Grade 7 Science and Technology

In Grade 7 Science and Technology, our students will further their understanding of the many impacts that humans have on the environment. They will explore pure substances and mixtures and examine the critical role heat plays in natural processes including the causes and effects of heat, its properties, and heat transfer. Our students will also investigate impact of forces on structures and their stability.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L and VES

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

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Independent

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, there will be a placeholder for this unit at the end of the course. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Interactions in the Environment

In the Interactions in the Environment Unit, students will learn about interactions within the environment and identify factors that affect the balance between different components of an ecosystem. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of interactions between and among biotic and abiotic elements in the environment. Furthermore, students will assess the impacts of human activities and technologies on the environment and analyse ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Pure Substances and Mixtures

In the Pure Substances and Mixtures Unit, students will investigate the properties and applications of pure substances and mixtures. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of pure substances and mixtures and describe these characteristics using the particle theory. Further, students will evaluate the social and environmental impacts of the use and disposal of pure substances and mixtures.

Form, Function, and Design of Structures

In the Form, Function, and Design of Structures Unit, students will learn to design and construct a variety of structures. Students will investigate the relationship between the design and function of these structures and the forces that act on them. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between structural forms and the forces that act on and within them. Additionally, students will analyze personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that need to be considered in designing and building structures.

Heat in the Environment

In the Heat in the Environment Unit, students will study ways in which heat changes substances and describe how heat is transferred. Students will demonstrate an understanding of heat as a form of energy that is associated with the movement of particles and is essential to many processes within the earth’s systems. Students will also assess the benefits of technologies that reduce heat loss and analyse social and environmental impacts of the use of energy from renewable and non-renewable sources.

Coding

In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Scissors, stapler, ruler, glue, baking soda, salt, dish soap, food colouring, vinegar, cardboard, a plastic bottle
  • Centimetre grid paper
  • Various household items to complete offline activities

Through a balance of investigations, inquiry-based lessons, and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. Students will learn and start to use the scientific inquiry process, scientific research, and appropriate lab skills. In addition to this, the exploration of key STEM topics is integrated throughout the learning. The course engages multiple learning styles by utilizing a combination of technology and offline activities that provide opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, videos, graphics, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. The activities also build a foundation of scientific models and strategies that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a learning coach to support young students moving through the content. The learning coach will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and in participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 7 Science and Technology? Contact us!