In 7th-grade Life Science in Florida, students explore the intricate web of life, encompassing Big Idea 15, which focuses on the diversity and evolution of living organisms, emphasizing the rich tapestry of species and their adaptations. They delve into Big Idea 16, which delves into heredity and reproduction, illuminating how traits are inherited and how species propagate. Additionally, students engage with Big Idea 17, highlighting the concept of interdependence, where they discover how living organisms interact within ecosystems, showcasing the interconnectedness of the natural world.

• Big Idea 15 SC.7.L.15 : Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms
• Big Idea 16 SC.7.L.16 : Heredity and Reproduction
• Big Idea 17 SC.7.L.17 : Interdependence

Assignment Description: In this assignment, students are tasked with selecting a local ecosystem (e.g., a park, pond, or forest) and conducting a thorough investigation. They should document the diversity of living organisms found in the ecosystem, noting both plant and animal species. Students will also research how these organisms have adapted to their environment. By completing this assignment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of living organisms (Big Idea 15) and how they interact within an ecosystem (Big Idea 17).

Assignment Description: For this assignment, students will choose a genetic trait, such as eye color or height, and conduct a family survey to collect data on the inheritance of that trait. They should create a family tree and analyze the patterns of trait inheritance within their family. This assignment will help students grasp the concepts of heredity (Big Idea 16) and the role of genetics in determining traits. It will also foster an understanding of how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

Big Idea 15: Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms

The "Ecosystem Exploration" assignment was like a real-life adventure. I got to pick a place to explore, and I chose a forest near my house. It was amazing! I saw so many different types of plants and animals. There were tall trees, ferns, squirrels, and birds I couldn't even name.

While I was there, I realized how diverse our world is. It's not just about one or two kinds of plants or animals; it's a whole bunch of them, all living together. It's like a big team where everyone has a role to play. For example, the trees provide shelter for the birds, and the birds eat insects that might harm the trees. It's a circle of life!

This assignment really helped me understand Big Idea 15 because I could see the diversity of living things right in front of me. It wasn't just something in a book; it was real. I also learned that diversity is essential for our world to work properly. If we didn't have all these different plants and animals, things would be out of balance.

Big Idea 16: Heredity and Reproduction

The "Genetics and Traits Investigation" was a bit like being a detective. I decided to study eye color in my family. I asked my parents, grandparents, and even my cousins about their eye colors. Then, I made a family tree to see how eye color was passed down from one generation to the next.

What I found out was super cool! I learned that traits, like eye color, are passed down through our genes. It's like we inherit them from our parents. So, my eye color is a mix of my mom's and dad's genes. It's like a genetic puzzle!

This assignment helped me understand Big Idea 16 because I got to see how traits are inherited in real life. It's not just something we read about; it's something that happens in our families. It also showed me that our traits are what make us unique and special. I might have my mom's eyes and my dad's smile, and that's what makes me, well, me!

Big Idea 17: Interdependence

Both of these assignments taught me about how everything in nature is connected. In the "Ecosystem Exploration," I saw how plants, animals, and even tiny insects all depend on each other to survive. For example, the flowers provide nectar for the bees, and in return, the bees help the flowers by spreading their pollen. It's like a teamwork of nature!

And in the "Genetics and Traits Investigation," I realized that our traits are linked to our family history. My eye color is connected to my parents and their parents, and so on. It's like we're all part of this big family tree, and our traits are like branches that connect us. We're all interconnected through our genes.

So, these assignments weren't just fun to do; they also helped me understand how diverse and connected the living world is. It's pretty amazing to think about how everything in nature works together, and I'm excited to learn more about it in science! It's like a big puzzle, and I'm just starting to put the pieces together.