Grade 7 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 7 science in the Manitoba Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- What is matter made of?
- What is the role of gravity on Earth and in the Solar System?
- How does energy move on Earth, in ecosystems, and through space?
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
Heat & Particles
Heat as energy linked to particle motion, temperature, expansion and contraction, changes of state, and the ways heat is generated (friction, electricity, burning, chemical reactions and the Sun).
Moving Heat
How heat is transmitted by conduction, convection and radiation, how the Sun's radiation heats different surfaces, and technologies such as insulation and double-pane windows that reduce heat loss.
Gravity & Tides
Children learn that gravity is a pull between objects, tell mass from weight, and see how the Moon’s gravity causes ocean tides.
Our Solar System
Children learn the scale and members of the Solar System, why the Sun and stars appear to move, how latitude and longitude describe Earth’s place in space, and how people explore space.
Ecosystems
Biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem, how they interact, and the limiting factors and carrying capacity that decide how many organisms an ecosystem can support.
Photosynthesis
Children learn that plants use light energy, water and carbon dioxide to make glucose and oxygen, and why that matters for every food chain.
Food Chains & Energy
Producers, consumers and decomposers, food chains and webs, how energy shrinks as it passes up a chain (about 10% each step), and what happens when part of a chain changes.
Cycles & Succession
How water, carbon and nitrogen are cycled through ecosystems, why cycling supports sustainability, and the difference between primary and secondary succession.
People & Ecosystems
How agriculture, harvesting and technologies affect ecosystems, such as monoculture, overfishing, invasive species and runoff, and ways to protect and restore balance. Includes reading simple data about an environmental measure.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Level 1
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Level 2
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Level 3
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Level 4
- 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 Manitoba 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 Manitoba?
The Manitoba Curriculum Grade 7 science units include heat & particles, moving heat, gravity & tides, our solar system, ecosystems, photosynthesis.
Free printable Grade 7 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.