Science 6

The 6th grade science course will introduce students to a variety of science topics, skills and ideas. Students will have the opportunity to explore several different scientific fields through research, experimentation, and interactive activities. Throughout the course, students will use the scientific method and understand that the scientific method applies to all scientific disciplines and endeavors. After completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Plan and implement an investigation using the scientific method.

2. Collect, display and interpret data from a scientific investigation.

3. Identify and describe the relationship between force and motion.

4. Identify chemical and physical properties and classify matter based on these properties.

5. Understand and describe the relationship between matter and energy.

6. Explain the origin and path of energy and its importance to all life on earth.

7. Understand that traits are inherited and that traits can change over time.

8. Understand that organisms respond to external stimuli and identify these responses.

9. Know and identify the basic structure and components of the solar system, the earth’s atmosphere and the earth’s surface.

Syllabus

Science 7

This course will provide students with enlightenment and instruction on the nature of science, using a discovery process to teach the scientific method, and the use of metric measurements in scientific investigations. It covers the study of the Universe, stars, constellations, and objects in the Solar System. Movement and pathways of the Earth and Moon are investigated, with natural paths uncovered as students discover just how large the universe really is. Next, students will discover how Earth materials are formed and what they can teach us about Mother Earth's past as they investigate the natural processes that shape its ecosystem, the landscape and the creation of different environments on Earth. The course then covers basic concepts of force, motion and equilibrium. Concepts of human biology are also uncovered, with emphasis on body systems and those amazing functions that contribute to our wellness. Agricultural science and its impact on biotechnology is introduced, along with its affect on human interaction with the earth. Finally, the basics of environmental science are covered, and through the use of stunning photography and lively animation, students will interact with endangered species, learn about natural resource use, environmental health, pollution, and biodiversity. Syllabus

Science 8

This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for the 8th-grade student about to enter high school science. It covers the relevant topics in all the major scientific disciplines, building on prior knowledge and expanding on subjects introduced earlier in middle school. Students begin with a review of the scientific process and get more into depth with the idea of critical analysis of theories and experimental research. They will move on to discuss principles of physical science and energy. In the life science portion of the course, students will cover structure and function of organisms, genetics and evolution, and tenets of ecology. This will flow into the environmental science topics including earth’s cycles and environmental problems. A brief discussion of the solar system will also be covered. Students will learn about the assigned topics through interactive activities, experimentation, discussion, and engaging text and animations. Graded assignments will be stimulating and thought-provoking, hopefully paving the way for future interest in the scientific disciplines. Syllabus