Grade 07 Science - EC: S7.B.3.2.1

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Grade Levels

7th Grade

Course, Subject

Science

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

S7.B.3.2.1 S7.B.3.2.1

Identify and describe factors that cause and/or influence changes in populations (e.g., deforestation, disease, land use, natural disaster, invasive species).

Activities

List 5 factors that could impact the population size of a species.

Summarize how an invasive animal species is harmful to native species.

Which factor do you think would have the most impact on the population size of a species: deforestation, disease, or a natural disaster? Defend your reasoning.

Answer Key/Rubric

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Deforestation
- Disease
- Construction
- Natural disasters
- Forest fire
- Tsunami
- Hurricane
- Flood
- Invasive species

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- An invasive species is a non-native species that is introduced to a region.
- This species does not have any predators in this new ecosystem.
- It will change its diet to find food in the new ecosystem.
- Since it has no predators, its population will continue to increase rapidly.
- It will eat many native species (plant and/or animal).
- It will force native species out of their natural ecosystem.
- It will disrupt the order of the ecosystem.

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Deforestation happens slowly. Animals will have a chance to relocate.
- Disease will only affect those animals that interact. If the species lives in several groups that do not interact, chances are only one group will be affected.
- A natural disaster happens very quickly. Animals will not have a chance to relocate.