About the course
Science is a way of knowing which seeks to describe and explain the natural and physical world. An important part in building scientific and technological literacy is an understanding of the nature of science, which includes an understanding of the following: what scientists, engineers, and technologists do as individuals and as a community, how scientific knowledge is generated and validated. Science addresses what benefits, costs, and risks are involved in using this knowledge and how science interacts with technology, society, and the environment.
Fundamental concepts are key ideas that provide a framework for the acquisition of all scientific and technological knowledge.The fundamental concepts that are addressed in the curriculum for science and technology are matter, energy,systems and interactions, structure and function, sustainability and stewardship, and change and continuity. At My Learning Oasis, students have opportunities to learn through STEAM activities. This allows students to integrate scientific and technological knowledge with knowledge in other subject areas, such as mathematics and social studies.
The courses outlines are built on the big ideas described in the Ontario Curriculum of Science and Technology to develop students’ understanding of fundamental scientific and technological concepts. The science and technology curriculum expectations are organized in four strands, which are the major areas of knowledge and skills in the science and technology curriculum.The four strands are Understanding Life Systems, Understanding Structures and Mechanisms, Understanding Matter and Energy, and Understanding Earth and Space System. Students inquire how science and technology relate to society and the environment. They develop a deep understanding of the basic concepts of science and technology while developing the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry and technological problem-solving.
Grade 7 - Science
Course length
10 Months
Course Price
CAD $ 750
Course Developer
My Learning Oasis
Course Code
Department
Instructor Name
Science 7
Intermediate
TBD
Curriculum Policy Document
The science and Technology, Grades 1 – 8, 2007 Revised
Unit 1: Interactions in the Environment.
The study of ecosystems is an introduction to the study of ecology and involves investigation of the complex interactions between all types of organisms and their environment. Students will learn that ecosystems consist of communities of plants and animals that are dependent on each other as well as on the non-living parts of the environment. They will also learn that groups of ecosystems make up biomes, which, in turn, are components of the biosphere. In investigating ecosystems, students will examine the effects of natural factors, such as climate changes, as well as the impact of technological changes on the environment.
Unit 2: Pure Substances and Mixtures.
By exploring the distinction between pure substances and mechanical mixtures and solutions, students will come to recognize that most matter is either a solution or a mechanical mixture-including most foods and drinks, many medicines, cosmetics, building materials, cleaning agents and so on. Introduction of a scientific model (the particle theory) used to describe the particular nature of matter will provide a conceptual basis for students’ learning in this area.
Unit 3: Heat.
Students will learn about the causes and effects of heat. They will investigate its properties and how these are related to measurement of temperature. Students will also be introduced to particle theory, which can help them to explain their observations and to understand both the relationship between heat and temperature and the concept of heat capacity. Society’s need to maintain its ability to produce heat is another focus of study. Students will consider ideas about recycling excess or waste heat and about how to make better use of alternative, renewable heat sources to replace non-renewable resources that are being depleted.
Unit 4: Structural Strength and Stability
Students will learn more about the effects of forces that act on and within different structural forms. Using increasingly sophisticated techniques, students will continue to investigate how different structural forms support or withstand loads by designing, building, and testing solid (or mass structures), shell structures, and frame structures.
Final reporting
Assessment is the process of gathering information from a variety of sources, such as assignments, day-to-day observations, conversations or conferences, demonstrations, projects, and performances. Teachers follow guidelines from Growing Success to analyze how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject. As part of assessment, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback that guides their efforts towards improvement. The final grade reflects the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration is given to more recent evidence of achievement. There may be a final assessment, such as an exam, in this course.
