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Rutherford Public Schools Environmental Science Curriculum Grade 7

The document outlines the 7th grade environmental science curriculum for Rutherford Public Schools. The curriculum aims to raise students' awareness of local and global environmental issues through multi-disciplinary projects. Students will examine problems, share ideas, and propose solutions. They will learn about environmental topics like water pollution, natural disasters, endangered species, and the impact of environmental issues on human health. Assessment includes quizzes, student presentations, class participation, and group work.

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48 views

Rutherford Public Schools Environmental Science Curriculum Grade 7

The document outlines the 7th grade environmental science curriculum for Rutherford Public Schools. The curriculum aims to raise students' awareness of local and global environmental issues through multi-disciplinary projects. Students will examine problems, share ideas, and propose solutions. They will learn about environmental topics like water pollution, natural disasters, endangered species, and the impact of environmental issues on human health. Assessment includes quizzes, student presentations, class participation, and group work.

Uploaded by

Chazz Sato
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RUTHERFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM


GRADE 7

I. INTRODUCTION

The overall intent for the environmental studies course is to expose seventh grade
students to a multitude of environmental topics in order to help raise their awareness of
local and global issues. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, students will be asked to
examine problems and share ideas in order to collaborate on ways to better secure the
future of the planet. Students will actively participate in projects and that foster decision-
making skills and encourage self-action and personal responsibility to take positive pro-
active measures to improve the quality of the environment.

II. OBJECTIVES

http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/standards/5/index.html

A. SKILLS

The student will be able to:

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of data, claims, and arguments.


2. Communicate experimental findings to others.
3. Recognize that the results of scientific investigations are seldom exactly the same and
that replication is often necessary.
4. Recognize that curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and honesty are attributes of
scientists.
5. Identify questions and make predictions that can be addressed by conducting
investigations.
6. Design, conduct and interpret investigations incorporating the use of a control.
7. Collect, organize, and interpret the data that result from experiments.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the proper use of laboratory equipment.
9. Know when and how to use appropriate safety equipment with all classroom
materials.
10.Understand and practice safety procedures for conducting science investigations.

B. CONTENT

The student will be able to:

1. List and describe issues that impact the environment on both a local and global level.
2. Identify the abiotic and biotic factors that are part of the environment and assess how
changes in both will affect different ecological areas.

3. Discuss, describe and detail different environmental issues within different biomes.

4. Discuss and describe different water environments and be able to detail the ecological
impact of pollution on different water habitats.

5. Describe the importance and value of biodiversity and list ways in order to protect
biodiversity from human activities that threaten it.

6. List and describe reasons why animals are becoming endangered and list and describe
methods to decrease the rate of endangerment.

7. Investigate the impact of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, and


hurricanes on the environment.

8. Discuss, describe and detail the impact of environmental issues on the overall health
of humans.

9. Develop interesting, useful and practical solutions to current worldwide environmental


concerns.

III. PROFICIENCY LEVELS

Environmental Studies is a cycle course appropriate for all grade 7 students.

IV. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:

A. Formal

1. Teacher-prepared quizzes
2. Student reports and presentations

B. Informal

1. Class participation
2. Group work
3. Role-playing activities
4. Display work

V. GROUPING

Environmental Studies is a heterogeneously grouped course at the seventh grade level.


VI. ARTICULATION/SCOPE AND SEQUENCE/TIME FRAME

This course will be offered for approximately a nine-week period. There are no
prerequisites for this course.

VII. RESOURCES

Scientific journals, newspaper articles, videos, documentaries, as well as any other


available resources from environmental and non-environmental agencies are used
throughout the course.

VIII. METHODOLOGIES

1. Students will be exposed to a multitude of activities including board work, critical


readings, research, individual projects and oral presentations.

2. Throughout the course, students will be required to make displays that are
representative of different environmental issues.

3. Technology Standards: 8.1.8.A.1, 8.1.8.A.2, 8.1.8.E.1, 8.2.8.B.2, 8.2.8.C.4, 8.1.8.D.2,


8.1.8.D.4

IX. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

1. List and describe environmental issues that have both local and global impact.

2. Investigate and discuss the correlation between pollution and human disease.

3. Discuss and propose solutions to manage the world’s growing solid waste problem.

4. Research major sources of pollutants and make inferences on the ecological impact of
pollution on aquatic plants and animals.

X. INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS

Connections can be made to world language, social studies, and art.

(9.1.8.A.2, 9.1.8.A.3)

XI. DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL


NEEDS: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, ENGLISH LANGUAGE
LEARNERS, AND GIFTED & TALENTED STUDENTS

Differentiating instruction is a flexible process that includes the planning and design of
instruction, how that instruction is delivered, and how student progress is measured.
Teachers recognize that students can learn in multiple ways as they celebrate students’
prior knowledge. By providing appropriately challenging learning, teachers can
maximize success for all students.

Examples of Strategies and Practices that Support:

Students with Disabilities


• Use of visual and multi-sensory formats
• Use of assisted technology
• Use of prompts
• Modification of content and student products
• Testing accommodations
• Authentic assessments
Gifted & Talented Students
• Adjusting the pace of lessons
• Curriculum compacting
• Inquiry-based instruction
• Independent study
• Higher-order thinking skills
• Interest-based content
• Student-driven
• Real-world problems and scenarios
English Language Learners
• Pre-teaching of vocabulary and concepts
• Visual learning, including graphic organizers
• Use of cognates to increase comprehension
• Teacher modeling
• Pairing students with beginning English language skills with students who have
more advanced English language skills
• Scaffolding
•word walls
•sentence frames
•think-pair-share
•cooperative learning groups
•teacher think-alouds

XII. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Teachers shall continue to improve their expertise by participating in a variety of


professional development opportunities made available by the Board of Education and
other organizations.
XIII. CURRICULUM MAP

WEEK TOPIC ACTIVITIES


1 Environmental issues, solid Folder Activity
waste management and Recycling slogans
recycling issues
2 Environmental issues, solid Dilemma Cards
waste management and Recycled planters
recycling issues Related articles and
activities
3 Biomes and ecology issues Woodland Habitat
Related articles and
activities
4 Biomes and ecology issues Biome construction
activities
Related articles and
activities
5 Water and water pollution Abyssal zone creatures
issues Related articles and
activities
6 Water and water pollution Deformed from mystery
issues Bookmark Activity
Related articles and
activities
7 Endangered animals Endangered animals
pamphlet
Related articles and
activities
8 Natural disasters and their Earthquake and tectonic
environmental impact plates activity
Related articles and
activities
9 Diseases and the Cartoon sketch
environment Related articles
Revised 2015

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