Grade 7 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 7 science in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
- Elements consist of one type of atom, and compounds consist of atoms of different elements chemically combined.
- The electromagnetic force produces both electricity and magnetism.
- Earth and its climate have changed over geological time.
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?”
- Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives.
- Look up how a household machine works, such as a bike gear, a lamp or a fridge.
- Have your child draw and label a diagram of something they just learned.
What each unit covers
Natural Selection
Variation, inherited versus acquired traits, adaptations, and how natural selection changes populations over generations, with fossils and other evidence. Includes reading data from a predator–prey model.
Atoms & Elements
Elements versus compounds and mixtures, chemical symbols (H, O, Na, Cl, Fe, Au…), counting atoms in formulas like H₂O and C₆H₁₂O₆, metals and non-metals, and the basics of the periodic table.
Circuits & Static
Complete circuits, series versus parallel wiring, conductors and insulators, adding cell voltages, and static electricity (like and opposite charges, lightning).
Magnets & Motors
Magnetic poles and fields, building stronger electromagnets (with a data table to extend), and how motors and generators change energy from one form to another.
Restless Earth
Earth's layers, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, fossils in rock layers, and the order of major events in Earth's 4.6-billion-year history. Includes how First Nations oral histories and scientific evidence together date the great 1700 earthquake.
Changing Climate
The greenhouse effect, evidence of climate change (real CO₂ measurements, glaciers, ice cores), human causes, actions that help, and the value of Indigenous knowledge of the land.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Emerging
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Proficient
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Extending
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the BC report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 7 child with science?
Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?” Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 7 science in BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 7 science units include natural selection, atoms & elements, circuits & static, magnets & motors, restless earth, changing climate.
Free printable Grade 7 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.