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 Academic Program > Curriculum Guide > Science
Sixth Grade Sixth GradeIn sixth grade there is an emphasis on laboratory investigations which enable students to learn through first hand observations. Techniques for analyzing data, research, and note-taking skills are an important component of their learning as well. Students discover concepts about atoms, states of matter, compounds, and acids and bases. Students continue to deepen their sense of environmental awareness by exploring geology topics including formation of Earth's landforms as well as weathering and erosion. A study of the pond and stream give students a chance to test the water quality and understand some of the impact human activities have on the Earth's water supply, Students will relate their own stewardship practices with the efforts of environmentalists who have made positive contributions through research, action, and advocacy. We will investigate how we sense the world around us, and how the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems contribute to our amazing body machines. Students will demonstrate their learning through weekly lab activities and projects such as building atomic models and creating power point presentations. Texts: Resources: Seventh GradeSeventh grade topics include climate change, energy, cell and human physiology and ozone depletion. Students examine evidence that provides clues to past climate, investigate factors that lead to climate change, and evaluate claims about the Earth's climate future. Types of energy, electrical energy production, and energy resources are investigated to provide a backdrop for understanding the impact of human resource use on the biosphere. Energy flow through living systems is studied through an exploration of cell physiology. Bacteria and viruses are introduced and their role as pathogens leads to investigation on how the immune, circulatory, and respiratory systems function and ward off disease. Students close out the year learning about ozone depletion and how to use Arcview GIS as a means of mapping data. Group and individual projects allow for creative exploration of topics in greater depth and breadth. Examples are: publishing a handbook of Newton's Laws of Motion, building energy and motion roller coasters, preparing a power-point presentation on the role of women in science and invention, researching energy resources, making three-dimensional cell models, designing a game that teaches about the circulatory and respiratory systems, and building and racing solar cars. Text: Eighth GradeEighth grade science begins with an oceanography unit that is integrated with English and includes a special focus on the zonal ecology of barrier islands. Students learn about the chemical and physical properties of ocean water, ocean floor features, ocean zones, water movement, the adaptations of living things to the marine environment, and human impact on marine ecosystems. This first unit culminates with an overnight trip to Assateague Island where the students study the zonal ecology from the beach to the bay. Building on their understanding of the chemical nature of water, students explore the chemical structure of other ionic and covalent compounds. They write chemical formulas and balance chemical equations. This foundation is useful when they subsequently study molecular genetics and nutrition. Studies of heredity and reproduction, together with their understanding of marine ecosystems, serve as a backdrop for the investigation of the evolutionary process demonstrated so vividly on the Galapagos Islands. The year ends with a unit on astronomy that features an ad campaign designed by students to attract extraterrestrial tourists to our solar system. Students also produce Power-point presentations celebrating the contributions of African-American scientists and inventors to the world of science. Text:
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Middle School science combines hands-on experience with discussion, research, reading, and writing. Students perform and prepare written reports on many experiments as they become
familiar with scientific tools and methodology in a problem-solving environment. Students work in cooperative learning groups whenever possible. The National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks in Science Literacy provide a framework for the inquiry-based science program. Middle School science covers topics in life science, earth science, and physical science each year. Projects and units of study integrated with other courses such as English, history, and math increase each student's awareness of the relevance of science to other disciplines and the ways in which they are connected.