Science

SCIENCE 6
Sixth grade science continues to emphasize data analysis and experimentation. Methods are studied for testing the validity of predictions and conclusions. Scientific methodology, focusing on precision in stating hypotheses and defining dependent and independent variables, is strongly reinforced. The concept of change is explored through the study of transformations of energy and matter, both in living things and in the physical sciences. A more detailed understanding of the solar system becomes a focus of instruction. Natural resource management and its relation to public policy and cost/benefit tradeoffs are introduced.

ADVANCED SCIENCE 6
Advanced Science 6 requires advanced intellectual skills such as problem solving, sharp reasoning, and analytical investigation. Advanced writing and research, as well as laboratory work and the use of technology, are key factors in this course. Students will be required to complete an independent research project. Mathematics applications and research of literary sources require the higher-level math and English emphasis. Science 6 reinforces experimentation, focusing on dependent and independent variables, predictions and their validity, collection and analysis of data, and conclusions. This program will explore sources of energy and its transformation and use in living things, and in the physical sciences, the role of solar energy, matter, properties of water and its role, the structure and dynamics of the air and the Earth’s atmosphere, watershed systems and their unique characteristics, the solar system’s organization and interrelationships, and management of renewable and nonrenewable resources, including related public policy issues.

LIFE SCIENCE (Grade 7)
Life Science continues to emphasize a more complex understanding of change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. Students build on basic principles related to these concepts by exploring the cellular organization and the classification of organisms, the dynamic relationships among organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems, and change as a result of the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Inquiry skills at this level include organization and analysis of data and manipulating variables in experimentation.

ADVANCED LIFE SCIENCE (Grade 7)
Advanced Life Science emphasizes a more in-depth understanding of change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world in populations, communities, and ecosystems. Students will explore change as a result of the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Advanced Life Science requires higher level critical thinking skills. Students will be required to complete an independent research project. Independent out-of-class assignments are an integral part of this advanced level work. Research projects requiring strong writing skills are emphasized. Advanced Life Science builds on skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Validating conclusions through analysis of data is increasingly important at this level. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Student will propose practical solutions to real-life problems. Work will be shared through written reports and class presentations.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Grade 8)
Physical Science continues to build on skills of systematic investigation with concentration on variables and repeated trials. Drawing valid conclusions is emphasized using observations and data. Research methods and process skills are utilized to solve practical problems and questions. Physical science stresses an understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy forms. The course places emphasis on the technological application of physical science principles. Major areas covered include the periodic table, physical and chemical changes, nuclear reactions, temperature and heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and work, force, and motion.

ADVANCED PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Grade 8)
Advanced Physical Science requires higher level critical thinking skills. Students will be required to complete an independent research project. Independent out-of-class assignments are an integral part of this advanced level work. Research projects requiring strong writing skills are emphasized. Advanced Physical Science builds on skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Validating conclusions through analysis of data is increasingly important at this level. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Students will propose practical solutions to real-life problems requiring higher mathematics applications. Work will be shared through written reports and class presentations. Advanced Physical Science stresses a more in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and energy forms. This course places considerable emphasis on the technological application of physical science principles.