7^th Grade Scientific Decision Making
Solving problems and making choices are a part of everyday life. Daily decisions affect our finances, education, social activities and health. Science can help us make rational, evidence-based decisions that apply to a broad range of situations. This course exposes students to scientific decision-making approaches, as they are placed in a variety of roles, such as scientists and healthcare providers. Through case-based studies, students gain experience in scientific thinking, particularly in framing questions, collecting information, analyzing data, considering choices, risks and tradeoffs, and ultimately, making the best decisions based on evidence. Throughout, students explore diverse, current topics in science and medicine, including the cardiovascular system, muscles and bones, heritable and communicable diseases, chemicals and environmental health and behavior. Students also learn how to expand on core concepts and use scientific and engineering practices to carry out their own research projects. Industry speakers visit classrooms.

Course Units: 

• The Cardiovascular System
• The Muscular, Skeletal and Integumentary System
• Infectious and Heritable Diseases
• Chemicals and Environmental Health
• The Science of Alcohol
• Behavior

 Resources

https://science.education.nih.gov/customers/middleschool.html
-Looking Good, Feeling Good: From the Inside Out (Exploring Bone, Muscle and Skin)
-Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry
-The Process of Scientific Inquiry
-Chemicals, the Environment and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health
-The Science of Healthy Behaviors

http://www.bioedonline.org/
-Scientific Decision-making
-Heart and Circulation-Muscles and Bones
-Integumentary System
-The Immune System and Disease