Course InfoRmation

Seventh Grade Science

The seventh-grade science curriculum is designed to enable students to learn and understand the concepts of life science, including the organization of life, interdependence in ecosystems, energy and dynamics, inheritance and genetic variation, changes in organisms over time, and the human body. Students will experience student-centered, hands-on activities that guide them through solving various problems and conducting experiments. 

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are the focus of this curriculum. Students are expected to be able to design experiments, create models, and construct and present arguments using evidence throughout the year. Students will utilize technology for research, developing and analyzing data tables, as well as demonstrations to present their findings. 

The NJSLS-Science includes disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices. The intent is for students to experience science, make real-world connections, and use their knowledge to communicate what they have learned. Students will apply math and writing skills throughout the year as they analyze data that they calculate and draw conclusions. Assessments consist of traditional type tests as well as student-created projects. Using phenomena to drive learning and instruction will be emphasized. The curriculum and Student Learning Objectives are designed to ensure that all our students are successful on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) in science.

Eighth Grade Science

The eighth-grade science curriculum is designed to help students learn and understand the core concepts of physical science, including the structure and properties of matter, energy transformations, waves, forces, and motion. Students will engage in student-centered, hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving and experimentation. These activities are aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and will guide students through designing experiments, creating models, and constructing and presenting evidence-based arguments throughout the year. 

Students will utilize technology to conduct research, create and analyze data tables, and present their findings through demonstrations. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices as outlined in the NJSLS-Science. The goal is for students to actively experience science, make real-world connections, and communicate their learning effectively. 

Throughout the course, students will apply math and writing skills to analyze data and write conclusions based on their experiments. Assessments will include traditional tests as well as student-created projects. Phenomena-driven learning will be a key focus, encouraging students to explore and engage with scientific concepts through real-world examples. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure students are prepared for success on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) in science. 

This course fosters a positive, engaging learning environment where active participation, cooperation, and critical thinking are essential. Through inquiry-based science, students will deepen their understanding of the physical sciences in the world around them.