Utah 7th Grade Science Standards 

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7.1 Forces are Interactions Between Matter

• 7.1.1 Carry out an investigation which provides evidence that a change in an object’s motion is dependent on the mass of the object and the sum of the forces acting on it.
• 7.1.2 Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects in a system.
• 7.1.3 Construct a model using observational evidence to describe thenature of fields existing between objects that exert forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.
• 7.1.4 Collect and analyze data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
• 7.1.5 Engage in argument from evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions within a system are attractive and dependent upon the masses of interacting objects.

7.2 Changes to Earth Over Time

• 7.2.1 Develop a model of the rock cycle to describe the relationship between energy flow and matter cycling that create igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• 7.2.2 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
• 7.2.3 Ask questions to identify constraints of specific geologic hazards and evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining the stability of human-engineered structures, such as homes, roads, and bridges.
• 7.2.4 Develop and use a scale model of the matter in the Earth’s interior to demonstrate how differences in density and chemical composition (silicon, oxygen, iron, and magnesium) cause the formation of the crust, mantle, and core.
• 7.2.5 Ask questions and analyze and interpret data about the patterns between plate tectonics and: (1) The occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes.(2) Continental and ocean floor features. (3) The distribution of rocks and fossils.
• 7.2.6 Make an argument from evidence for how the geologic time scaleshows the age and history of Earth.

7.3 Structure and Function of Life

• 7.3.1 Plan and carry out an investigation that provides evidence that thebasic structures of living things are cells.
• 7.3.2 Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell in livingsystems and the way parts of cells contribute to cell function.
• 7.3.3 Construct an explanation using evidence to explain how body systemshave various levels of organization.

7.4 Reproduction and Inheritance

• 7.4.1 Develop and use a model to explain the effects that different types of reproduction have on genetic variation.
• 7.4.2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about specific animal and plant adaptations and structures that affect the probability of successful reproduction.
• 7.4.3 Develop and use a model to describe why genetic mutations may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• 7.4.4 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the technologies that have changed the way humans affect the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.

7.5 Changes in Species Over Time

• 7.5.1 Construct an explanation that describes how the genetic variation of traits in a population can affect some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
• 7.5.2 Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record thatdocument the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth, under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
• 7.5.3 Construct explanations that describe the patterns of body structure similarities and differences within modern organisms and between ancient and modern organisms to infer possible evolutionary relationships.
• 7.5.4 Analyze data to compare patterns in the embryological developmentacross multiple species to identify similarities and differences not evident in the fully formed anatomy.