Course Description
The science program at the middle school is an interdisciplinary overview of various sciences that will be taught throughout the year. Students will be covering various topics related to the Scientific Process/Experimental Design, Biology/Health, Physical Science – Chemistry and Physics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. We will also be incorporating Project Lead the Way (PLTW) into our 8th grade curriculum. PLTW is for every student and will allow students to explore ideas related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). A lot of our curriculum will create opportunities for students to work in groups and to work “hands-on” to gain a holistic learning experience.
Trimester Breakdown
T1 – PLTW: Automation and Robotics: Students trace the history, development, and influence of
automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork collaboration and innovation.
PLTW: Energy in the Environment / Green Architecture (Physical and Environmental Science):
Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact energy use has on the environment. They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in an energy expo to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques. We will also investigate alternative energy resources which include: Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Wind Turbines.
T2 - Interactions of Matter (Chem) / PLTW: Science of Technology (Applied Physics / Chemistry):
Students take an in-depth look at both matter and energy. We will be building on the 7th grade curriculum to develop a foundational understanding of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, Chemical Compounds, and Atomic Energy.
T3 - Experimental Design and Metrics: Students will develop their understanding of the
scientific process and the engineering design process. We will review and take a more in-depth look at the Metric System and SI units and become familiar with common laboratory equipment and procedures. By the end of the unit, students will be able to design and conduct scientific investigations, use measurement devices to provide consistency in an investigation, and recognize lab equipment and safety procedures.
Human Body Systems and Health (Biology) & PLTW: Medical Detectives: Students will be exploring five main body systems and the anatomy/physiology of these systems; Body Organization and Structure, Circulation and Respiration, Digestive and Urinary, Communication and Control, and Body Defenses and Diseases (HIV/AIDS).
The science program at the middle school is an interdisciplinary overview of various sciences that will be taught throughout the year. Students will be covering various topics related to the Scientific Process/Experimental Design, Biology/Health, Physical Science – Chemistry and Physics, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. We will also be incorporating Project Lead the Way (PLTW) into our 8th grade curriculum. PLTW is for every student and will allow students to explore ideas related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). A lot of our curriculum will create opportunities for students to work in groups and to work “hands-on” to gain a holistic learning experience.
Trimester Breakdown
T1 – PLTW: Automation and Robotics: Students trace the history, development, and influence of
automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork collaboration and innovation.
PLTW: Energy in the Environment / Green Architecture (Physical and Environmental Science):
Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact energy use has on the environment. They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in an energy expo to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques. We will also investigate alternative energy resources which include: Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Wind Turbines.
T2 - Interactions of Matter (Chem) / PLTW: Science of Technology (Applied Physics / Chemistry):
Students take an in-depth look at both matter and energy. We will be building on the 7th grade curriculum to develop a foundational understanding of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, Chemical Compounds, and Atomic Energy.
T3 - Experimental Design and Metrics: Students will develop their understanding of the
scientific process and the engineering design process. We will review and take a more in-depth look at the Metric System and SI units and become familiar with common laboratory equipment and procedures. By the end of the unit, students will be able to design and conduct scientific investigations, use measurement devices to provide consistency in an investigation, and recognize lab equipment and safety procedures.
Human Body Systems and Health (Biology) & PLTW: Medical Detectives: Students will be exploring five main body systems and the anatomy/physiology of these systems; Body Organization and Structure, Circulation and Respiration, Digestive and Urinary, Communication and Control, and Body Defenses and Diseases (HIV/AIDS).