This course is for students identified through an IEP that are placed in an intensive classroom environment are actively engaged in a comprehensive science program as they enrich their understanding to make sense of the natural world through phenomenon-based instruction and the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) of the Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS). Students will receive appropriate instructional interventions during science lessons. Seventh grade students will focus on Physical Science and Life Science. The Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) for seventh grade includes: the structure and properties of matter, and chemical reactions. Students will be able to provide molecular level accounts to explain states of matters and changes between states, that chemical reactions involve regrouping of atoms to form new substances, and that atoms rearrange during chemical reactions, structure and function, growth and development of organisms, organization for matter and energy flow in organisms, and Information Processing. Students can gather information and use this information to support explanations of the structure and function relationship of cells. Students are also able to apply an understanding of the design and the process of optimization in engineering to chemical reaction systems. Students can construct an explanation for how environmental and genetic factors affect growth of organisms. Students can connect this to the role of animal behaviors in reproduction of animals as well as the dependence of some plants on animal behaviors for their reproduction. 40 Middle School Course Offerings and Descriptions • Fall 2017 DRAFT The CCCs infused in this course are patterns, cause and effect, scale proportion and quantity, systems and system models, structure and function, energy and matter, and stability and change. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in SEPs by developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data, planning and carrying out investigations, designing solutions, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students will be introduced to various STEM careers while in grades K-12. The content from this course will be assessed on the new 8th grade Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA). This course is designed to be a small class environment for students enrolled in a special education specialty program. The class will incorporate instructional practices and strategies based on student learning styles and individual needs.
