Governor Wentworth Regional School District
Governor Wentworth Regional School District Curriculum “I Can” Statements Grade 7 English Language Arts Reading Comprehension By the end of Grade 7… I can use several examples from the text to support my thoughts and inferences (logical conclusions) about a story, play, poem, or nonfiction text. I can use details from the text to determine the theme or message of a story, play, or poem. I can find more than one main idea in a nonfiction text and explain how the ideas develop throughout the text. I can give an unbiased summary of a story, play, poem, or nonfiction text. I can explain how elements of a story or play work together (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot). I can explain and discuss how individuals, events, and ideas interact with each other in a nonfiction text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events). I can locate and judge arguments or claims in a text. I can determine whether or not there is enough relevant evidence to support an argument or claim(s). I can read and understand 7th grade stories, plays, poems, and nonfiction texts independently. Reading Analysis By the end of Grade 7… I can use context clues to figure out the meanings (including figurative connotative, and technical meanings) of words and phrases in a story, play, poem, or nonfiction text. I can determine how rhymes and sound repetitions (e.g., alliteration) influence a story, play, or poem. I can analyze the author's word choice and tone in a nonfiction text. I can explain how the structure of a play or poem helps me understand its meaning (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet). I can explain how an author organizes a text to develop ideas. I can think and talk about how major sections of a nonfiction text relate to each other and to the whole. I can explain the similarities and differences of characters’ points of view in a story, play, or poem. I can think and talk about how an author develops and contrasts different points of view in a text. I can figure out an author’s point of view or purpose in a nonfiction text. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can think and talk about how the author's point of view is different from others. I can identify similarities and differences between a written text and audio, video, staged, or multimedia versions of the text. I can identify unique production techniques of stage, film, and multimedia (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film) and think and talk about how these techniques impact the story, play, or poem. I can think and talk about how the written, audio, video, or multimedia version of a nonfiction text impacts the presentation of the subject (e.g., how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words). I can analyze how two or more authors write about the same topic in different ways by comparing how they present or interpret facts and evidence. I can explain the similarities and differences between historical and fictional accounts of an event. I can explain how historical events, settings, or characters are represented and sometimes altered in fictional texts. Writing By the end of Grade 7… I can introduce a claim and recognize opposing views to my claim. I can logically organize reasons and evidence that support my claim. I can support my claim(s) with reasons and evidence that make sense and are relevant. I can support my claim(s) using appropriate and reliable sources. I can use words, phrases, and clauses to clearly show how claims, reasons, and evidence fit together. I can use a formal style in presenting my written arguments. I can write a conclusion that relates to and supports the arguments I presented. I can organize my writing with a clear introduction and use appropriate strategies to help explain my topic. I can use formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia to help others understand my topic better. I can explain a topic using appropriate facts, definitions, details, quotations, or other information and examples. I can use appropriate transitions to make clear connections between my ideas and concepts. I can use detailed wording and specific vocabulary to teach others about a topic. I can use a formal style in presenting written information. I can write a conclusion that is related to and supports the information or explanation I presented. I can gain the reader's attention by introducing ideas, a point of view, and a narrator and/or characters. I can organize events in a narrative in a natural and logical order. I can use different techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and descriptive words, to help develop the characters and plots of my stories. I can use different transition words to show the sequence of events or shifts in the time or setting in my stories. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can use specific words and phrases, descriptive details, and details that describe the senses (sound, sight, touch, taste, smell), to show the action and experiences in my stories. I can write a conclusion that relates to and reflects on the experiences and events I shared in my story. I can create clear and organized writing. I can write for different purposes, audiences, and topics. With some help, I can use prewriting strategies (brainstorming, graphic organizers, etc.) to come up with ideas for my writing. With some help, I can edit, revise, or rewrite my writing to make sure that I have appropriately addressed the audience and clearly covered the topic/purpose. With some help, I can recognize when revision, editing, and rewriting are not enough to make my writing better, and try a new approach. I can use technology, including the Internet, to create my writing and to interact and share ideas with others. I can appropriately link to and cite the different technology sources I have used in my writing. Research Skills By the end of Grade 7… I can use various sources to complete short research projects in order to answer a question. I can research a topic and develop more questions about that topic for further exploration. I can determine if a source is credible and accurate when I gather new information from books or technology. I can quote or paraphrase from print and digital sources without plagiarizing. I can correctly cite sources within or at the end of my writing. I can apply all that I have learned in 7th grade reading to writing stories, plays, poems, and informational texts. I can write for short time frames or over a longer period of time depending on my purpose, audience, and topic. Speaking and Listening By the end of Grade 7… I can effectively participate in different types of discussions and with different people. I can come to discussions prepared to share my ideas because I have read or studied appropriate materials. I can use examples and evidence from what I have read to help me respond to or reflect on the ideas in the discussion. I can follow rules (e.g., listening to others, waiting my turn to speak), set goals and track my progress, meet deadlines, and carry out my assigned role in discussions. I can ask questions and comment about a topic to encourage others to respond and stay on topic during discussions. I can consider other points of view that may change my own understanding during discussions with others.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can understand and explain information presented in different formats (visually, orally, or in numbers). I can talk about how the ideas presented in different formats help to explain a topic, text, or issue. I can identify and evaluate a speaker's arguments and claims. I can determine whether or not there is enough relevant evidence to support an argument. I can present claims in a logical order using relevant descriptions, facts, details, and examples. I can use appropriate eye contact and volume, as well as speak clearly, when I present ideas to others. I can give a presentation using multimedia and visual displays to explain my claims and make my point clearly. I can change my way of speaking for a variety of situations and tasks and show that I can use formal English when necessary and appropriate. Language and Vocabulary By the end of Grade 7… I can define phrases and clauses and explain how they work in sentences. I can identify the differences between simple, compound, complex and compoundcomplex sentences. I can use the different sentence types (simple, compound, complex and compoundcomplex) to clarify ideas. I can use phrases and clauses correctly in sentences. I can find and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers in sentences. I can use commas to separate adjectives when needed (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie). I can spell correctly. I can choose words that express my ideas clearly. I can revise my writing to avoid wordiness and repetition. I can use context clues to figure out what words or phrases mean. I can determine the meanings of unknown words by using what I know about common Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots. I can use print and digital reference sources to help me find the pronunciations and clarify meanings and parts of speech for new words or phrases. I can make a guess about a word or phrase's meaning and then check the meaning using reference materials. I can identify and explain the use of literary, biblical, and mythological references. I can use the relationships between words to help me better understand each of the individual words (ex: synonym/antonym or analogy). I can understand the slight differences between words with similar definitions (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending). I can figure out and use new vocabulary appropriate for 7th grade.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
Mathematics* *The following “I can” statements are for Math 7. If your student is taking Pre-Algebra, please see the Pre-Algebra “I can” statements further down. Ratios and Proportional Relationships By the end of Grade 7… I can calculate a unit rate using ratios and proportions measured in like or different units. (Ex: If a person walks ½ mile in each ¼ hour, compute the unit rate as the complex fraction 1/12/1/4 miles per hour, equivalently 2 miles per hour.) I can analyze two ratios to determine if they are proportional to one another using a variety of strategies (ex: using tables, graphs, or pictures). I can define constant of proportionality as a unit rate and identify the unit rate by using the point (1, r). I can analyze tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions to identify unit rate. I can represent proportional relationships by writing equations. I can explain what the points (x, y) and (0, 0) on the graph of a proportional relationship mean. I can apply proportional reasoning to solve multistep ratio and percent problems (ex: simple interest, tax, markups, markdowns, gratuities, commissions, fees, percent increase and decrease or percent errors). The Number System By the end of Grade 7… I can apply what I have learned about addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers. I can show addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line. I can describe situations where opposite quantities combine to make 0. (Ex: A hydrogen atom has 0 charge because its two constituents are oppositely charged.) I can demonstrate and explain how when adding two numbers p + q: if q is positive, the sum of p and q will be |q| spaces to the right of p on a number line; and if q is negative, the sum of p and q will be |q| spaces to the right of p on a number line. I can show that a number and its opposite are additive inverses. I can show how the distance between two rational numbers on a number line is the absolute value of their difference and apply this to real-world situations. I can use the additive inverse to write a subtraction problem as an addition problem. I can apply what I have learned about multiplication and division of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers. I can use the rules for multiplying signed numbers to determine the sign of the product. I can explain why integers can be divided except when the divisor is 0 and describe why the quotient is always a rational number. I can use the rules for dividing signed numbers to determine the sign of the quotient. I can use the products and quotients of rational numbers to describe real-world situations.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can multiply and divide rational numbers using the properties of operations (i.e.: distributive property, multiplicative inverse property, multiplicative identity, commutative property for multiplication, and associative property for multiplication). I can change a rational number to a decimal using long division and explain how the decimal form of a rational number stops in zeroes or repeats. I can solve real-world problems by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers. Expressions and Equations By the end of Grade 7… I can apply properties of operations to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients. I can combine like terms to factor and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients using the distributive property. I can use properties of operations to write equivalent expressions. I can rewrite an expression in a different form if needed. I can can solve multi-step real-world and mathematical problems using positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals). I can apply properties of operations to calculate numbers in any form and convert between numerical forms when necessary. (Ex: If a woman making $25 an hour gets a 10% raise, she will make an additional 1/10 of her salary an hour, or $2.50, for a new salary of $27.50.) I can determine if an answer makes sense using mental computation and estimation strategies. I can use variables to represent unknown numbers in real-world or mathematical problems and make reasonable simple equations and inequalities to solve problems. I can identify and fluently solve equations in the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r. (Ex: The perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width?) I can compare an arithmetic solution to an algebraic solution. I can write and solve word problems leading to inequalities in the form px + q > r or px + q < r. I can graph and explain the solution of an inequality. Geometry By the end of Grade 7… I can solve problems with scale drawings of geometric figures. I can figure out actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and use them to create a different sized scaled drawing. I can draw geometric shapes with given conditions freehand, with a ruler and protractor, or with technology. I can recognize and draw a triangle when given three measurements: three side lengths, three angle measurements, or a combination of side lengths and angle measurements. I can draw and describe geometrical figures including right rectangular prisms and right rectangular pyramids.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can name the two-dimensional figures that represent a particular slice of a threedimensional figure. I can state the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems. I can explain the relationship between the circumference and the area of a circle. I can use properties of supplementary, complementary, vertical and adjacent angles in multi-step problems to write and solve simple equations for an unknown angle in a figure. I can solve problems involving area, volume, and surface area of two-and threedimensional figures. Statistics and Probability By the end of Grade 7… I can examine a sample of a population to gain information about the population. I can understand why generalizations made about a population from a sample are only valid if the sample represents that population. I can use data from a random sampling to draw conclusions about a population. (Ex: Estimate the mean word length in a book by randomly sampling words from the book.) I can generate multiple samples to gauge predictions. I can find similarities and differences in two different data sets (including mean, median, etc.). I can compare and draw conclusions from two populations based off of their means, medians and/or ranges. (Ex: Decide whether the words in a chapter of a seventh-grade science book are generally longer than the words in a chapter of a fourth-grade science book.) I can recognize and explain that the probability of a chance event is a number between 0 and 1 that expresses how likely an event is to occur. I can recognize that a probability near 0 indicates an unlikely event and a probability near 1 indicates a likely event. I can collect data to approximate probability. I can use probability to predict the number of times an event will occur. (Ex: When rolling a number cube 600 times, predict that a 3 or 6 would be rolled roughly, but probably not exactly, 200 times.) I can investigate, develop, and use probabilities to help me solve problems. I can develop a uniform probability model and use it to determine the probability of an event occurring. (Ex: If a student is selected at random from a class, find the probability that Jane will be selected and the probability that a girl will be selected.) I can develop a probability model by observing frequencies in data developed from a chance process. (Ex: Find the approximate probability that a spinning penny will land heads up. Do the outcomes for the spinning penny appear to be equally likely based on the observed frequencies?) I can find probabilities of multiple events using organized lists, tables, tree diagrams and simulation. I can use the sample space to compare the number of favorable outcomes to the total number of outcomes and determine the probability of the compound event. I can explain the outcomes in the sample space that make up an event. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can design and use simulation to predict the probability of a compound event. Mathematical Practices (K-12) By the end of Grade 7… I can work problems through to completion and/or to clear mathematical understanding. I can make sense of numbers in my world. I can explain my mathematical thinking and critique the thinking of others. I can show my work in a variety of ways. I can use math tools and explain why I used them. I can work carefully and check my work. I can use what I know to solve new problems. I can use prior success in reasoning on new learning.
Pre-Algebra *The following “I can” statements are for Pre-Algebra. If your student is taking Math 7, please see the Math 7 “I can” statements above. The Number System By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can distinguish between rational and irrational numbers. I can show that every number has a decimal. I can show that the decimal expansion eventually repeats for rational numbers. I can change a repeating decimal expansion into a rational number or fraction. I can find rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational numbers. (Ex: By truncating the decimal expansion of √2, show that √2 is between 1 and 2, then between 1.4 and 1.5, and explain how to continue on to get better approximations.) I can locate the approximate location of irrational numbers on a number line. I can estimate the value of an irrational expression. I can use estimate values to compare two or more irrational numbers. Expressions and Equations By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can use the properties of integer exponents to simplify expressions. (Ex: 32 × 3-5 = 33 = 1/33 = 1/27.) I can use square and cube root symbols to represent solutions to equations of the form x2=p and x3=p, where p is a positive rational number. I can recognize that squaring a number and taking the square root of a number are inverse operations, as are cubing a number and taking the cube root of a number. I can evaluate the square root of a perfect square and the cube root of a perfect cube. I can understand that the square root of 2 is irrational. I can express a very large number as the product of a single-digit number and a positive power of ten.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can express a very small number as the product of a single-digit number and a negative power of ten. I can compare quantities expressed in scientific notation. (Ex: Estimate the population of the U.S. as 3x108 and the population of the world as 7x109, and determine that the world population is more than 20 times larger.) I can solve operations (+,-,x,÷) with two numbers expressed in scientific notation, including problems that contain both decimals and scientific notation. I can use scientific notation and choose units of appropriate size for very large or very small measurements. I can determine how scientific notation is depicted on technological tools (ie: how a calculator shows a number in scientific notation). I can graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. I can use a table, an equation, or a graph to decide the unit rate of a proportional relationship. I can use the unit rate of a graphed proportional unit rate to compare different proportional relationships. (Ex: Compare a distance-time graph to a distance-time equation to determine which of two moving objects has greater speed.) I can use similar triangles to explain why the slope m is the same between two points on a non-vertical line in a coordinate plane. I can explain that an equation in the form of y = mx will represent the graph of a proportional relationship with a slope of m and y-intercept of 0. I can explain that an equation in the form of y = mx + b represents the graph of a linear relationship with a slope of m and a y-intercept of b. I can simplify a linear equation by using the distributive property and combining like terms. I can give examples of linear equations with one solution, infinitely many solutions or no solutions. I can solve linear equations with rational number coefficients and variables on both sides of the equation. I can explain solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables as the point of intersection of their graph. I can describe the point of intersection between two lines as the point that satisfies both equations at the same time. I can solve a system of two linear equations in two unknowns algebraically. I can identify cases in which a system of two equations in two unknowns has no solution or an infinite number of solutions. (Ex: 3x + 2y = 5 and 3x + 2y = 6 have no solution because 3x + 2y cannot simultaneously be 5 and 6.) I can solve simple cases of systems of two linear equations in two variables by inspection. I can solve real-world and mathematical problems leading to two linear equations in two variables. (Ex: Given coordinates for two pairs of points, determine whether the line through the first pair of points intersects the line through the second pair.)
Functions By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can define a function as a rule, where for each input there is exactly one output. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can show the relationship between inputs and outputs of a function by graphing them as ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. I can determine the properties of a function given the inputs and outputs in a table. I can compare the properties of two functions that are represented differently (equations, tables, graphs, or given verbally). (Ex: Given a linear function represented by a table of values and a linear function represented by an algebraic expression, determine which function has the greater rate of change.) I can explain why the equation y = mx + b represents a linear function and then find the slope and y-intercept in relation to the function. I can give examples of relationships and create a table of values that can be defined as a non-linear function. I can create a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. I can determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of the relationship or two (x, y) values, including reading a table or graph. I can find the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values. I can match the graph of a function to a given situation. I can sketch a graph that shows a function that has been described verbally.
Geometry By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can rotate, reflect, and translate geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. I can verify by measuring and comparing the properties of rotated, reflected or translated geometric figures. I can verify that corresponding lines and line segments remain the same length. I can verify that corresponding angles have the same measure. I can verify that corresponding parallel lines remain parallel. I can explain that a two-dimensional figure is congruent to another if the second figure can be made from the first by rotations, reflections and translations. I can describe a sequence of transformations that shows the congruence between two figures. I can describe the changes to the x- and y- coordinates of a figure after dilation, translation, rotation, or reflection. I can explain how transformation can be used to prove that two figures are similar. I can describe a sequence of transformations that either prove or disprove that two figures are similar. I can informally prove that the sum of any triangle's interior angles will be the same measure as a straight angle (180º). I can informally prove that the sum of any polygon's exterior angles will be 360º. I can estimate the relationships and measurements of the angles created when two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. I can determine the relationship of angles with similar triangles. I can use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine if a given triangle is a right triangle. I can explain a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can draw a diagram and use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems involving right triangles. I can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find an unknown side length of a right triangle. I can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two points in a coordinate system. I can state and apply the formulas for the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres. I can solve real-world problems involving the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres.
Statistics and Probability By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid representing the relationship between two data sets. I can describe patterns such as clustering, outliers, positive or negative association, linear association, and nonlinear association. I can recognize if the data plotted on a scatter plot has a linear association. I can draw a straight line to approximate the linear relationship between the plotted points of two data sets. I can determine the equation of a trend line that approximates the linear relationships between the plotted points of two data sets. I can interpret the y-intercept and slope of an equation based on collected data. (Ex: In a linear model for a biology experiment, interpret a slope of 1.5 cm/hr as meaning that an additional hour of sunlight each day is associated with an additional 1.5 cm in mature plant height.) I can use the equation of a trend line to summarize the given data and make predictions about additional data points. I can create and explain a two-way table to record the frequencies of bivariate categorical values. I can determine the relative frequencies for rows and/or columns of a two-way table. I can use relative frequencies and the context of a problem to describe possible associations between two sets of data. (Ex: Collect data from students in your class on whether or not they have a curfew on school nights and whether or not they have assigned chores at home. Is there evidence that those who have a curfew also tend to have chores?) Mathematical Practices (K-12) By the end of Pre-Algebra… I can work problems through to completion and/or to clear mathematical understanding. I can make sense of numbers in my world. I can explain my mathematical thinking and critique the thinking of others. I can show my work in a variety of ways. I can use math tools and explain why I used them. I can work carefully and check my work. I can use what I know to solve new problems. I can use prior success in reasoning on new learning.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
Social Studies Geography By the end of Grade 7… I can use maps to identify classical civilizations and empires and the connections (trade, war, colonization, etc.) within and among these civilizations/empires. I can use maps to identify the spread of and interaction among the Christian, Judaic, and Islamic religions. I can use maps to identify important regions/locations of medieval Europe and the connections within medieval Europe and with other regions of the world. I can explain how geography influenced – both positively and negatively – classical civilizations, empires, world religions, and the medieval world. History By the end of Grade 7… I can explain how Athenian democracy was organized/worked and compare it with other forms of government. I can explain the difference between direct and representative democracy and provide advantages and disadvantages to each type. I can explain how the Roman Republic (government) was organized/worked and describe connections to or influences on America’s government. I can explain how religious and secular struggles for authority impacted government and society in medieval Europe. I can describe the significance of the Magna Carta then and now. I can explain how and why Rome was able to become an empire. I can describe the internal and external factors that led to the decline of ancient Greece and Rome. I can explain the factors that led to the breakdown of medieval society. I can describe legacies of the Byzantine Empire that influenced later and modern civilizations/cultures I can describe the basic beliefs, customs/practices, important figures, and history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. I can explain the major similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and how these differences contributed to conflict. I can describe major Muslim achievements/contributions and their influence on the world today. I can explain the economic and cultural effects of the Crusades. I can explain how medieval society was organized politically and economically. I can analyze how innovations in agriculture, trade, and business impacted the economic and social development of medieval Europe. I can describe major cultural achievements of ancient Greece and Rome that remain influential in the world today.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
Literacy in History/Social Studies By the end of Grade 7… I can use specific evidence from a text to summarize and analyze primary and secondary sources. I can explain how a text’s craft and structure (vocabulary, organization, inclusion/exclusion of particular facts, etc.) reveal an author’s point of view or purpose. I can distinguish between fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text. I can analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic. I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies. I can create clear and organized writing. I can write for different purposes, audiences, and topics. I can use various sources to complete short research projects in order to answer an assigned question or a question I have created myself. I can research a topic and develop more questions about that topic for further exploration. I can determine if a source is credible and accurate when I gather new information from books or technology. I can quote or paraphrase from print and digital sources without plagiarizing. I can correctly cite sources within or at the end of my writing. I can present claims in a logical order using relevant descriptions, facts, details, and examples. I can use appropriate eye contact and volume, as well as speak clearly, when I present ideas to others. I can give a presentation using interesting multimedia and visual displays to strengthen my claims and make my point clearly.
Science Life Science By the end of Grade 7… I can describe the basic characteristics of living things. I can distinguish between living and non-living things. I can describe or show the differences between a plant and animal cell. I can describe the basic function of the main organelles in a plant cell: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. I can describe the basic function of the main organelles in an animal cell: cell membrane, nucleus, and mitochondria. I can make a model of the whole cell, including organelles. I can explain that living things may be made up of one or more than one cell, and give an example of each. I can use evidence to support the idea that the body is made of groups of cells working together. I can define and compare cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Updated 10.24.2016
Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can apply my knowledge of cells, organs, and systems to the following systems: circulatory, digestive, respiratory, muscular, and nervous. I can use evidence to explain how genetic or environmental factors influence the growth of an organism. I can use evidence to explain how animal behaviors or plant structures help animals or plants to successfully reproduce. I can use a model to explain how energy is used or created through chemical reactions (photosynthesis and cellular respiration). I can scientifically explain how matter flows through organisms with the help of photosynthesis. I can explain the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs, and give examples of each. I can describe the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the transfer of energy through an ecosystem. I can explain how molecules in food are broken apart and put back together to support growth and/or release energy as it moves through an organism. I can create a food web to show the transfer of energy in an ecosystem. I can predict patterns of interactions among multiple organisms and across multiple ecosystems (biotic and abiotic relationships). I can distinguish between competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial relationships in an ecosystem. I can use evidence to explain how changes to physical or biological parts of an ecosystem will affect the population. I can explain how and why biodiversity is important to an ecosystem’s health. I can give examples of ecosystem services. I can evaluate and compare data regarding competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. I can identify scientific, economic, and social considerations of competing design solutions. I can explain the difference between meiosis and mitosis. I can develop and use a model to explain the outcomes of sexual and asexual reproduction. I can explain that changes in genetic material may result in making different proteins. I can develop and use models to explain how mutations may be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect on an organism. I can describe the process and result of natural selection. I can show evolutionary relationships between organisms by analyzing their similar traits. I can explain how the anatomical structures of organisms show how organisms have evolved over time. I can analyze and interpret data to explain the patterns in fossil records. I can explain how fossils can be used to determine evolutionary relationships.
Earth and Space Sciences By the end of Grade 7… I can describe lunar phases, solar eclipses, and lunar eclipses. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can explain what causes the phases of the moon. I can identify what causes the tides. I can develop a model to show how the orbits of the earth, sun, and moon are connected. I can use a model of the earth-sun-moon system to describe and predict the cyclical pattern of lunar phases, sun & moon eclipses, and seasons. I can describe the importance of gravity in maintaining the structure of our solar system. I can analyze and interpret data to determine scale proportions of objects in space. I can give examples of geoscience processes (ie: earthquakes, volcanoes, plate movement) that have shaped the Earth in gradual and abrupt ways. I can explain how all of Earth’s processes are driven by energy from the sun and the Earth’s interior. I can model how solar energy helps matter cycle. I can develop a model of the water cycle and explain the roles of sunlight and gravity. I can describe transpiration, evaporation, condensation, crystallization, and precipitation. I can interpret and use information from fossil data to develop an appropriate geologic time scale of the Earth. I can explain how sedimentary rocks record Earth’s history. I can describe how plate tectonics affect the rock cycle. I can explain and give evidence of how the movement of plates causes the continents to change over time (ie: Pangaea). I can describe how water changes the surface of the Earth. I can gather information about major events in Earth’s history to develop an appropriate timeline of the 4.6-billion-year history of the Earth.
Engineering/Scientific Practices By the end of Grade 7… I can evaluate different solutions to identify the best characteristics or strengths of each. I can combine the best characteristics of different solutions into a single design solution. I can test a solution to determine where it can be improved. I can demonstrate scientific practices of asking questions, hypothesizing, carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and formulating and presenting conclusions. Literacy in Science By the end of Grade 7… I can use specific evidence from a text to support summarization and analysis of science and technical texts. I can distinguish between fact and reasoned judgment in a text. I can distinguish between claims that are adequately supported with evidence and those that are not. I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to science. I can create clear and organized writing. I can write for different purposes, audiences, and topics. Grade 7 “I Cans”
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Updated 10.24.2016
Governor Wentworth Regional School District
I can use various sources to complete short research projects in order to answer an assigned question or a question I have created myself. I can research a topic and develop more questions about that topic for further exploration. I can determine if a source is credible and accurate when I gather new information from books or technology. I can quote or paraphrase from print and digital sources without plagiarizing. I can correctly cite sources within or at the end of my writing. I can present claims in a logical order using relevant descriptions, facts, details, and examples. I can use appropriate eye contact and volume, as well as speak clearly, when I present ideas to others. I can give a presentation using interesting multimedia and visual displays to strengthen my claims and make my point clearly.
Grade 7 “I Cans”
16
Updated 10.24.2016
