Science The science curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in scientific content and the opportunity to study the
laws of the natural world through methods of inquiry and scientific investigation. Students practice their knowledge and skills by using critical and analytical approaches to problem solving. Throughout academic experience in the sciences, students will develop the perspective and skills needed to analyze the role of science in their own lives and the natural world around them. All science courses are lab based. Placement in high school science courses is based on previous courses taken, grades earned in those courses and teacher recommendation. For graduation, one year of physics, chemistry and biology is required.
GRADES 6 - 8 Science 6
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s):
6 full year none
Science 7
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s):
7 full year none
Science 8
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s):
GRADES 6 - 8
This course builds on the foundational knowledge and skills developed in sixth grade. Students continue to build proficiency in the science and engineering practices by conducting investigations, analyzing data, supporting claims with evidence and reasoning and designing, testing and evaluating engineering projects. Students develop conceptual knowledge by learning to solve current real-world science issues, such as evaluating how blood-doping affects body systems and developing treatments for drug-resistant malaria. Areas of study include microbiology, cells and the human body, heredity and evolution. Throughout the course, students use critical thinking and build communication skills in speaking and writing.
SCIENCE
This course focuses on building a solid foundation in science by developing strong inquiry and critical thinking skills. The course focuses on fundamental science concepts of energy and the interaction of matter and applies these concepts to ecology and engineering. In each unit, the focus is on developing a deep understanding of the concepts and applying the concepts to real scientific issues. The science practices of modeling, investigating, analyzing data and arguing from evidence are integrated into each unit, so that students learn science by doing science.
8 full year none
Science 8 continues to build on the practices established in sixth and seventh grade. Students are actively engaged in planning, conducting and evaluating investigations, using models to explore and answer questions and using evidence and reasoning to develop and support claims. Students study Earth’s systems and the impact of human activities on the Earth through units in geology, oceanography and climate sciences. Science 8 also includes two engineering units related to plate tectonics and climate change. The continued focus on critical thinking, written and oral communication skills and the practices of science ensures that students are ready for high school level science by the end of the course.
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