ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
Semester
Goal 1 The learner will describe
and conduct investigations to
demonstrate an understanding of
scientific inquiry.
1.01-1.10 Student Friendly: I can
create questions and hypothesize
experiments by practicing lab safety
procedures using data analysis.
Priority
E, M, I,
N
M
Knowledge Targets
**Vocabulary highlighted
in the lists below is
essential vocabulary that
students should show
mastery of by the end of
this school year.
Define:
Scientific Method
observation
inference
hypothesis
control
variable
dependent
independent variable
constant
evidence
predictions
data
science
analyze
Understand the metric
system.
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Reasoning Targets
1.) Analyze and
interpret data and
graphs.
2.) Identify variables.
3.) Explain
observations.
4.) Make inferences
and predictions.
Performance/ Skill
Targets
1.) Practice safe lab
skills.
2.) Use measurement to
collect data
3) Create data tables,
use and interpret them.
4.) Use the scientific
method to conduct an
investigation and solve
a problem.
5.) Manipulate
materials and
equipment.
6.) Test hypothesis and
communicate findings.
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
1.) Lab report
2.) Science fair
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
Semester
Goal 2 The learner will
demonstrate understanding of
technological design.
2.01-2.04 Student Friendly: I can
use technology to solve problems.
Priority
E, M, I,
N
M
Knowledge Targets
Vocabulary:
technology
Reasoning Targets
1.) Identify scientific
uses for technology.
2.) Identify that
technology has many
meanings.
3.) Use technology to
make informed
decisions about
consumer products.
1st
Semester
Competency Goal 4: The learner
will conduct investigations, use
models, simulations, and
appropriate technologies and
information systems to build an
understanding of the
complementary nature of the
human body system.
4.01 Analyze how human body
systems work together to provide
for the needs of the human
organism.
Student friendly: I can analyze how
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
E
Identify the roles of each
system in maintaining
homeostasis and PH.
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Use a data base and/or
other multimedia
programs to answer
scientific questions,
interpret data, and draw
conclusions based on
the data only.
Use various forms of
technology to
communicate findings.
Give examples of how
each system is
dependent on other
systems of the body.
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
human body systems work together.
(Must be taught directly with 4.02)
4.02 Describe how systems within
the human body are defined by the
functions they perform
Student friendly: I can examine
each body system and describe how
its operation supports life.
*NOTE: Focus on the circulatory,
digestive, endocrine, immune, and
reproductive systems to prepare
students for high school Biology.
4.03 Explain the function of major
organs and how they work with
different body systems.
 Liver
 Heart
 Lung
 Brain
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
E
E
Identify the functions of
each system of the human
body:
Skeletal system
Muscular
Circulatory
Digestive
Endocrine
Nervous
Urinary/Excretory
Reproductive
Respiratory
Immune (response)
Integumentary
Antibody
Antigen
Pathogen
Locate and Identify the
main function and structure
of these organs in the
human body with
emphasis on the following:
Liver
Heart
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Determine ways organs
work together with
more than one system
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)


Priority
E, M, I,
N
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Lung
Stomach/Intestines
Kidney
brain
Stomach/Intestines
Kidney
Student friendly: I can explain the
job of the major organs and how
they work with the rest of the body.
4.04 I can evaluate how certain
systems help regulate internal body
conditions.
4.05 I can analyze how a disruption
in any system can cause the body to
be imbalanced
4.06 I can describe the growth and
development of the human
organism
4.07 I can explain the effects of
environmental influences on
development of offspring and
human health including:
 Smoking
 Alcohol
 Drugs
4.08 I can explain how
understanding the human body
systems can help make unformed
decisions regarding health
Knowledge Targets
I
I
I
N
I
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
Semester
*Based on upcoming DPI
revisions and student preparation
for 8th grade and high school
Biology.
Priority
E, M, I,
N
The learner will understand the
processes, structures and
functions of living organisms that
enable them to survive,
reproduce, and carry out the
basic functions of life.
Student friendly: I can classify
organisms as being unicellular or
multicellular.
I can compare and contrast
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
I can differentiate between plant
and animal cells and point out the
major organelles and their
functions.
E
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Identify the following:
Nucleus
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Chloroplasts
Mitochondria
Vacuoles
Ribosomes
Cellular Respiration
Cell theory
*If time allows continue
teaching the rest of the
cell’s organelles.
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
1st
Semester
Competency Goal 5: The learner
will conduct investigations and
utilize appropriate technologies
and information systems to build
an understanding of heredity and
genetics
5.01
Student Friendly: I can explain
how genes are passed from parent
to child.
I can explain what a trait is.
Priority
E, M, I,
N
E
*NOTE: 9th and 10th grade Biology
needs essential vocabulary
reinforced.
5.02 Explain the role of
reproduction in sorting and
recombining genetic information
from parents
Student friendly: I can understand
how genes combine.
*NOTE: 9th and 10th grade Biology
needs essential vocabulary
reinforced.
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
E
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Define:
Gene
Heredity
Trait
Allele
Chromosome
DNA
Define:
Mitosis
Meiosis
Gamete
Fertilization
Mutation
Haploid
Diploid
Homologous Chromosome
Crossing over
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
5.03 Identify examples and patterns
of human genetic traits
Student friendly: I can understand
how certain traits are expressed.
*NOTE: 9th and 10th grade Biology
needs essential vocabulary
reinforced.
E
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Define:
Dominant allele
Recessive allele
Complete dominance
Incomplete dominance
Sex-linked
Genotype
Phenotype
Heterozygous
Homozygous
Identify the difference
between inherited traits and
acquired traits
5.04 Analyze the role of probability
in determining traits.
Student friendly: I can predict the
probability of a trait being inherited
or not.
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
Define:
Punnett Square
Pedigree Chart
Probability/Ratios
E
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Predict the passing of
traits with a Punnett
square for the following
inheritance patterns:
 Complete
dominance
 Incomplete
dominance
 Sex-linkage
 ABO Blood System
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Evaluate a pedigree
chart to find evidences
of patterns in heredity
5.05 Summarize the genetic
transmittance of disease
Student friendly: I can consider and
analyze technological
advancements in the field of
genetics.
5.06 Analyze evidence that human
characteristics are a product of
 Inheritance
 Environmental factors
 Lifestyle choices
2nd
Semester
E
Explain the role of the
following:
 Genetic
diseases/disorders
 Genetic engineering
 Cloning
I
Competency Goal 6: The learner
will conduct investigations, use
models, simulations, and
appropriate technologies and
information systems to build an
understanding of motion and
forces
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
6.01 Demonstrate ways that simple
machines can change force
6.02 Analyze simple machines for
mechanical advantage and
efficiency
6.03 Evaluate motion in terms of
Newton’s Laws of motion
Priority
E, M, I,
N
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
M
N
Student Friendly: I can give
examples of Newton’s Laws.
*NOTE: In order to help with high
school Physical Science please
focus on laws of motion.
Knowledge Targets
E
Define:
Friction
Motion
Newton’s Laws
Inertia
Acceleration
Mass
Analyze the motion of
objects according to
Newton’s laws
Give examples of
Newton’s laws in
everyday life
Recognize Newton’s laws
of motion in action
6.04 Analyze that an objects motion
is always judged in comparison to
some other object or point.
Student Friendly:
I can evaluate objects in motion by
comparing them to other objects
within my frame of reference.
Define:
Frame of reference
E
*NOTE: In order to assist high
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
school Physical Science please
focus on this objective.
6.05 Describe and measure
quantities that characterize moving
objects and their interactions within
a system.
Student Friendly:
I can measure quantities of moving
things to investigate motion.
Describe characteristics of
moving objects
E
Define:
Time
Speed
Distance
Velocity
Center of mass
Determine appropriate
formulas to use to
measure characteristics
Measure Distance time
mass force velocity and
acceleration
Use formulas to
calculate those
characteristics of
motion
*NOTE: In order to help with high
school Physical Science please
focus on solving problems with
formulas.
6.06 Investigate/analyze real
world interactions of balanced
and unbalanced forces:
 Sports and recreation
2nd
Semester
I
 Transportation
 The human body
Competency Goal 3: The learner
will conduct investigations and
utilize appropriate technologies
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
and information systems to build
an understanding of the
atmosphere
3.01
Student Friendly:
I can identify and describe the
mixture of gases that make up the
atmosphere
I can describe the characteristics of
each layer of the atmosphere
E
I can recognize that as altitude
increases, air pressure decreases
3.02 Student Friendly:
I can identify particles in the
atmosphere that cause pollution
I can identify ways in which ozone
is both harmful and beneficial
3.03 Conclude that the good health
of environments and organisms
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
E
E
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
Define:
Atmosphere
Density
Cycle
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Air pressure
Ozone
Ultraviolet radiation
Radiation
Conduction
Convection
Infrared Radiation
Define:
Particulate
Ozone
Give examples of
particulates
Identify ways humans
contribute to air quality and
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Use critical thinking to
evaluate my behavior
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
requires:
 The monitoring of air
quality
 Taking steps to maintain
healthy air quality/reduce
greenhouse gases
 Stewardship
Student friendly: I can interpret air
quality data and how it can affect
my health.
3.04 I can evaluate how humans
impact air quality including:
 Air quality standards
 Point and non point sources
of air pollution in North
Carolina
 Financial and economic
trade offs
 Local air quality issues
3.05 Student Friendly: I can
examine the properties of the
atmosphere to predict weather
conditions
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
ways humans can reverse
the process of global
warming.
and its effect on air
quality.
Identify the weather effects
of:
Humidity
Temperature
Wind
Air pressure
Analyze weather data
to predict changes in
weather
Performance/ Skill
Targets
I
E
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Predict the probability
of severe weather based
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)
Priority
E, M, I,
N
Knowledge Targets
Define:
Precipitation
Relativity humidity
Saturation
Dew point
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
on current conditions
Describe the formation of:
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Floods
Storms
Fronts
Define the role of these in
weather formation:
Air mass
Coriolis effect
Evaporation
Condensation
3.06 Evaluate the use of technology
in studying atmospheric phenomena
and weather hazards
 Satellites
 Weather maps (including
weather symbols and
weather stations)
 Predicting short and long
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets
ISS Curriculum Guide
7th Grade – Science
Note: Throughout the year focus on word stems (prefixes/suffixes) in order to break words into their parts
to further student understanding and prepare them for high school Biology.
Top 10
EC
ISS Student Friendly Learning
Target
(NCSCOS)


Priority
E, M, I,
N
Knowledge Targets
Reasoning Targets
Performance/ Skill
Targets
term weather (and accuracy
of the predictions)
Recording
Communicating
information about
conditions (weather report)
Student Friendly: I can evaluate
the use of technology in
studying the weather.
E- Essential
M – Maintenance
I – Important
N – Nice to Know
Updated 6/10
Product Targets