7th Grade

●    7.5F: make inferences and use evidence to support understanding
●    7.7B: analyze how characters' qualities influence events and resolution of the conflict
●    7.7A: infer multiple themes within and across texts using text evidence
●    7.7C: analyze plot elements, including the use of foreshadow‐ ing and suspense, to advance the plot
●    7.9D: describe how the author's use of figurative language such as metaphor and personification achieves specific purposes
●    7.9E: identify the use of literary devices, including subjective and objective point of view
●    7.9F: analyze how the author's use of language contributes to mood, voice, and tone
●    7.9A: explain the author’s purpose and message within a text
●    7.5H: synthesize information to create new understanding
●    7.8Di: [analyze] the controlling idea or thesis with supporting evidence
●    7.8C: analyze how playwrights develop characters through dialogue and staging
●    7.8E: analyze characteristics and structures of argumentative text
●    7.8B: analyze the effect of rhyme scheme, meter, and graphical elements such as punctuation and capitalization in poems across a variety of poetic forms

●    7.5I: monitor comprehension and make adjustments such as rereading, using background knowledge, asking questions and annotating when understanding breaks down
●    7.6E: interact with sources in meaningful ways such as note taking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating
●    7.1A: listen actively to interpret a message and ask clarifying questions that build on others' ideas
●    7.5A: establish purpose for reading assigned and self‐selected texts
●    7.1D: engage in meaningful discourse and provide and accept constructive feedback from others
●    7.5E: make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society
●    7.6I: reflect on and adjust responses as new evidence is presented
●    7.3A: adjust fluency when reading grade‐level text based on the reading purpose
●    7.2A: use print or digital resources to determine the meaning, syllabication, pronunciation, word origin, and part of speech
●    7.2B: use context such as contrast or cause and effect to clarify the meaning of words
●    7.2C: determine the meaning and usage of grade‐level academic English words derived from Greek and Latin roots such as omni, log/logue, gen, vid/vis, phil, luc, and sens/sent

1.    How do authors of fiction create believable characters? Which author are you studying right now? How does (s)he create believable characters?
2.    How do you track multiple plotlines when reading?
3.    How have the characters changed/evolved since the beginning of the novel?
4.    What symbols or metaphors are emerging in your story?
5.    How does the setting affect the characters?
6.    What is the text structure in the nonfiction book/article you’re reading?
7.    What central ideas have you found? What is the author’s purpose for your topic?

Skills:
●    7.11A: compose literary texts such as personal narratives, fiction, and poetry using genre characteristics and craft
●    7.11C: compose multi‐paragraph argumentative texts using genre characteristics and craft
●    7.9G: explain the purpose of rhetorical devices such as direct address and rhetorical questions and logical fallacies such as loaded language and sweeping generalizations

●    7.1A: listen actively to interpret a message and ask clarifying questions that build on others' ideas
●    7.10B: develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing
●    7.10C: revise drafts for clarity, development, organization, style, word choice, and sentence variety
●    7.10D: edit drafts using standard English conventions
●    7.12D: identify and gather relevant information from a variety of sources

1.    What genre and topic are you currently writing about?
2.    What texts are you using as mentors to support you with your own writing?
3.    What do strong writers do when writing in that genre? Where does that show up in your own writing?
4.    What tools support your writing work?

●    7.10D: edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:
●    (i) complete complex sentences with subject‐verb agreement and avoidance of splices, run‐ons, and fragments
●    (iv) prepositions and prepositional phrases and their influence on subject‐verb agreement
●    (v) pronoun‐antecedent agreement
●    (vi) subordinating conjunctions to form complex sentences and correlative conjunctions such as either/or and neither/nor
●    (vii) correct capitalization
●    (viii) punctuation, including commas to set off words, phrases, and clauses, and semicolons

1.    What are you working on this week in Patterns of Power?
2.    How has your writing changed since learning the grammar skill for this week?

● Extend knowledge of sets and subsets (natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers) using visual representation such as Venn diagram (TEKS 7.2A)
● Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers (positive and negative fractions, decimals, percents, and integers (TEKS 7.3A, 7.3B)

● Write a two-step equation and inequality to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 7.10A)
● Write a real-world situation to represent a two-step equation (TEKS 7.10C)
● Write a real-world situation to represent a two-step inequality (TEKS 7.10C)
● Model and Solve a two-step equation and inequality (TEKS 7.11A)
● Represent the solution to an equation or inequality on a number line (TEKS 7.10B)
● Determine if a given value makes a two-step equation or inequality true (TEKS 7.11B)

● Solve problems involving ratios and rates and calculate unit rates (TEKS 7.4B, 7.4D)
● Solve problems involving similar shapes and scale drawings (TEKS 7.5A, 7.5C)
● Convert between measurement units using proportions and unit rates (TEKS 7.4E)

● Solve problems involving percents including percent increase and decrease (TEKS 7.4D, 7.13A, 7.13B, 7.13F) 

● Represent constant rate of change from numbers in real-world problems, table, graph, and equations (TEKS 7.4A)
● Determine the constant of proportionality (k = y/x) in mathematical and real-world problems (TEKS 7.4C)
● Represent linear relationships using verbal descriptions, tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 7.7A)

●    Represent sample spaces for simple and compound events using lists and tree diagrams. (TEKS 7.6A)
●    Select and use different simulations to represent simple and compound events with and without technology. (TEKS 7.6B)
●    Make predictions and determine solutions using experimental and theoretical data for simple and compound events. (TEKS 7.6C, D)
●    Find the probabilities of a simple event and its complement and describe the relationship between the two. (TEKS 7.6E)
●    Solve problems using qualitative and quantitative predictions and comparisons from simple experiments.(TEKS 7.6H)
●    Use data from a random sample to make inferences about a population. (TEKS 7.6F)
●    Determine experimental and theoretical probabilities related to simple and compound events using data and sample spaces. (TEKS 7.6I)

● Extend knowledge of sets and subsets (natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers) using visual representation such as Venn diagram (8th grade) (TEKS 8.2A)
● Approximate the value of an irrational number, including π and square roots (8th grade)(TEKS 8.2B)
● Order real numbers (8th grade) (TEKS 8.2D)
● Convert between standard decimal notation and scientific notation (8th grade)(TEKS 8.2C)

● Write a two-step equation and inequality to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 7.10A)
● Write a real-world situation to represent a two-step equation and inequality (TEKS 7.10C)
● Write one-variable equations or inequalities with variables on both sides that represent problems using rational number coefficients and constants (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.8A)
● Write a corresponding real-world problem when given a one variable equation or inequality with variables on both sides of the equal sign using rational number coefficients and constants. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.8B)
● Model and Solve a two-step equation and inequality (TEKS 7.11A)
● Model and solve one-variable equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.8C)
● Use informal arguments to establish facts about the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles, the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal, and the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.8D)

● Determine if tables, graphs, or equations are proportional or non-proportional (8th grade) (TEKS 8.5F, 8.5H)
● Understanding the unit rate as the slope on a proportional graph (8th grade) (TEKS 8.4B)
● Represent linear proportional situations from tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx (8th grade) (TEKS 8.5A)
● Represent linear non- proportional situations from tables, graphs and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 8.5B)
● Determine the rate of change or slope from a table or graph (8th grade) (TEKS 8.4C)
● Determine the y-intercept from a table or graph (8th grade) (TEKS 8.4C)
● Write and equation (y = mx + b) from a table, graph, or verbal description (8th grade)(TEKS 8.5I)
● Understand how two points on the same line have the same slope (similar right triangles) (8th grade) (TEKS 8.4A)
● Solve problems involving direct variation (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.5E)
● Identify and verify the values of x and y that simultaneously satisfy two linear equations in the form y = mx + b from the intersections of the graphed equations (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.9A)

● Construct a scatterplot and describe the observed data to address questions of association such as linear, non-linear, and no association between bivariate data. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.11A)
● Contrast bivariate sets of data that suggest a linear relationship with bivariate sets of data that do not suggest a linear relationship from a graphical representation. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.5C)
● Use a trend line that approximates the linear relationship between bivariate sets of data to make predictions. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.5D)
● Identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.5G)

● Find the probability of a simple event and its complement (TEKS 7.6E)
● Predict and compare solutions from simple experiments (TEKS 7.6H)
● Create a sample space, list or tree diagram, for simple and compound events (TEKS 7.6A)
● Find the probability of simple and compound events using data and sample spaces(TEKS 7.6I)
● Predict solutions and determine solutions for theoretical and experimental simple and compound events (TEKS 7.6C, 7.6D)
● Use qualitative (more likely, less likely, equally likely) prediction and comparisons from simple experiments (TEKS 7.6H)
● Select and use different simulations to represent simple and compound events with and without technology (TEKS 7.6B)

● Understand how the Pythagorean Theorem works using models or pictures (TEKS 8.6C)
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to determine if 3 given side lengths form a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to solve the missing side length of a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) (TEKS 8.7D)

● Compare and contrast the types (plant vs. animal) and the function of their organelles (TEKS 7.12D)
● Describe the three main points of Cell Theory. (TEKS 7.12F)

● Describe the structures and functions of: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, reproductive (TEKS 7.12B)
● Recognize levels of organization in animals, including cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms. (TEKS 7.12C)
● Investigate how organisms respond to external stimuli found in the environment such as fight or flight (TEKS 7.13A)
● Describe and relate responses in organisms that may result from internal stimuli such as fever and vomiting in animals that allow them to maintain balance. (TEKS 7.13B)
● Distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter (TEKS 7.6A)
● Illustrate the transformation of energy within an organism such as the transfer of chemical energy to thermal energy. (TEKS 7.7A)
● Compare the functions of organelles to the functions of organ systems, (TEKS 7.12E)

● Discuss the type of offspring (diverse or uniform) that result from sexual and asexual reproduction (TEKS 7.14B)
● Define heredity as the passing of genetic information from generation to generation (TEKS 7.14A)
● Describe the significance of the organization of DNA→chromosome→gene→trait (TEKS 7.14C)

● Describe examples of features and behaviors within a population or species that enhance their survival, like: external features, behaviors (migration, hibernation), and physiology of organisms (storage of food in a bulb) (TEKS 7.11B)
● Investigate and explain how internal structures of organisms have adaptations that allow specific functions such as gills in fish, hollow bones in birds, or xylem in plants. (TEKS 7.12A)
● Describe structures of organisms and use a dichotomous key for identification. (TEKS 7.11A)

● How does the cell theory relate to the structure and function of cells?

● How do the structure of cell organelles, organs, and organ systems allow their function?

● How do the structures of the body systems allow for their function?

● How can probability be used to predict genetic traits?

● How do internal and external structures enhance the survival of a species?
● How can we identify organisms using a dichotomous key?

● How does the cell theory relate to the structure and function of cells?
● Ask your student to compare and contrast animal and plant cells.
● Help your student make analogies between the functions of organelles with household items.

● Review the structures and functions of the body systems.

● Research the inheritance pattern of a particular familial genetic trait. Discuss the relationship of family members who share that trait and how the trait was inherited.
Adaptations
● Pick a few biomes to explore with your child. Discuss the different adaptations present that enable organisms to survive in that environment.

●    7.8B: locate and compare places of importance in Texas in terms of physical and human characteristics such as major cities, waterways, natural and historic landmarks, political and cultural regions, and local points of interest
●    7.9A: identify ways in which Texans have adapted to and modified the environment and explain the positive and negative consequences of the modifications
●    7.2B: identify important individuals, events, and issues related to European exploration of Texas such as Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the search for gold, and the conflicting territorial claims between France and Spain
●    7.2C: identify important individuals, events, and issues related to European colonization of Texas, including the establishment of Catholic missions, towns, and ranches, and the contributions of individuals such as Fray Damián Massanet, Antonio Margil de Jesús, and Francisco Hidalgo
●    7.2D: identify the individuals, issues, and events related to Mexico becoming an independent nation and its impact on Texas, including Father Miguel Hidalgo, Texas involvement in the fight for independence, José Gutiérrez de Lara, the Battle of Medina, the Mexican federal Constitution of 1824, the merger of Texas and Coahuila as a state, the State Colonization Law of 1825, and slavery
●    7.2F: contrast Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo purposes for and methods of settlement in Texas
●    7.3A: describe the chain of events that led to the Texas Revolution, including the Fredonian Rebellion, the Mier y Terán Report, the Law of April 6, 1830, the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, and the arrest of Stephen F. Austin
●    7.3C: explain the issues surrounding significant events of the Texas Revolution, including the Battle of Gonzales; the siege of the Alamo, William B. Travis's letter "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World," and the heroism of the diverse defenders who gave their lives there; the Constitutional Convention of 1836; Fannin's surrender at Goliad; and the Battle of San Jacinto

1.    How does geography impact people, influence the economy, and form cultural identities?
2.    Why did the Europeans colonize Texas? 
3.    How did individuals, events, and issues involved in the Mexican National Era shape the history of Texas?
4.    What were the challenges that Texas faced as a new and independent nation?

●    7.5E: make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society
●    7.5G: evaluate details read to determine key ideas
●    7.7A: infer multiple themes within and across texts using text evidence
●    7.7B: analyze how characters' qualities influence events and resolution of the conflict
●    7.7D: analyze how the setting influences character and plot development
●    7.7A: infer multiple themes within and across texts using text evidence
●    7.7C: analyze plot elements, including the use of foreshadowing and suspense, to advance the plot
●    7.5F: make inferences and use evidence to support understanding

●    7.6B: write responses that demonstrate understanding of texts, including comparing sources within and across genres
●    7.12D: identify and gather relevant information from a variety of sources
●    7.12F: synthesize information from a variety of sources
●    7.1D: engage in meaningful discourse and provide and accept constructive feedback from others
●    7.10A: plan a first draft by selecting a genre appropriate for a particular topic, purpose, and audience using a range of strategies such as discussion, background reading, and personal interests
●    7.5A: establish purpose for reading assigned and self‐selected texts
●    7.6E: interact with sources in meaningful ways such as note taking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating

1.    How do authors of fiction create believable characters? Which author are you studying right now? How does (s)he create believable characters?
2.    How do you track multiple plotlines when reading?
3.    How have the characters changed/evolved since the beginning of the novel?
4.    What symbols or metaphors are emerging in your story?
5.    How does the setting affect the characters?
6.    What is the text structure in the nonfiction book/article you’re reading?
7.    What central ideas have you found? What is the author’s purpose for your topic?

●    7.11B: compose informational texts, including multi‐paragraph essays that convey information about a topic, using a clear controlling idea or thesis statement and genre characteristics and craft
●    7.11D: compose correspondence that reflects an opinion, registers a complaint, or requests information in a business or friendly structure
●    7.11C: compose multi‐paragraph argumentative texts using genre characteristics and craft
●    7.10A: plan a first draft by selecting a genre appropriate for a particular topic, purpose, and audience using a range of strategies such as discussion, background reading, and personal interests

●    7.10B: develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing
●    7.10C: revise drafts for clarity, development, organization, style, word choice, and sentence variety

1.    What genre and topic are you currently writing about?
2.    What texts are you using as mentors to support you with your own writing?
3.    What do strong writers do when writing in that genre? Where does that show up in your own writing?
4.    What tools support your writing work?

●    7.10D: edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:
●    (i) complete complex sentences with subject‐verb agreement and avoidance of splices, run‐ons, and fragments
●    (v) pronoun‐antecedent agreement
●    (viii) punctuation, including commas to set off words, phrases, and clauses, and semicolons

1.    What are you working on this week in Patterns of Power?
2.    How has your writing changed since learning the grammar skill for this week?

● Write and solve equations using geometric concepts, including the sum of angles in a triangle, and angle relationships (TEKS 7.11C)
● Understand how pi is related to a circle's diameter and circumference (TEKS 7.5B)
● Develop circumference and area of a circle formula using models and approximation (TEKS 7.8C)
● Find the circumference and area of a circle (TEKS 7.9B)
● Find the area of a composite figure containing combinations of rectangles, squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, triangles, semicircles, and quarter-circles (TEKS 7.9C)
● Find the lateral and total surface area of a rectangular and triangular prism and pyramid by determining the area of the shapes net (TEKS 7.9D)

● Understand that is pyramid is ⅓ the volume of a prism, or a prism is 3 times the volume of a pyramid (congruent bases and heights) (TEKS 7.8A, 7.8B)
● Find the volume of rectangular prisms, rectangular pyramids, triangular prisms, and triangular pyramids (TEKS 7.9A)

● Solve problems from bar graphs, dot plots, and circle graphs (TEKS 7.6G)
● Compare the shape, center, and spread of two groups of data represented by either two dot plots or two box plots (TEKS 7.12A)
● Use data from a sample to make inferences about the population (TEKS 7.12B)
● Use data from a random sample to compare two make comparative inferences about the two populations (TEKS 7.12C)

● Identify the components of a personal budget (income, savings for college, retirement, emergencies, taxes) and calculate the percent of each in the total budget (TEKS 7.12B)
● Create and Organize a financial assets and liabilities record and construct a net worth statement (TEKS 7.13C)
● Estimate the amount of monthly income and hourly wages needed to meet a family’s basic needs (TEKS 7.13D)
● Calculate and compare simple and compound interest (TEKS 7.13E)
● Compare sales, rebates, and coupons (TEKS 7.13F)

● Generalize the properties of orientation and congruence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations of two-dimensional shapes on a coordinate plane. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.10A)
● Differentiate between transformations that preserve congruence and those that do not. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.10B)
● Explain the effect of translations, reflections over the x- or y axis, and rotations limited to 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360° as applied to two-dimensional shapes on a coordinate plane using an algebraic representation. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.10C)
● Generalize the critical attributes of similarity, including ratios within and between similar shapes. (TEKS 7.5A)
● Solve mathematical and real-world problems involving similar shape and scale drawings. (TEKS 7.5C)
● Use an algebraic representation to explain the effect of a given positive rational scale factor applied to two-dimensional figures on a coordinate plane with the origin as the center of dilation. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.3C)
● Compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation(s) on a coordinate plane. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.3B)
● Generalize that the ratio of corresponding sides of similar shapes are proportional, including a shape and its dilation. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.3A)
● Model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated two-dimensional shapes. (8th Grade)(8.10D)

● Find the area of a composite figure containing combinations of rectangles, squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, triangles, semicircles, and quarter-circles (TEKS 7.9C)
● Find the lateral and total surface area of a rectangular and triangular prism by determining the area of the shapes net (TEKS 7.9D)
● Find the lateral and total surface area of a rectangular and triangular pyramid by determining the area of the shapes net (TEKS 7.9D)
● Find the lateral and total surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (8th grade) (TEKS 8.7B)

● Understand that is pyramid is ⅓ the volume of a prism, or a prism is 3 times the volume of a pyramid (congruent bases and heights) (TEKS 7.8A, 7.8B)
● Find the volume of rectangular prisms, rectangular pyramids, triangular prisms, and triangular pyramids (TEKS 7.9A)
● Describe the volume formula V = Bh of a cylinder in terms of its base area and its height. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.6A)
● Solve problems involving the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.7A)
● Model the relationship between the volume of a cylinder and a cone having both congruent bases and heights understanding that a cone will be ⅓ the volume of a cylinder and connect that relationship to the formulas (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.6B)

● Calculate and compare simple interest and compound interest earnings.(8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12D)
● Compare how interest rate and loan length affect the cost of credit. (8th Grade) (TEKS 8.12A)
● Calculate the total cost of repaying a loan, including credit cards and easy access loans, under various rates of interest and over different periods using an online calculator. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12B)
● Identify and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different payment methods (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12E)
● Analyze situations to determine if they represent financially responsible decisions and identify the benefits of financial responsibility and the costs of financial irresponsibility. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12F)
● Explain how small amounts of money invested regularly, including money saved for college and retirement, grow over time. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12C)
● Estimate the cost of a two-year and four-year college education, including family contribution, and devise a periodic savings plan for accumulating the money needed to contribute to the total cost of attendance for at least the first year of college. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.12G)
● Determine the mean absolute deviation and use this quantity as a measure of the average distance data are from the mean using a data set of no more than 10 data points. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.11B)
● Solve for percent increase or decrease (TEKS 7.4D)

● Solve problems from bar graphs, dot plots, and circle graphs (TEKS 7.6G)
● Compare the shape, center, and spread of two groups of data represented by either two dot plots or two box plots (TEKS 7.12A)
● Use data from a sample to make inferences about the population (TEKS 7.12B)
● Use data from a random sample to compare two make comparative inferences about the two populations (TEKS 7.12C)
● Simulate generating random samples of the same size from a population with known characteristics to develop the notion of a random sample being representative of the population from which it was selected. (8th Grade)(TEKS 8.11C)

● Describe examples of changes in genetic traits that have occurred over several generations through natural selection and selective breeding, for example: Galapagos Medium Ground Finch, domestic animals, and hybrid plants. (TEKS 7.11C)
● Describe examples of how plants respond (like phototropism) to external stimuli found in the environment. (TEKS 7.13A)
● Describe and relate responses in organisms that may result from internal stimuli such as wilting in plants. (TEKS 7.13B)
● Demonstrate and diagram examples of forces that affect motion in organisms, like: the emergence of seedlings, turgor pressure, and geotropism (TEKS 7.7B)

● Describe how energy is transferred in the process of photosynthesis. (TEKS 7.5A)
● Diagram the flow of energy through living systems, including: food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids. (TEKS 7.5B)
● Describe how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem. (TEKS 7.10B)
● Describe how different environments (like microhabitats in schoolyard biomes) support different varieties of organisms. (TEKS 7.10A)

● Describe the role of ecological succession (like in a microhabitat of a garden with weeds). (TEKS 7.10C)
● Predict and describe how catastrophic events like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes impact ecosystems. (TEKS 7.8A)
● Create and describe a model that demonstrates the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed. (TEKS 7.8C)
● Describe the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on environments in ecoregions of Texas. (TEKS 7.8B)
Space
● Describe characteristics of objects in our solar system that allow life to exist, like the proximity of the Sun, the presence of water, and the composition of the atmosphere (TEKS 7.9A)
● Identify accommodations that enabled manned space exploration. (TEKS 7.9B)

● How have the processes of natural selection and selective breeding changed food crops and domestic animals?
● How can turgor pressure be used to illustrate and demonstrate the effect of force and motion in a plant?

● How do plants use photosynthesis in order to meet their energy needs?
● Why does the amount of energy available in a trophic level decrease at each additional trophic level?
● How does biodiversity within and between trophic levels in a habitat affect the sustainability of an ecosystem?
● Why do biomes support specific varieties of organisms and not others (for example: rain forests versus deserts)?

● How have the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition affected the Texas ecoregions?
● How does the concept of ecological succession explain changes in an ecosystem?
● How can natural events such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes impact ecosystems?
● How do human activities impact watersheds?

● How does the distance from the Sun affect the conditions necessary for life?
● How does the microgravity environment in space affect astronauts’ bodies?

● Pick a few biomes to explore with your child. Discuss the different adaptations present that enable organisms to survive in that environment.

● Research or visit the Houston Arboretum to learn about the various animal relationships native to Texas. Work with your student to build a food chain and web that includes the percent of energy available at each trophic level.

● Discuss how catastrophic events like flooding and/or hurricanes impacted Houston. Which impacts were/are short-term? Which impacts are long-term?

● Read this article on the “Goldilocks Zone” and discuss why scientists have nicknamed it that.

●    7.4A: identify individuals, events, and issues during the administrations of Republic of Texas Presidents Houston, Lamar, and Jones such as the Texas Navy, the Texas Rangers, Jack Coffee Hays, Chief Bowles, William Goyens, Mary Maverick, José Antonio Navarro, the Córdova Rebellion, the Council House Fight, the Santa Fe Expedition, slavery, and the roles of racial and ethnic groups
●    7.4C: identify individuals, events, and issues during early Texas statehood, including the U.S.- Mexican War, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, slavery, and the Compromise of 1850
●    7.10A: identify why immigrant groups came to Texas and where they settled
●    7.5A: explain the central role the expansion of slavery played in the involvement of Texas in the Civil War
●    7.5B: identify significant events concerning Texas and the Civil War such as the Battle of Galveston, the Battle of Sabine Pass, and the Battle of Palmito Ranch
●    7.13A: identify how the Texas Constitution reflects the principles of limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights
●    7.15B: explain civic responsibilities of Texas citizens and the importance of civic participation
●    7.6A: identify significant individuals, events, and issues, including the factors leading to the expansion of the Texas frontier, the effects of westward expansion on American Indians, the buffalo soldiers, and Quanah Parker;
●    7.7A: explain how the oil industry led to the industrialization of Texas
●    7.11A: explain economic factors and the development of major industries that led to the urbanization of Texas such as transportation, oil and gas, and manufacturing
●    7.12B: explain the impact of economic concepts within the free enterprise system such as supply and demand, profit, and world competition on the economy of Texas
●    7.7D: describe and compare the civil rights and equal rights movements of various groups in Texas in the 20th century and identify key leaders in these movements such as James L. Farmer Jr., Hector P. Garcia, Oveta Culp Hobby, Lyndon B. Johnson, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Jane McCallum, and Lulu Belle Madison White
●    7.10D: analyze the effects of the changing population distribution and growth in Texas and the additional need for education, health care, and transportation
●    7.18A: explain how the diversity of Texas is reflected in a variety of cultural activities and celebrations

1.    What was the experience of Texas during the Civil War and Reconstruction?
2.    How did the westward expansion of Texas affect the American Indians?
3.    What historical events helped to shape the Texas Economy into what it is today?