Grade 7 Science Newsletter
February 2019
Pearson Spotlight
In this section, your science team will look ahead into our Pearson textbook resources to find engaging activities that will help students connect learning throughout the units. It will also highlight opportunities to embed and reinforce our nature of science skills and practices. If you find activities that work well, please reach out to us and let us know!
Gr 7:
Virtual Lab: Geological Processes and Evil Plans
- Although this virtual lab is a bit on the cheesy side, it allows students to manipulate several variables related to characteristics of tectonic plates including- the type of crust (continental or oceanic) and its density, the rate of movement, and the boundary type (convergent, divergent and transform)
- It also gives students a great visual of the convection currents' motion causing the plates to move in their respective directions-- which is THE foundational piece to understanding the mechanics of plate tectonics. Without this foundational knowledge, students will struggle to connect the HOW and WHY mountains and other landforms are formed and HOW and WHY there are phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- In addition, it gives students a clearer image of the connections between weathering and erosion causing changes on Earth's surface (6th grade standard) and sub-surface events causing changes on Earth's surface.
- SC.7.E.6.7 Recognize that heat flow and movement of material within Earth causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and creates mountains and ocean basins.
- SC.7.E.6.2 Identify the patterns within the rock cycle and relate them to surface events (weathering and erosion) and sub-surface events (plate tectonics and mountain building).
- Located in Topic 4, Lesson 2: Plate Tectonics and Earth's Surface
Science Fair
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Professional Development Opportunities
Human Growth & Development Training & Information
Please encourage teachers to register for the course through mypgs here.
Quarter 4 Science Academies to be Added!
Join us as we engage in a model lesson designed from the curriculum maps. See total participation strategies in action, deepen your understanding of the 5E model, network and collaborate with fellow Pasco Science teachers. This PD opportunity includes a stipend for your time and PD points for the follow up activity.
5E Virtual Science Academy
Register for the course through MyPGS (Course 2414) HERE to sign up to participate. Registration will remain open through Nov 30. MyPGS will automatically enroll you in the Canvas course. The courses are listed for 6th and 7th grade, as they are this year's identified grades, however it was built to support 6-8 Science Instruction. So all are welcome to join in our adventure. The course is 4 PD points if completed! See you Online!
Additional Information
Curriculum Map Feedback Form
Seven Springs Middle School's 7th grade science team organized an awesome collaborative project for students to showcase their understanding of energy transformations. Students designed arcade games and then put on a fair for the school so students of other grade levels could experience their learning. Great way to reinforce science standards throughout all 3 grade levels!
#PascoDoingScience
Want to Contact Us?
Mark Butler
813-794-2452
Lesley Kirkley
813-794-2257
Jessica Maxwell
Stephanie Sheridan