Overview

Explore fundamental biological concepts through hands-on projects and collaborative investigations in this 4-hour Grade 7 science course. Analyze the stages of the cell cycle and cell reproduction by designing models or simulations that address real-world questions about cellular multiplication. Compare sexual and asexual reproduction strategies across diverse organisms through research projects that culminate in peer presentations and feedback sessions. Develop visual or digital representations of fertilization processes while investigating genetic variation through challenge-based learning activities. Differentiate between biotic and abiotic ecosystem components by creating interdisciplinary projects that examine their interactions in local and global contexts. Evaluate ecological relationships including mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, predation, and competition through real-world case studies and collaborative presentations focused on ecosystem stability. Model energy transformation in feeding relationships by constructing food webs and energy flow diagrams that respond to open-ended questions about ecosystem dynamics. Propose and justify collective environmental protection actions through project-based campaigns that address current issues and seek community feedback. Master key concepts including mitosis and meiosis, types of asexual reproduction such as binary fission and budding, sexual reproduction processes, ecosystem classification, and the impact of population changes on ecological balance while developing critical thinking and presentation skills.

Syllabus

Analyze the stages of the cell cycle and cell reproduction by designing and presenting a model or simulation that addresses an open-ended question about how cells multiply in real-world contexts.
Compare and contrast types of sexual and asexual reproduction by collaborating on a research project that investigates reproduction strategies in diverse organisms and presents findings to peers for feedback.
Illustrate the process of fertilization by developing a visual or digital representation that responds to a challenge question about genetic variation and shares results with classmates for critique.
Differentiate biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems by creating an interdisciplinary project that explores their interactions in a local or global ecosystem and presents conclusions to the class.
Evaluate different relationships within ecosystems by investigating real-world case studies and constructing a collaborative presentation that addresses the impact of these relationships on ecosystem stability.
Model the transformation of energy through feeding relationships by developing and sharing a food web or energy flow diagram that answers an open-ended driving question about ecosystem dynamics.
Propose and justify collective actions for ecosystem protection by collaborating on a project-based campaign or solution that addresses a current environmental issue and seeks peer and community feedback.
Describe the stages of the cell cycle and explain how cells reproduce through mitosis and meiosis.
Identify and differentiate the types of asexual reproduction (e.g., binary fission, budding, fragmentation, regeneration, etc.).
Enumerate and explain the types of sexual reproduction and describe the process of fertilization.
Classify the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem.
Describe the basic components and identify the major types of ecosystems (e.g., terrestrial, aquatic).
Explain the different ecological relationships such as mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, predation, and competition.
Illustrate how energy is transferred through food chains and food webs in an ecosystem.
Analyze how population changes affect ecological balance and describe the role of environmental factors.
Justify the importance of collective action in protecting and preserving ecosystems.