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Science

Science is a non-track inquiry-based class. Students entering this course come from various backgrounds with respect to science instruction. 

Sixth grade begins with the big ideas and theories of earth science in order to develop a student’s natural curiosity about science and the natural world. The journey continues with a study of our bodies and plant life around us.

Seventh grade begins with the big ideas in biology (genetics, evolution, and ecology) and gets kids to look at differences and similarities in their own experience and compare it to what goes on in the larger world. In the second half of the year, students study matter through direct experimentation.

Eighth grade is organized around developing an atomic model of matter and fundamental concepts of physics. Students organize their experiences in a science journal. They are expected to communicate their work clearly and justify their results in both written and oral form. Students often work collaboratively in order to share ideas and build confidence in an open-minded and compassionate environment. There is a strong focus on writing to communicate and summarize ideas and support evidence of new ideas. They are expected to use their previously learned mathematical skills effectively in problem solving This integration of disciplines or, holistic learning helps students realize that most real world problems require knowledge and learnings from a variety of disciplines and experiences. As they develop the skills of inquiry, students will understand intercultural awareness and appreciate both the similarities and differences between various approaches to human knowledge.

Our goal is to develop critical thinkers that can organize information and ideas in a cogent manner and apply knowledge to real-world problems and propose meaningful solutions. We hope that students will be:

  • Inquirers: passionate about learning through laboratories and research
  • Knowledgeable: explore key concepts in science and link across other subjects
  • Principled: show responsibility for self and others in the laboratory
  • Reflective: Understand how big and small advances in science can increase the well-being of all people.

Aims and Objectives

In order for students to:

  • Develop inquiry and curiosity about physical world
  • Develop conceptual understanding and skills needed to solve problems and make informed decisions
  • Develop and become confident in complex problem solving situations
  • Synthesize laboratory data and make inferences regarding validity of data
  • Develop an appreciation of the benefits and limitations of science in advancing technology
  • Become knowledgeable enough to be confident in advanced science courses
  • Work safely, confidently, and collaboratively in a laboratory setting
     

They will:

  • Develop critical thinking and research skills in order to understand concepts (Knowledge and Understanding)
  • Identify and define problem, test hypothesis, design an investigation and analyze data in order to evaluate scientific methodology (Scientific Inquiry)
  • Use appropriate data, investigations and representation (formulas, units, diagrams, tables, graphs) appropriately and fluidly in both written and oral communication (Communication)
  • Collect, record, share and analyze data appropriately and confidently in various visual representations. Analyze and discuss group data to evaluate validity of individual experiments (Processing Data)
  • Understand and appreciate interdependence and beauty of science and the world in which we now live and will live in the future (One World)

Attitudes in Science 

Develop a positive, proactive, and safe attitude with respect to laboratory investigation, group collaboration and the biotic and abiotic environment in which we live.

Assessments

Summative assessments will be in many forms including lab reports, debates, presentations, written essays, 3D projects, exams, and concept maps.