We believe that the best way to learn science is to become a scientist. Through laboratory experiments and fieldwork discovery trips, our students learn to understand and enjoy the world around them.
Laying Scientific Foundations
In Middle School, our science curriculum guides students through the three main branches of life, earth, and physical science. They start by exploring the interactions and interconnections among living organisms, working to understand their place in the world and their relationships with others. They then study the science of the universe itself. Finally, by investigating questions about chemistry, physics, and the natural world, students delve into the body of knowledge acquired through the scientific process, while engaging meaningfully in the process of science itself.
Accordion
Students in this course explore life on many levels – from the microscopic world of the cell to our vast and magnificently diverse biosphere. Science as a process and evidence-based thinking is emphasized. In addition to smaller investigations completed throughout the year, during the first semester, the class collaboratively designs and conducts a controlled experiment related to birds. Other topics in the course include cells and cell reproduction (both mitosis and meiosis), genetics, body systems, ecology, plants, animals, and microorganisms. Both structure and function are emphasized, as well as the interactions and interconnections between living things.
Seventh grade science introduces students to the systems and processes at work on Earth. From honing observation skills, to effectively communicating their findings, students learn that science is a process, and that discoveries are limitless. Students are given multiple opportunities to collaboratively and independently use and make models, pose questions, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and share findings.
As the rigor increases, students practice their study and test taking skills as well as reading scientific content and writing scientifically. Group work is a major component of this course as students participate, communicate, and cooperate with various peers throughout the year. As the course content unfolds, students will gain a new perspective on where they exist in the universe, the history of the Earth, how the systems of the Earth interact with each other, and discover how humans impact our environment. Ultimately, students will gain a broader perspective on the role of science across many disciplines.
This is a laboratory-based course introducing students to physics and chemistry.
This is a laboratory-based course introducing students to physics and chemistry. Student teams conduct experiments rooted in the scientific method on a weekly basis. Topics include density, measurement in the metric system, motion, forces, nature of waves, physical and chemical changes, classification of matter, nature of the elements and chemical reactions, naming chemical compounds, forms of energy such as heat, electricity and magnetism.
Students will practice critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork through numerous group projects. These challenges include forensic style investigations and engineering competitions. Students will explore science concepts using on-line simulations from various sources and expand their technological proficiency by writing lab reports and using computer-based lab equipment with several probes.