Science

"Science is simply the word to describe a method of organizing our curiosity." -Tim Minchin

6th Grade Earth Science Earth Science is designed to expose middle school students to the world in which we live. This class is discussionbased and will encourage student thought into how our interactions impact our world. Students will explore interactions between organisms and the ecosystems in which they live. They will study the atmosphere and understand how renewable resources necessary for the modern world can act to negatively impact the world around us. Students will study the oceans and their implications for weather and climate. In addition, students will be introduced to geology and the study of the Earth’s surface and learn about the composition of the Earth’s crust.

7th Grade Life Science Life science covers a variety of topics using many different methods. The learning objective of this course is to set the foundation of knowledge for biology and chemistry. Throughout the year, students are given inquiry-based lessons on the many different science skills and scientific attitudes. Hands-on activities and labs are a part of each unit. Powerpoint presentations, interactive activities from the CK-12 curriculum and the instructor's store of material, and relevant videos from a variety of internet websites help to supplement the reading and lecture material that takes place throughout the year. Additionally, each semester, a project-based assignment is given that relates to the topics covered during that time. The first-semester assignment relates to the 7th grade Punnett squares and determining genotypes. The second semester involves swabbing for bacteria in different areas of the school then monitoring the growth of bacteria. The major areas covered in this course include: (1) the nature of science and measurement, (2) cell structure and function, (3) genetics and heredity, and (4) the major human body systems.

8th Grade Physical Science Physical Science emphasizes the main concepts that create the backbone for high school Physics and Chemistry. This class uses many project-based learning tools to reinforce the major topics discussed in class to demonstrate real-world applications of the themes discussed. Students will gain confidence throughout the class in seeing the relationship between math and science while honing and building their basic algebra skills. Project-based learning will be utilized to better understand Newton’s three laws, the transfer of energy between objects, and chemical reactions. ck-12 e-textbook is the primary learning tool and is supplemented by the instructor. Major areas covered in this class include: (1) Motion and force, (2) Energy, (3) Atomic structures, and (4) Chemical reactions.