Middle School Science Courses
Science 6
The focus of sixth grade science is Earth Science in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will explore this science through hands-on, in depth units in three major focus areas: 1) Planetary Science, 2) Earth History, and 3) Weather and Water. Included in this curriculum are the earth’s structures, plate tectonics, the shaping of the earth’s surface and energy in the earth’s system. In the study of plate tectonics and earth structure, students learn that plate tectonics accounts for important features of the earth’s surface and major geologic events.
Science 7
The focus of seventh grade science is life Science in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will explore this science through hands-on, in depth units in four major focus areas: 1) Populations and Ecosystems, 2) Diversity of Life, 3) Human Systems Interactions, and 4) Heredity and Adaptation. Included in this curriculum are cell biology, genetics, evolution and structure and function of living things. Also included are earth and life history and physical principles of living systems. In their study of cell biology, students will learn cell structure and function.
Science 8
The focus of eighth grade science is Physical Science in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will explore this science through hands-on, in depth units in five major focus areas: 1) Chemical Interactions, 2) Gravity and Kinetic Energy, 3) Waves, 4) Electromagnetic Force, and 5) Variables and Design. This course covers topics including chemistry, physics, and engineering. Students will “do” science through collaborative, as well as individual, investigation and experimentation. Problem solving skills, scientific inquiry, and the use of laboratory equipment will be emphasized.
High School Science Courses
Biology
Biology is a year-long life science course based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Topics include Structures and Processes of Cells and Organisms, Ecosystems, Heredity, Evolution, and the Earth and Human Activity. Students will learn through scientific inquiry and problem solving, collaborative projects and real-world application of content.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a year-long physical science course based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Topics include Matter, Energy and Earth Systems. Students engage with the content through a curriculum that emphasizes real-world applications, project-based learning and an inquiry approach to solving problems.
Environmental Science
This course is designed to make us aware of the interconnections of the natural systems of our world and how these systems can be effected by humans. The amazing thing about environmental science is that it is the study of EVERYTHING in our world! In order to understand an area or an ecosystem we should know about its geology, biology, chemistry, and history (natural and human). In this class, we will be exploring many of the challenges facing our changing world. I highly encourage you to ask the difficult questions, challenge what you read, and find out more for yourselves. All of the issues that we will be studying are dynamic and current in the news! In this class, I expect inquisitiveness and self-motivated learning. There will be activities, projects, and labs daily throughout the course. This class is the most challenging at the start of the year when you are building your base of knowledge. However, you will soon discover that all of the systems of our planet are connected. Therefore, as we move through the year each new unit will be informed by what we already learned and it should feel more like reaching a logical conclusion than learning something brand new.
AP Environmental Science
This course is designed to make us aware of the interconnections of the natural systems of our world and how these systems can be effected by humans. Environmental science is an integrated science where we learn about geology, biology, chemistry, and human history in order to understand the complicated interconnections of science in the world. In this class, we will be exploring many of the current challenges facing our changing world. There will be activities, projects, and labs throughout the course to help us understand and apply the knowledge that we learn. This class is the most challenging at the start of the year when you are building a base of knowledge. However, you will soon discover that all of the systems of our planet are connected. Therefore, as we move through the year, each new unit will be informed by what we already learned and it should feel more like reaching a logical conclusion than learning something brand new. In addition, our class will go on some field trips this year that will be pertinent to our investigation and understanding of our world. The AP components of the course will be fulfilled by an extension of project work on the PLP, the completion of all additional focus areas, and test preparatory work (in class) that will ensure you are ready for the AP exam in May.