Structures and Functions of Living Organisms
Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives
7.L.1 Understand the processes,
structures and functions of
living organisms that enable
them to survive, reproduce and
carry out the basic functions of
life.
7.L.1.1 Compare the structures and life functions of single-celled
organisms that carry out all of the basic functions of life
including:
• Euglena
• Amoeba
• Paramecium
• Volvox
7.L.1.2 Compare the structures and functions of plant and animal
cells, including major organelles (cell membrane, cell wall,
nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and vacuoles).
7.L.1.3 Summarize the hierarchical organization of multi-cellular
organisms from cells to tissues to organs to systems to
organisms.
7.L.1.4 Summarize the general functions of the major systems of the
human body (digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation,
and excretion) and ways that these systems interact with each
other to sustain life
Evolution and Genetics
Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives
7.L.2 Understand the relationship of
the mechanisms of cellular
reproduction, patterns of
inheritance and external factors
to potential variation among
offspring.
7.L.2.1 Explain why offspring that result from sexual reproduction
(fertilization and meiosis) have greater variation than offspring
that result from asexual reproduction (budding and mitosis).
7.L.2.2 Infer patterns of heredity using information from Punnett
squares and pedigree analysis.
7.L.2.3 Explain the impact of the environment and lifestyle choices on
biological inheritance (to include common genetic diseases)
and survival.
Earth Systems, Structures and Processes
Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives
7.E.1 Understand how the cycling of
matter (water and gases) in and
out of the atmosphere relates to
Earth’s atmosphere, weather
and climate and the effects of the
atmosphere on humans.
7.E.1.1 Compare the composition, properties and structure of Earth’s
atmosphere to include: mixtures of gases and differences in
temperature and pressure within layers.
7.E.1.2 Explain how the cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere
and atmospheric conditions relate to the weather patterns on
Earth.
7.E.1.3 Explain the relationship between the movement of air masses,
high and low pressure systems, and frontal boundaries to
storms (including thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes)
and other weather conditions that may result.
7.E.1.4 Predict weather conditions and patterns based on information
obtained from:
• Weather data collected from direct observations and
measurement (wind speed and direction, air
temperature, humidity and air pressure)
• Weather maps, satellites and radar
• Cloud shapes and types and associated elevation
7.E.1.5 Explain the influence of convection, global winds and the jet
stream on weather and climatic conditions.
7.E.1.6 Conclude that the good health of humans requires: monitoring
the atmosphere, maintaining air quality and stewardship.
Forces and Motion
Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives
7.P.1 Understand motion, the effects
of forces on motion and the
graphical representations of
motion.
7.P.1.1 Explain how the motion of an object can be described by its
position, direction of motion, and speed with respect to some
other object.
7.P.1.2 Explain the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces acting
on an object (including friction, gravity and magnets).
7.P.1.3 Illustrate the motion of an object using a graph to show a
change in position over a period of time.
7.P.1.4 Interpret distance versus time graphs for constant speed and
variable motion.
Energy: Conservation and Transfer
Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives
7.P.2 Understand forms of energy,
energy transfer and
transformation and conservation
in mechanical systems.
7.P.2.1 Explain how kinetic and potential energy contribute to the
mechanical energy of an object.
7.P.2.2 Explain how energy can be transformed from one form to
another (specifically potential energy and kinetic energy)
using a model or diagram of a moving object (roller coaster,
pendulum, or cars on ramps as examples).
7.P.2.3 Recognize that energy can be transferred from one system to
another when two objects push or pull on each other over a
distance (work) and electrical circuits require a complete loop
through which an electrical current can pass.
7.P.2.4 Explain how simple machines such as inclined planes, pulleys,
levers and wheel and axles are used to create mechanical
advantage and increase efficiency.