Inspired by the Next Generation Science Standards, students in 7th grade Life Science will focus on developing many of the Science and Engineering Practices through their exploration of three disciplinary core ideas. These practices include asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing explanations and designing solutions. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of Earth’s place in the Universe, how materials in and on the Earth’s crust change over time, and how human activity impacts Earth’s natural resources and systems.