Gizmos for Alberta - Science: 7th Grade (Program of Studies adopted 2003)

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this province's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

A: : Interactions and Ecosystems (Social and Environmental Emphasis)

A.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

A.1.1: : Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments, and identify related issues and scientific questions

A.1.1.1: : illustrate how life-supporting environments meet the needs of living things for nutrients, energy sources, moisture, suitable habitat, and exchange of gases

A.1.1.2: : describe examples of interaction and interdependency within an ecosystem (e.g., identify examples of dependency between species, and describe adaptations involved; identify changing relationships between humans and their environments, over time and in different cultures-as, for example, in aboriginal cultures)

A.1.1.3: : identify examples of human impacts on ecosystems, and investigate and analyze the link between these impacts and the human wants and needs that give rise to them (e.g., identify impacts of the use of plants and animals as sources of food, fibre and other materials; identify potential impacts of waste products on environments)

A.1.1.4: : analyze personal and public decisions that involve consideration of environmental impacts, and identify needs for scientific knowledge that can inform those decisions

A.1.2: : Trace and interpret the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem

A.1.2.1: : analyze an ecosystem to identify biotic and abiotic components, and describe interactions among these components

A.1.2.1.b: : describing how matter is recycled in an ecosystem through interactions among plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms

A.1.2.1.c: : interpreting food webs, and predicting the effects of changes to any part of a web

A.1.2.2: : describe the process of cycling carbon and water through an ecosystem

A.1.3: : Monitor a local environment, and assess the impacts of environmental factors on the growth, health and reproduction of organisms in that environment

A.1.3.2: : investigate and interpret evidence of interaction and change (e.g., population fluctuations, changes in weather, availability of food or introduction of new species into an ecosystem)

A.1.4: : Describe the relationships among knowledge, decisions and actions in maintaining life-supporting environments

A.1.4.1: : identify intended and unintended consequences of human activities within local and global environments (e.g., changes resulting from habitat loss, pest control or from introduction of new species; changes leading to species extinction)

A.1.4.2: : describe and interpret examples of scientific investigations that serve to inform environmental decision making

A.2: : Skill Outcomes (focus on the use of research and inquiry skills to inform the decision-making process)

A.2.1: : Initiating and Planning

A.2.1.1: : Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

A.2.1.1.a: : identify science-related issues (e.g., identify a specific issue regarding human impacts on environments)

A.2.1.1.b: : identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems and issues (e.g., identify questions, such as: "What effects would an urban or industrial development have on a nearby forest or farming community?")

A.2.1.1.c: : state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events (e.g., predict changes in the population of an organism if factor X were increased, or if a species were introduced or removed from the ecosystem; propose factors that will affect the population of a given animal species)

A.2.1.1.d: : select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data and information (e.g., select or develop a method for estimating a plant population within a given study plot; design a survey as a first step in investigating an environmental issue)

A.2.2: : Performing and Recording

A.2.2.1: : Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

A.2.2.1.c: : use tools and apparatus effectively and accurately for collecting data (e.g., measure factors, such as temperature, moisture, light, shelter and potential sources of food, that might affect the survival and distribution of different organisms within a local environment)

A.2.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting

A.2.3.1: : Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

A.2.3.1.b: : compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs and line graphs (e.g., illustrate a food web, based on observations made within a given environment)

A.2.4: : Communication and Teamwork

A.2.4.1: : Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results

A.2.4.1.a: : communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means (e.g., present findings from an analysis of a local issue, such as the control of the beaver population in a nearby wetland)

A.2.4.1.b: : evaluate individual and group processes used in planning, problem solving, decision making and completing a task

A.3: : Attitude Outcomes

A.3.3: : Scientific Inquiry

A.3.3.1: : Seek and apply evidence when evaluating alternative approaches to investigations, problems and issues (e.g., take the time to accurately gather evidence and use instruments carefully; consider observations, ideas and perspectives from a number of sources during investigations and before drawing conclusions and making decisions)

A.3.5: : Stewardship

A.3.5.1: : Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment (e.g., assume personal responsibility for their impact on the environment; predict consequences of proposed personal actions on the environment; consider both immediate and long-term consequences of group actions; identify, objectively, potential conflicts between responding to human wants and needs and protecting the environment)

B: : Plants for Food and Fibre (Science and Technology Emphasis)

B.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

B.1.1: : Investigate plant uses; and identify links among needs, technologies, products and impacts

B.1.1.1: : illustrate and explain the essential role of plants within the environment

B.1.2: : Investigate life processes and structures of plants, and interpret related characteristics and needs of plants in a local environment

B.1.2.3: : investigate and interpret variations in needs of different plants and their tolerance for different growing conditions (e.g., tolerance for drought, soil salinization or short growing seasons)

B.1.2.4: : describe the processes of diffusion, osmosis, conduction of fluids, transpiration, photosynthesis and gas exchange in plants [Note: This item requires a general understanding of the processes; it does not require knowledge of the specific biochemistry of these processes.]

B.1.2.5: : describe life cycles of seed plants, and identify example methods used to ensure their germination, growth and reproduction (e.g., describe propagation of plants from seeds and vegetative techniques, such as cuttings; conduct a germination study; describe the use of beehives to support pollination)

B.2: : Skill Outcomes (focus on problem solving)

B.2.1: : Initiating and Planning

B.2.1.1: : Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

B.2.1.1.b: : identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems and issues (e.g., What methods will help limit moisture loss from plants and soil? What reduction in the loss of soil moisture can be achieved through the use of a plastic ground sheet or through the use of a plastic canopy?)

B.2.1.1.c: : rephrase questions in a testable form, and clearly define practical problems (e.g., rephrase a broad question, such as: "What amount of fertilizer is best?" to become "What effect will the application of different quantities of fertilizer X have on the growth of plant Y and its environment?")

B.2.1.1.d: : state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events (e.g., predict the effect of a particular plant treatment)

B.2.2: : Performing and Recording

B.2.2.1: : Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

B.2.2.1.c: : observe and record data, and create simple line drawings (e.g., describe plant growth, using qualitative and quantitative observations; draw and describe plant changes resulting from an experimental procedure)

B.2.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting

B.2.3.1: : Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

B.2.3.1.a: : identify strengths and weaknesses of different methods of collecting and displaying data (e.g., compare two different ways to measure the amount of moisture in soil; evaluate different ways of presenting data on the health and growth of plants)

B.2.3.1.b: : use and/or construct a classification key (e.g., distinguish among several grain varieties, using a classification guide or key)

B.2.3.1.c: : compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs and line graphs (e.g., prepare a record of a plant's growth that charts its development in terms of height, leaf development, flowering and seed production)

B.2.4: : Communication and Teamwork

B.2.4.1: : Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results

B.2.4.1.b: : communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means (e.g., show the growth of a group of plants over time through a data table and diagrams)

B.3: : Attitude Outcomes

B.3.3: : Scientific Inquiry

B.3.3.1: : Seek and apply evidence when evaluating alternative approaches to investigations, problems and issues (e.g., consider the nutrient content of food they eat and the potential presence of residues; consider observations and ideas from a number of sources, during investigations and before drawing conclusions)

B.3.5: : Stewardship

B.3.5.1: : Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment (e.g., voluntarily care for plants in a school or home environment; assume personal responsibility for their impact on the environment; recognize that their consumption habits have environmental consequences)

C: : Heat and Temperature (Social and Environmental Emphasis)

C.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

C.1.1: : Illustrate and explain how human needs have led to technologies for obtaining and controlling thermal energy and to increased use of energy resources

C.1.1.3: : identify and explain uses of devices and systems to generate, transfer, control or remove thermal energy (e.g., describe how a furnace and wall thermostat keep a house at a constant temperature)

C.1.1.4: : identify examples of personal and societal choices in using energy resources and technology (e.g., identify choices that affect the amount of hot water used in their daily routines; identify choices in how that water is heated)

C.1.2: : Describe the nature of thermal energy and its effects on different forms of matter, using informal observations, experimental evidence and models

C.1.2.1: : compare heat transmission in different materials (e.g., compare conduction of heat in different solids; compare the absorption of radiant heat by different surfaces)

C.1.2.2: : explain how heat is transmitted by conduction, convection and radiation in solids, liquids and gases

C.1.2.3: : describe the effect of heat on the motion of particles; and explain changes of state, using the particle model of matter

C.1.3: : Apply an understanding of heat and temperature in interpreting natural phenomena and technological devices

C.1.3.3: : compare and evaluate materials and designs that maximize or minimize heat energy transfer (e.g., design and build a device that minimizes energy transfer, such as an insulated container for hot drinks; evaluate different window coatings for use in a model home)

C.1.3.6: : investigate and describe practical problems in controlling and using thermal energy (e.g., heat losses, excess energy consumption, damage to materials caused by uneven heating, risk of fire)

C.2: : Skill Outcomes (focus on the use of research and inquiry skills to inform the decision-making process)

C.2.1: : Initiating and Planning

C.2.1.1: : Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

C.2.1.1.b: : identify questions to investigate arising from a problem or issue (e.g., ask a question about the source of cold air in a building, or about ways to prevent cold areas)

C.2.1.1.d: : design an experiment, and control the major variables (e.g., design an experiment to evaluate two alternative designs for solar heating a model house)

C.2.2: : Performing and Recording

C.2.2.1: : Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

C.2.2.1.a: : identify data and information that are relevant to a given problem or issue

C.2.2.1.c: : use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data (e.g., accurately read temperature scales and use a variety of thermometers; demonstrate skill in downloading text, images, and audio and video files on methods of solar heating)

C.2.2.1.d: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables (e.g., show appropriate attention to controls in investigations of the insulative properties of different materials)

C.2.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting

C.2.3.1: : Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

C.2.3.1.a: : compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs and line graphs (e.g., construct a database to enter, compare and present data on the insulative properties of different materials)

C.2.3.1.d: : test the design of a constructed device or system (e.g., test a personally-constructed heating or cooling device)

C.2.4: : Communication and Teamwork

C.2.4.1: : Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results

C.2.4.1.a: : communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means (e.g., use electronic hardware to generate data summaries and graphs of group data, and present these findings)

C.3: : Attitude Outcomes

C.3.3: : Scientific Inquiry

C.3.3.1: : Seek and apply evidence when evaluating alternative approaches to investigations, problems and issues (e.g., view a situation from different perspectives; propose options and compare them when making decisions or taking action)

C.3.5: : Stewardship

C.3.5.1: : Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment (e.g., recognize the distinction between renewable and nonrenewable resources and the implications this has for responsible action; objectively identify potential conflicts between responding to human wants and needs and protecting the environment)

D: : Structures and Forces (Science and Technology Emphasis)

D.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

D.1.1: : Describe and interpret different types of structures encountered in everyday objects, buildings, plants and animals; and identify materials from which they are made

D.1.1.2: : interpret examples of variation in the design of structures that share a common function, and evaluate the effectiveness of the designs (e.g., compare and evaluate different forms of roofed structures, or different designs for communication towers)

D.2: : Skill Outcomes (focus on problem solving)

D.2.1: : Initiating and Planning

D.2.1.1: : Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

D.2.1.1.c: : select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data to solve problems (e.g., use or develop an appropriate method for determining if the mass of a structure is well distributed over its foundation)

D.2.2: : Performing and Recording

D.2.2.1: : Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

D.2.2.1.c: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables (e.g., ensure that tests to determine the effect of any one variable are based on changes to that variable only)

D.2.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting

D.2.3.1: : Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

D.2.3.1.a: : compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs, line graphs and scatterplots (e.g., plot a graph, showing the deflection of different materials tested under load)

D.2.3.1.c: : test the design of a constructed device or system (e.g., test and evaluate a prototype design of a foundation for a model building to be constructed on sand)

D.2.4: : Communication and Teamwork

D.2.4.1: : Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results

D.2.4.1.a: : communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means (e.g., produce a work plan, in cooperation with other team members, that identifies criteria for selecting materials and evaluating designs)

D.3: : Attitude Outcomes

D.3.5: : Stewardship

D.3.5.1: : Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment (e.g., consider the cause-and-effect relationships of personal actions and decisions)

E: : Planet Earth (Nature of Science Emphasis)

E.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

E.1.1: : Describe and demonstrate methods used in the scientific study of Earth and in observing and interpreting its component materials

E.1.1.1: : investigate and interpret evidence that Earth's surface undergoes both gradual and sudden change (e.g., recognize earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides as examples of sudden change; recognize glacial erosion and river erosion as examples of gradual/incremental change)

E.1.1.4: : explain the need for common terminology and conventions in describing rocks and minerals, and apply suitable terms and conventions in describing sample materials (e.g., use common terms in describing the lustre, transparency, cleavage and fracture of rocks and minerals; apply the Mohs' scale in describing mineral hardness)

E.1.2: : Identify evidence for the rock cycle, and use the rock cycle concept to interpret and explain the characteristics of particular rocks

E.1.2.2: : describe characteristics of the three main classes of rocks-igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic-and describe evidence of their formation (e.g., describe evidence of igneous rock formation, based on the study of rocks found in and around volcanoes; describe the role of fossil evidence in interpreting sedimentary rock)

E.1.2.4: : investigate and interpret examples of weathering, erosion and sedimentation

E.1.3: : Investigate and interpret evidence of major changes in landforms and the rock layers that underlie them

E.1.3.1: : investigate and interpret patterns in the structure and distribution of mountain formations (e.g., describe and interpret mountain formations of the North American cordillera)

E.1.3.2: : interpret the structure and development of fold and fault mountains

E.1.3.4: : identify and interpret examples of gradual/incremental change, and predict the results of those changes over extended periods of time (e.g., identify evidence of erosion, and predict the effect of erosional change over a year, century and millennium; project the effect of a given rate of continental drift over a period of one million years)

E.1.4: : Describe, interpret and evaluate evidence from the fossil record

E.1.4.3: : describe patterns in the appearance of different life forms, as indicated by the fossil record (e.g., construct and interpret a geological time scale; and describe, in general terms, the evidence that has led to its development)

E.1.4.4: : identify uncertainties in interpreting individual items of fossil evidence; and explain the role of accumulated evidence in developing accepted scientific ideas, theories and explanations

E.2: : Skill Outcomes (focus on scientific inquiry)

E.2.1: : Initiating and Planning

E.2.1.1: : Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

E.2.1.1.a: : identify questions to investigate (e.g., How are rocks formed?)

E.2.1.1.b: : define and delimit questions to facilitate investigation (e.g., ask a question about a sample group of rocks from a specific region, or about a specific type of rock or rock formation)

E.2.1.1.c: : state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events (e.g., predict where an outcrop of a given rock will appear, based on observations at nearby sites)

E.2.1.1.d: : formulate operational definitions of major variables and other aspects of their investigations (e.g., define hardness by reference to a set of mineral samples, or by reference to the Mohs' scale of hardness)

E.2.2: : Performing and Recording

E.2.2.1: : Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

E.2.2.1.a: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables

E.2.2.1.e: : organize data, using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment (e.g., use diagrams to show the shape and thickness of different layers in a rock outcrop)

E.2.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting

E.2.3.1: : Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

E.2.3.1.b: : interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer and explain relationships among the variables (e.g., interpret example graphs of seismic data, and explain the lag time between data received at different locations)

E.2.3.1.c: : predict the value of a variable, by interpolating or extrapolating from data (e.g., determine, in a stream table study, the quantity of sediment carried over a half-hour period, then extrapolate the amount that would be carried if the time were extended to a day, month, year or millennium)

E.3: : Attitude Outcomes

E.3.5: : Stewardship

E.3.5.1: : Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment (e.g., recognize that fossils are a part of public heritage and that they should not be defaced or removed from where they are found; consider the needs of other people and the precariousness of the environment when making decisions and taking action)

Correlation last revised: 9/16/2020

Alberta - Science: 7th Grade

Program of Studies | Adopted: 2003

A: : Interactions and Ecosystems (Social and Environmental Emphasis)

B: : Plants for Food and Fibre (Science and Technology Emphasis)

C: : Heat and Temperature (Social and Environmental Emphasis)

D: : Structures and Forces (Science and Technology Emphasis)

E: : Planet Earth (Nature of Science Emphasis)