Grade 7 Science SOL Standards

Networking and the Internet

Impacts of Computing

Data and Analysis

Cybersecurity

Computing Systems

Algorithms and Programming

Economic Decisions

The Political Process

Citizenship and Civic Life

American Constitutional Government

Skills

The student will construct programs to accomplish a task as a means of creative expression or scientific exploration using a block based or text based programming language, both independently and collaboratively,

combining control structures such as if-statements and loops including compound conditionals; and

creating clearly named variables that represent different data types, including numeric and non-numeric data, and perform operations on their values.

The student will explain how advances in technology have contributed to Virginia's prosperity and role in the global economy.

The student will describe the development of new technologies in communication, entertainment, and business and their impact on American life.

The student will explore careers related to the Internet.

The student will outline the advantages and disadvantages of transmitting information over the Internet, including speed, reliability, cost and security.

The student will explain why protocols are necessary in data transmission. Model the role of protocols in transmitting data across networks and the Internet.

The student will model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks and the Internet, and reassembled at the destination.

The student will document programs to make them easier to follow, test, and debug.

The student will distribute tasks and maintain a project timeline when collaboratively developing computational artifacts.

The student will decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review of programs.

The student will describe how the Internet connects devices and networks all over the world. Exclusion: Specific devices used to implement the Internet are beyond the scope of these standards.

The student will explain how physical and digital security measures protect electronic information.

The student will identify existing cybersecurity concerns associated with Internet use and Internet-based systems and potential options to address these issues.

The student will discuss the correctness of a model representing a system by comparing the model's generated results with data that were observed in the system being modeled.

The student will refine computational models based on the data they have generated.

The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the foundations of the American constitutional democracy by

explaining the fundamental principles of limited government, republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty;

describing the Magna Carta, English common law, charters of the Virginia Company of London (April 10, 1606; May 23, 1609; and March 12, 1612), the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and their influence on the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights;

comparing and contrasting debates, compromises, and plans surrounding the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights;

describing the purpose of the Constitution of the United States as stated in its Preamble;

explaining the fundamental concepts of the U.S. government, including but not limited to due process, equal justice under the law, equal protection, elections and a representative government, limited government, right to private property, rule of law, Supremacy Clause, and separation of powers; and

describing the procedures for amending the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States.

The students will apply history and social science skills to analyze the role of public participation in American civic life by

describing duties of citizens, including paying taxes, serving on a jury, following the law, voting, and registering for selective service;

evaluating voting dates and processes in Virginia; and

explaining voter eligibility and requirements for registration.

The student will apply history and social science skills to analyze how economic decisions are made in the marketplace and in daily life by

explaining that because of scarcity, consumers, producers, and governments must make economic choices, and understanding that all choices have an opportunity cost;

explaining the importance of innovation and productivity, including the freedom to choose occupations, the role of technology, and the development of human capital; and

comparing and contrasting free-market, command, and mixed economies to determine how each affects the allocation of limited resources and the subsequent effects on individuals’ lives.

The student will apply history and social science skills to describe the United States economy by

evaluating the shared fundamental principles and connection of free enterprise and democracy;

describing the critical components of the United States economy, such as limited government, private property, markets, consumer sovereignty, and competition;

explaining the effect of supply and demand in a market economy on consumer prices and the concept of inflation;

describing the types of business organizations and the role of entrepreneurship;

explaining the role of consumers, producers, and government interactions on the economy;

explaining how financial institutions are critical to creating capital to fuel economic growth for individuals and the larger economy by channeling funds from savers to borrowers through lending; and

analyzing the role of Virginia in the United States and global economies, with an emphasis on the effect of technological innovations.

The student will apply history and social science skills to analyze the role of government in the United States economy by

examining the effect of competition in the marketplace;

explaining how and why government provides certain public goods and services;

describing how local, state, and federal governments allocate their budgets and collect taxes to pay for goods and services;

explaining the structure and main function of the Federal Reserve System and how it acts as the nation’s central bank;

explaining the role of government currency and analyzing the purpose of a money economy;

describing how governments regulate commerce to protect consumers, the environment, competition in the marketplace, and property rights; and

evaluating how and why governments regulate industry, labor, competition, and monopolies in the marketplace.

The student will apply history and social science skills to explain career opportunities and understand the fundamentals of personal finance by

identifying the talents, interests, and aspirations that can influence career choice;

identifying the attitudes and behaviors that strengthen the individual work ethic and promote career success;

identifying human capital, abilities, intellectual and physical skills, work habits, and education and the changing supply of and demand for them in the economy;

examining the effect of technological change and globalization on career opportunities;

describing the importance of education to one’s intellectual life, lifelong learning, and personal goals;

analyzing the role of financial responsibility in good citizenship, including, but not limited to evaluating common forms of credit, savings, and investments;

describing the importance of equal opportunities for access to education and training; and

researching jobs and careers in the public and private sector and understanding the pathways to various careers.

The student will apply history and social science skills to analyze how American constitutional government functions at the national level by

describing the structure and powers of the government (the three branches of government);

explaining the legislative branch and the lawmaking process as explained in Article I of the U.S. Constitution;

explaining the particular role and powers of the executive branch as explained in Article II of the U.S. Constitution;

explaining the particular role and powers of the judicial branch as explained in Article III of the U.S. Constitution; and

explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances.

The student will apply history and social science skills to analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level by

describing the structure and powers of the state government (the three branches of government);

explaining the state lawmaking process;

describing the roles and powers of the executive branch and regulatory boards as they affect states;

explaining the relationship between state governments and the national government in the federal system, referencing Federalist No.10 and Federalist No. 51; and

explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances at the state level.

The student will apply history and social science skills to analyze American constitutional government at the local level by

describing the structure and powers of the local government and explaining the local lawmaking process;

describing how state, national, and international issues and events impact local decision making; and

comparing and contrasting powers and responsibilities of local, state, federal, and tribal governments, including, but not limited to citizen engagement, how each is financed, and how they work together and independently.

The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the judicial systems established by the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States by

describing the system of state and federal courts, including, but not limited to jurisdiction and judicial review;

describing how due-process protections seek to ensure justice;

comparing and contrasting civil and criminal cases; and

explaining the effects of Supreme Court cases affecting the judiciary, including, but not limited to Marbury v. Madison.

The student will apply history and social science skills to define citizenship by

describing the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States;

describing the rights and privileges guaranteed by the First Amendment, including freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection under the law (Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments), and protection from unreasonable government search and seizure (Fourth Amendment);

examining ways to peacefully work for change in communities or the nation by participating in political campaigns and methods of peacefully petitioning the government for change;

examining how civic participation can address community needs and serve the public good, including the importance of volunteering, staying informed about current issues, and respecting differing beliefs in a diverse society;

examining the process and importance of immigration policies at different points in U.S. history; and

reviewing the criteria and exam for naturalizing U.S. citizens.

The student will apply history and social science skills that exhibit effective and respectful participation in civic life, including, but not limited to civility, trustworthiness and honesty, courtesy and respect for the rights of others, personal responsibility, military service, selfreliance, hard work, respect for the law, patriotism, and service in one’s community.

The student will apply history and social science skills to examine the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by

describing the origins, history, and functions of political parties;

analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the roles of candidates, volunteers, the media, voters, and poll watchers;

explaining the role of campaign contributions and the cost of campaigns;

examining the history of and requirements for voter registration; and

describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of the president and vice president.

The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the role of the media and social media and the influence on local, state, and national levels of government by

explaining the role and rights of the press in reporting events;

describing the effect biased reporting can have on public opinion;

explaining that individuals play in the political policy-making process by expressing their opinions formally or informally via print, electronically, or in person;

evaluating the effect of social media on political campaigns, politics, and civic discourse;

identifying the source of information and considering possible motivations or biases of its creator; and

evaluating multiple sources describing the same event or idea and reflecting on the reasons for any discrepancies.

The student will apply history and social science skills to the content by

selecting and synthesizing evidence from information sources, including, but not limited to artifacts, primary and secondary sources, charts, graphs, and diagrams to understand civics and economics;

applying geographic skills to determine and predict patterns and trends of people, places, or events;

developing questions, enhancing curiosity, and engaging in critical thinking and analysis;

integrating evidence to construct and analyze timelines, classify events, and to distinguish fact and opinion;

comparing and contrasting historical, cultural, economic, and political perspectives;

determining and explaining cause and effect relationships;

analyzing the costs and benefits and incentives and consequences of a specific choice using various economic decision-making models;

engaging and communicating as a civil and informed individual with persons with different perspectives; and

developing products that reflect an understanding of research, content, and civics and economic concepts.

Physical Science

Life Science

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions and develop hypotheses to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies including the use of microscopes

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

identify, interpret, and evaluate patterns in data

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in their findings

consider limitations of data analysis and/or seek to improve precision and accuracy of data

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct explanations that include qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' own investigations)

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis and theory

developing and using models

construct and use models and simulations to illustrate, predict, and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena, life processes, or mechanisms

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to obtain scientific and/or technical information

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication

construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key ideas include

DNA has a role in making proteins that determine organism traits;

the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and

Punnett squares are mathematical models used to predict the probability of traits in offspring.

The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms can change over time. Key ideas include

mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction change populations;

the fossil record, genetic information, and anatomical comparisons provide evidence for evolution; and

environmental factors and genetic variation, influence survivability and diversity of organisms.

The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory. Key ideas include

the development of the cell theory demonstrates the nature of science;

cell structure and organelles support life processes;

similarities and differences between plant and animal cells determine how they support life processes;

cell division is the mechanism for growth and reproduction; and

cellular transport (osmosis and diffusion) is important for life processes.

The student will investigate and understand that there are levels of structural organization in living things. Key ideas include

patterns of cellular organization support life processes;

unicellular and multicellular organisms have comparative structures; and

similar characteristics determine the classification of organisms.

The student will investigate and understand that there are chemical processes of energy transfer which are important for life. Key ideas include

photosynthesis is the foundation of virtually all food webs; and

photosynthesis and cellular respiration support life processes.

The student will investigate and understand that biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem. Key ideas include

matter moves through ecosystems via the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles;

energy flow is represented by food webs and energy pyramids; and

relationships exist among producers, consumers, and decomposers.

The student will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. Key ideas include

relationships exist between predators and prey and these relationships are modeled in food webs;

the availability and use of resources may lead to competition and cooperation;

symbiotic relationships support the survival of different species; and

the niche of each organism supports survival.

The student will investigate and understand that adaptations support an organism's survival in an ecosystem. Key ideas include

biotic and abiotic factors define land, marine, and freshwater ecosystems; and

physical and behavioral characteristics enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem.

The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time. Key ideas include

organisms respond to daily, seasonal, and long-term changes;

changes in the environment may increase or decrease population size; and

large-scale changes such as eutrophication, climate changes, and catastrophic disturbances affect ecosystems.

The student will investigate and understand that relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key ideas include

changes in habitat can disturb populations;

disruptions in ecosystems can change species competition; and

variations in biotic and abiotic factors can change ecosystems.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer

develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies

apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process or system

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' own investigations)

construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

developing and using models

construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to determine the central idea and/or obtain scientific and/or technical information

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication

construct, use, and/or present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

The student will investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include

our understanding of atoms has developed over time;

the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter; and

the kinetic molecular theory is used to predict and explain matter interactions.

The student will investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes. Key ideas include

pure substances can be identified based on their chemical and physical properties;

pure substances can undergo physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties;

compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding; and

balanced chemical equations model the conservation of matter.

The student will investigate and understand that the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their atomic structure. Key uses include

symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods are identified on the periodic table; and

elements are classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.

The student will investigate and understand that energy is conserved. Key ideas include

energy can be stored in different ways;

energy is transferred and transformed; and

energy can be transformed to meet societal needs.

The student will investigate and understand that waves are important in the movement of energy. Key ideas include

energy may be transferred in the form of longitudinal and transverse waves;

mechanical waves need a medium to transfer energy;

waves can interact; and

energy associated with waves has many applications.

The student will investigate and understand that electromagnetic radiation has characteristics. Key ideas include

electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, has wave characteristics and behavior; and

regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have specific characteristics and uses.

The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. Key ideas include

motion can be described using position and time; and

motion is described by Newton's laws.

The student will investigate and understand that there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key ideas include

an imbalance of charge generates static electricity;

materials have different conductive properties;

electric circuits transfer energy;

magnetic fields model the magnetic effects of certain materials;

electric current and magnetic fields are related; and

many technologies use electricity and magnetism.

The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key ideas include

DNA has a role in making proteins that determine organism traits;

the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and

Punnett squares are mathematical models used to predict the probability of traits in offspring

The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms can change over time. Key ideas include

mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction change populations;

the fossil record, genetic information, and anatomical comparisons provide evidence for evolution; and

environmental factors and genetic variation, influence survivability and diversity of organisms

asking questions and defining problems

planning and carrying out investigations

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

developing and using models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory. Key ideas include

the development of the cell theory demonstrates the nature of science

cell structure and organelles support life processes;

similarities and differences between plant and animal cells determine how they support life processes;

cell division is the mechanism for growth and reproduction; and

cellular transport (osmosis and diffusion) is important for life processes

The student will investigate and understand that there are levels of structural organization in living things. Key ideas include

patterns of cellular organization support life processes;

unicellular and multicellular organisms have comparative structures; and

similar characteristics determine the classification of organisms.

The student will investigate and understand that there are chemical processes of energy transfer which are important for life. Key ideas include

photosynthesis is the foundation of virtually all food webs; and

photosynthesis and cellular respiration support life processes.

The student will investigate and understand that biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem. Key ideas include

matter moves through ecosystems via the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles;

energy flow is represented by food webs and energy pyramids; and

relationships exist among producers, consumers, and decomposers.

The student will investigate and understand that populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. Key ideas include

relationships exist between predators and prey and these relationships are modeled in food webs;

the availability and use of resources may lead to competition and cooperation;

symbiotic relationships support the survival of different species; and

the niche of each organism supports survival.

The student will investigate and understand that adaptations support an organism’s survival in an ecosystem. Key ideas include

biotic and abiotic factors define land, marine, and freshwater ecosystems; and

physical and behavioral characteristics enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem

The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic and change over time. Key ideas include

organisms respond to daily, seasonal, and long-term changes;

changes in the environment may increase or decrease population size; and

large-scale changes such as eutrophication, climate changes, and catastrophic disturbances affect ecosystems.

The student will investigate and understand that relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key ideas include

changes in habitat can disturb populations;

disruptions in ecosystems can change species competition; and

variations in biotic and abiotic factors can change ecosystems.

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

Computing Systems

Algorithms and Programming

36-Week Module

Computing Systems

Impacts of Computing

Data and Analysis

Cybersecurity

Networks and the Internet

Algorithms and Programming

Impacts of Computing

Algorithms and Programming

6, 9, and 18-Week Module

The student will design and iteratively develop programs that combine control structures, including loops and conditionals.

The student will model the role of protocols in transmitting data across networks and the Internet.

The student will apply multiple methods of encryption to model the secure transmission of information.

The student will explain how physical and digital security measures protect electronic information.

The student will collect data using computational tools and transform the data to make it more useful and reliable.

The student will refine computational models based on the data they have generated.

The student will represent data using multiple encoding schemes.

The student will discuss issues of bias and accessibility in the design of existing technologies.

The student will compare tradeoffs associated with computing technologies that affect people's everyday activities and career options.

The student will collaborate with many contributors through strategies such as crowdsourcing or surveys when creating a computational artifact or visualization.

The student will describe tradeoffs between allowing information to be public and keeping information private and secure.

The student will investigate variables and data types, including simple operations on strings.

The student will systematically identify and correct problems with computing devices and their components.

The student will explore the relationship between hardware and software using the Internet of Things.

The student will

work in a team to distribute tasks;

maintain a timeline; and

use iterative design to solve problems, including peer review and feedback.

The student will decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review of programs.

The student will create procedures with parameters to organize code and make it easier to reuse.

The student will recommend improvements to the design of computing devices, based on an analysis of how users interact with the devices.

The student will design projects that combine hardware and software components to collect and exchange data.

The student will implement a program that accepts input values, stores them in appropriately named variables, and produces output.

The student will document programs in order to make them easier to trace, test, and debug.

The student will discuss issues of bias and accessibility in the design of existing technologies.

The student will describe and explain the history of computer science, including naming significant historical figures and describing their impact on the field.

The student will use flowcharts and/or pseudo code to address complex problems as algorithms.

The student will incorporate existing code, media, and libraries into original programs, and give attribution.

The student will systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases.