The science program for grades 6-8 fosters an awareness of the scientific world around us. By achieving a mastery of the basic principles of various science disciplines, students use this experience as a stepping stone to achievement in more advanced science settings.
Earth Science (Grade 6)
In this course, students will investigate the scientific concepts, theories and principles which are associated with planet Earth as well as other celestial bodies. Major units of study include, but are not limited to, the following: Scientific Inquiry, Geology, Earth’s Landforms, Plate Tectonics, Earth’s Geologic History, Meteorology, Natural Resources, Energy Resources (with special emphasis on solar energy),and Astronomy. Students will use the scientific process of problem solving; compare and contrast the states of matter related to the Earth; explain the cause and effect relationship of forces related to the rock cycle; understand the forces which produce the ever-changing surface features through Plate Tectonics; understand the dynamics of weathering and erosion, along with its effects on Earth; identify the physical properties and chemical composition used to classify rocks and minerals; understand and explain the basic weather patterns that affect our region and North America; understand the benefits of the Darlington solar farm on campus, along with other alternative energy resources; explain the relationship between members of our solar system; explore the universe in relationship to the Earth; and understand the importance of natural resources to our planet.
Life Science (Grade 7)
Life Science is the study of all living organisms. Throughout the year students will develop an understanding of key concepts related to the Life Science field. Students will explore cellular structure, function and organization, the classification of organisms, and diversity of living organisms; relationships between organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems; ; genetic coding and inheritance of traits from parent to offspring; structure and function of the human body, and biomechanical movement of joints and muscles.The study of the human body will be accompanied by multiple dissections throughout the course of the year that will include but not be limited to fetal pigs, frogs, squids, starfish, worms, mussels, rats etc. A two-week unit on reproductive health will occur in the spring.
Physical Science (Grade 8)
Physical Science uses a scaffolded, inquiry-based approach that covers both physics and chemistry. The content is broken down into hands-on, minds-on learning. Content is taught by confronting common misconceptions and then conducting experiments to dispel faulty information, replacing it with facts, as well as scientific theory and laws. Some of the topics covered include energy, force, heat, phases of matter, density, the Periodic Table of Elements, and atomic behavior.
Students will show competency in organization and mathematical analysis of data, manipulation of variables in experiments, identification of sources of experimental error, understand and follow specific directions, problem solving, leadership within group activities, and time management.
