Dear Eighth Grade Honors Challenge Science and Honors Biology Students and Parents/Guardians
Hello! I would like to welcome each and every science student/parent to the 2026-2027 school year here at Alta Sierra Intermediate. I believe this will be a fabulous year full of adventure and discovery.
The 8th grade Alta Sierra Honors Challenge Science Program is divided into two semesters of integrated Astronomy, Earth and Physical science. The first semester will begin with motion, forces, waves, kinetic and potential energy. Our second semester will cover the moon phases, stars, galaxies, genetic mutations and evolution.
The 8th grade Honors Biology class is also divided into two semesters starting with in semester 1: Intro to Biology and Characteristics of Life, Structure, Function & Growth, Photosynthesis & Cell Respiration and Earth’s Atmosphere Semester 2: Inheritance and Variations of Traits, Evolution, Ecosystems: Ecology Interactions, Energy & Dynamics, Ecosystems: Stability & Response to Change
My class will also provide practice in the skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, math, research and group work.
The course provides many hands on activities, laboratory experiments, and projects. I expect students to be responsible for their behavior, to do all class work and homework, prep for exams, and to be prepared for class each day.