		ü
Identify the waste derived from the use of renewable and nonrenewable resources.		ü
Determine how consumption may impact the availability of resources.		ü
Compare the time spans of renewability for fossil fuels and alternative fuels.		ü
C.    Explain natural resource distribution.	N	B, D	N
Distinguish between readily available and less accessible resources.		ü
Identify the locations of different concentrations of fossil fuels and mineral resources.		ü
Analyze the effects of management practices on air, land and water in forestry, agriculture, fisheries, wildlife, mining and food and fiber production that is unique to different climates.		ü
D.    Describe the role of recycling and waste management.	N	B, D	N
Identify materials that can be recycled in the community.		ü
Explain the process of closing the loop in recycling.		ü
Compare the decomposition rates of different organic materials.		ü
Describe methods that could be used to reuse materials for new products.		ü
Evaluate the costs and benefits of disposable products.
4.3.7  Environmental Health
A.   Identify environmental health issues.	N	B	D, S
Identify various examples of long-term pollution and explain their effects on environmental health.		ü	ü
Identify diseases that have been associated with poor environmental quality.		ü	ü
Describe different types of pest controls and their effects on the environment.			ü
Identify alternative products that can be used in life to reduce pollution.			ü
B.    Describe how human actions affect the health of the environment.	N	B	D, S
Identify land use practices and their relation to environmental health.		ü
Explain how natural disasters affect environmental health.		ü
Identify residential and industrial sources of pollution and their effects on environmental health.			ü
Explain the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution.			ü
Explain how nonpoint source pollution can affect the water supply and air quality.		ü	ü
Explain how acid deposition can affect water, soil and air quality.			ü
Explain the relationship between resource use, reuse, recycling and environmental health.		ü	ü
C.    Explain biological diversity.	N	B, D	S
Explain the complex, interactive relationships among members of an ecosystem.		ü	ü
Explain how diversity affects ecological integrity of the natural resources.		ü	ü
4.4.7  Agriculture and Society
A.   Explain society’s standard of living in relation to agriculture.	N	N	N
Compare and contrast agricultural changes that have been made to meet society’s needs.
Compare and contrast how animals and plants affect agricultural systems.
Compare several technological advancements and their effect(s) on the historical growth of agriculture.
Compare different environmental conditions related to agricultural production, cost and quality of the product.
B.    Investigate how agricultural science has recognized the various soil types found in Pennsylvania.	N	N	N
Explain the importance of particle sizes in different soil types.
Determine how water has influenced the development of Pennsylvania soil types.
Investigate how soil types have influenced the plant types used on Pennsylvania farms.
Analyze how soil types and geographic regions have impacted the profitability of Pennsylvania farms.
C.    Explain agricultural systems’ use of natural and human resources.	N	B	N
Analyze the needs of plants and animals as they relate to climate and soil conditions.		ü
Identify the plants and animals that can be raised in the area and explain why.		ü
Identify natural resources necessary for agricultural systems.		ü
Compare the need for crop production to the need for animal production.
Define issues associated with food and fiber production.
D.    Explain the improvement of agricultural production through technology.	N	N	N
Compare the technologies that have advanced agricultural production.
Explain how energy sources have changed to meet agricultural technology.
4.5.7  Integrated Pest Management
A.   Explain benefits and harmful effects of pests.	B	N	B, D, S