7th Grade Units
Each unit has a storyline and a guiding question (Big Aha!) that will help guide us to deepen our understanding. The focus of the course is on constructing meaning and revising our work as our understanding deepens.
Unit 1: Photosynthesis
Storyline: You are a group of soil scientists and have been commissioned by a government agency to help reverse global warming. You need to design a natural, low cost method that is effective and scalable to pull extra carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in plants and the soil.
Big Aha!: Can photosynthesis cause or solve environmental crisis?
Unit 2: Ecosystems
Storyline: You are a wildlife biologist and have been asked to write a species recovery plan for an endangered species.
Big Aha! How can we effectively save endangered species within our communities and on a global scale?
Unit 3: Geology
Storyline: As a scientist that survived an apocalyptic event, you must use your knowledge of geology and natural resources to find the best location for a new human settlement in Larkspur-Corte Madera. We must consider natural hazards, access to water, and an area for growing food. Some considerations are to minimize the risk from earthquakes, landslides, and the rise of sea water. Present your findings in a summary report and map. * (Storyline from the Oakland Unified School District)
Big Aha! How does the landscape change over time, and how can my understanding of that help me prepare for the FUTURE?
Unit 1: Photosynthesis
Storyline: You are a group of soil scientists and have been commissioned by a government agency to help reverse global warming. You need to design a natural, low cost method that is effective and scalable to pull extra carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in plants and the soil.
Big Aha!: Can photosynthesis cause or solve environmental crisis?
Unit 2: Ecosystems
Storyline: You are a wildlife biologist and have been asked to write a species recovery plan for an endangered species.
Big Aha! How can we effectively save endangered species within our communities and on a global scale?
Unit 3: Geology
Storyline: As a scientist that survived an apocalyptic event, you must use your knowledge of geology and natural resources to find the best location for a new human settlement in Larkspur-Corte Madera. We must consider natural hazards, access to water, and an area for growing food. Some considerations are to minimize the risk from earthquakes, landslides, and the rise of sea water. Present your findings in a summary report and map. * (Storyline from the Oakland Unified School District)
Big Aha! How does the landscape change over time, and how can my understanding of that help me prepare for the FUTURE?
