Seventh grade students can learn to employ the scientific method when conducting experiments at school or at home. The scientific method is a series of steps that all scientists use to ask questions and organize data. The procedure requires students to first ask a specific question to find a focus for the experiment. Then research the topic, make a hypothesis, conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis, analyze results and convey findings to the class.
Seventh grade biology may introduce topics such as cellular structure, plant biology, zoology or genetics. Make a family tree and use it to track how physical traits are inherited. Explore how plants germinate by comparing seeds from different species. Track how the seeds react to changes in soil, temperature and water access.
Earth science incorporates topics such as geology, ecology, environment and climate. Seventh grade experiments could include digging up soil in a variety of locations to compare the differences. Dig deeper to discover how soil changes from the surface through each subterranean level. Or build a seismograph and try to detect earthquake activity.
Physical science introduces the role of physical forces in the world. Learn about lift and buoyancy by experimenting with helium balloons. Test the concepts of weight, thrust, drag and lift by building a rocket. Toss different size balls in the air to explore how mass, weight and volume can effect how high the ball travels.