Science

Our Science curriculum is guided by The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS call for a three dimensional approach to science instruction, Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. In our classrooms, students practice the behaviors that scientists exhibit as they investigate phenomena. Activities and tasks allow students to link the cross-cutting concepts that can be seen across different domains of science, such as patterns, similarity, cause and effect, and diversity. The disciplinary core ideas are Earth, Life, and Physical Science, as well as the principles of Technology and Physics. To aid student understanding, an emphasis is placed on relating these principles and concepts to real world experiences. Teachers employ a variety of strategies including hands-on laboratory activities, interdisciplinary lessons, and differentiated learning techniques. The development of reading, writing, problem solving, laboratory techniques, study skills, and working collaboratively are important objectives of the Science program.

Our program integrates the Common Core Literacy Standards with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Common Core Literacy Standards are integrated particularly in terms of recognizing and citing supporting evidence, determining the central ideas and conclusion of text, following multi-step procedures, and distinguishing among fact, reasoned judgment, and speculation within text.

Grade 6 focus is on the Earth and Space Sciences which investigates processes that operate on Earth and also address its place in the solar system and the galaxy. Grade 7 focus is in Life Science which emphasizes the understanding of all forms of life and their ecological relationships. In these two years, considerable emphasis will be placed on developing laboratory and writing/researching skills, as well as problem solving and scientific thinking. Grade 8 focus is on Physical Science where they learn about the principles of force, motion, energy, and chemistry as they relate to our world and its resources. Teachers hone student’s skills in the lab, problem solving and inquiry as they prepare students for success at the high school level.