Middle School Science

All middle school students are required to take one science class per academic year. These courses sequentially combine elements of biological, physical, earth, and space science to provide a foundation of scientific understanding which will serve students as they move into high school and later life. Students will not only explore specific topics and content matter, but will also employ technical skill sets to put scientific theory into tangible practice.

Essential Learning Targets:

Upon completion of 8th grade science all students will be able to:

  • Use the scientific method and associated skills to engineer solutions to complex problems

  • Describe consequences of natural and anthropogenic events on biotic and abiotic factors in various ecosystems

  • Compare and contrast the behavior of matter on Earth relative to matter throughout the universe

  • Summarize how life persists on Earth and factors influencing change to existing life forms

  • Predict future changes to global society as a direct result of current scientific understanding and research

Conceptual Outline:

Life Science

  • Functional organisms are made of cells; cells are functional groups of interacting atoms with specific chemical properties

  • All life forms require energy inputs and continuously output energy in various forms

  • Life comes from life; all existing organisms inherited their unique traits from 1 or 2 pre-existing organisms via nucleic acids

  • Natural and anthropogenic factors determine which traits increase the odds of survival and reproduction in population; those particular traits are more likely to be passed on to offspring

Physical Science

  • Matter comprises everything in the universe that has mass and takes up physical space

  • Throughout the universe, units of matter are in constant motion, interacting, and generating predictable responses in other matter

  • The behavior of matter is in direct correlation to energy inputs and outputs

  • All matter possesses some amount of potential energy; dependent on mass and volume

  • The collective behavior of groups of matter has tangible effects on life; some of this behavior can be easily manipulated by humans

Earth & Space Science

  • The universe is understood to be constantly expanding; Earth is relatively miniscule when compared to the universe as a whole

  • Earth is comprised of many matter layers; some solid and some liquid

  • Planets, stars, and other matter within space have unique properties

  • Human activity and technology have had and will continue to have significant impacts on other biotic and biotics factors on Earth

  • Advancing technology has enabled exploration and understanding of other bodies of matter throughout the universe

Engineering

  • The scientific method is a sequential outline used to explore problems or unknowns and develop advancing understanding throughout scientific disciplines

  • Upon identifying problems and related parameters, scientists use data and testing to substantiate hypotheses, develop models, and produce some product which aids in our understanding of the universe

  • Science, as a process, is malleable and ever evolving; imagination and creativity, along with critical thinking skills foster the progress of understanding

Affiliated Technologies

Think Central: Science Fusion

Think Central houses Edgar Middle School's designated science curriculum resources and supplements for students; the science sub-set of Think Central is called and will be referred to as "Science Fusion". Science Fusion offers access to an online version of our textbooks, access to content related videos, forums where students may be assigned and turn in work, and a pleathora of review resources. Students who have previously attended lower grades in the Edgar School District should already have a Think Central account and are likely somewhat familiar with the platform. Think Central will be introduced, demonstrated, and regularly used in the classroom. If you have questions, please feel free to call or email Ms. Lassa.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a virtual environment with the capacity for students and teachers to openly participate in conversation, categorize, assign, and turn in work, and provide supplemental resources to students. "Classroom," as it will commonly be called, is formatted an operated similarly to mainstream social media platforms but with far more tools that enable teachers to monitor, direct, and control streams of activity. Students will access Google Classroom using their school gmail and be given access codes to content specific classrooms during the first days or weeks of the school year. Please note, Google Classroom will be the most commonly used method of discourse between Ms. Lassa and students; this is where students will find updates, reminders, regular assignments, and extra resources. In the unfortunate event of school closure, Classroom will be the primary means of communication and course completion. Likewise, please direct questions to Ms. Lassa via phone call or email anytime.

Contact Ms. Lassa:

Phone: 715-352-2352 ext. 157

Email: mlassa@gapps.edgar.k12.wi.us

Room Number: 19 (middle school hallway)