Planning Index: Planet Earth | Print |

Grade 7 Science Unit Plan
Unit E - Planet Earth
(emphasis on Social and Environmental context)
Science and Projects - Geology Glossary of Geological Terms Earth Science WebQuests

Grade 7 Unit Overview (Alberta)
The scientific study of Earth is based on direct observation (images) of landforms (Natural Resources - Canada) and materials that make up Earth's surface, and the sample evidence we have of Earth's interior. By studying this evidence, we discover patterns in the nature and distribution of the Earth's materials, and in the kinds of changes that take place. This knowledge can be used in developing models for geologic structures and processes-models that help both scientists and students enlarge their understanding of their observations, and guide further investigation and research.

Concepts Covered and Developed through Instruction

~ strata

~ chronological time scale

~ rocks and minerals

~ fossil formation

~ rock cycle: formation of igneous rock, metamorphic and sedimentary processes

~ development of models based on evidence

~ incremental change

~ crustal movement/plate tectonics observation and evidence

~ mountain formation: folding and faulting

~ weathering and erosion

What do the students already know?

What do the students know about the Earth, how it is formed and how it changes ?

What must they Learn?

Patterns in the nature and distribution of Earth's materials
Developing models to describe change


Specific Learner Outcomes

Instructional Focus

Focus 1

Earth Study

Describe and demonstrate methods used in the scientific study of the Earth, and in observing and interpreting its component materials


- Changing Earth surface
( earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, glacial erosion and river erosion )
- earth's interior
- seismographs
- rocks and minerals

 Research and Viewing

Building Models
Lab Activities / Graphing
Lab Activities

Focus 2

Rock Cycle

Identify evidence for the rock cycle and use the rock cycle concept to interpret and explain the characteristics of particular rocks


- rocks and minerals
- classes of rocks
( igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic )
- rock formation
- local rocks and sediments
- weathering, erosion and sedimentation

Characterisitics of Rocks and Minerals
Classification / Scientific Illustration

Lab activities / Viewing
Lab Activities / Scientific Reports 

Focus 3


Investigate and interpret evidence of major changes in landforms and the rock layers that underlie them investigate and interpret patterns in the structure and distribution of mountain formations (e.g., describe and interpret mountain formations of the North American cordillera)


- fold and fault mountains
- crustal movement
- earthquakes
- volcanoes
- erosion
- continental drift

Lab Activities
Research / GIS
Research / GIS
Problem Solving Activities
Building Models 

Focus 4

Fossil Records

Describe, interpret and evaluate evidence from the fossil record


- kinds of fossils
- fossil reconstruction
- geologic time scale
- evidence in developing accepted scientific ideas, theories and explanations

Research / Textual Resources
Making Models
Graphic Organizer / Inspiration