Science

6th Grade Science Ms. laGrippe, Mrs, Weinhammer, and Mrs. Zamarripa

October 2024

Sixth grade science will finish up our investigation of the Strange New Planet soon. The Strange New Planet is an exoplanet revolving around the habitable zone of the star closest to Earth. The kids have put on the shoes of scientists and engineers at NASA to investigate this discovery. They have learned about the exciting field of studying exoplanets to try and find life outside our Solar System. We have viewed the exoplanet in four different ways, analyzed our data and planned to send a lander to Proxima b, the Strange New Planet. See the image below. 

Additionally, throughout our investigation we have used many of the science and engineering practices. These are guiding skills in science that the students are learning about and will use throughout the years to come. See the image below.

November 2024

The students have finished their Soda Straw Rocket lab, their first experiment using the FULL scientific process. This starts with a scientific question (cause and effect) Does the length of a rocket affect how far it will fly. They researched the forces of flight, predicted an outcome, and controlled their variables. They tested four different rocket lengths, collected, organized and analyzed their data Finally they use their data to answer questions about what they think happened. Please check with your child to make sure they have finished and turned in the lab document. 

We have begun our study of the Earth, Sun and Moon. The first secion coveres Earth's Motions (rotation and revolution) and seasons. The reason for seasons can be difficult with them, any extra reviewing at home will be helpful.

7th Grade

Seventh grade continues to explore cellular functions as we move through out unit called Healing Cuts.  Currently we are learning the major cell parts called organelles. We will then explore differences between plant and animal cells.  Before the end of November we will have a summative where students will be asked to explain how the parts of a cell work together to perform all their functions such as healing.  You can help your child at home by asking questions about what we are doing in class and offering to help them study their parts of a cell. 

Mrs. Beere

Mrs. Martinez

Mrs. Wapole

8th Grade

Eighth grade students have  taken their first summative of the quarter on gravity. They are able to provide evidence that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of the interacting object. Students will be conducting investigations and evaluating experimental designs to provide evidence of magnetic and electric fields.