Science

Middle School Science is an integrated course of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, united through a common theme of investigative design and explanation. The curriculum is constructed to help students form an understanding of themes that run through the scientific world. Our aim is not only to teach knowledge, but for students to be able to apply their understanding within contexts that relate to the real world; be this an aspect of industry or the inner workings of a living organism.

An essential part of scientific learning is investigative skills. Science lessons are designed to have an experimental focus where possible; this may be a teacher demonstration, a class experiment or a full investigation. This is always used in conjunction with relevant content to facilitate the development of a deep understanding of scientific concepts. It is important to us that young scientists are able to record, process and interpret raw data, skills we continuously work on throughout the Middle School curriculum.

Our focus is to help students develop a curiosity that challenges them to think about Science creatively. Our assessments are varied and involve group projects, investigation reports, creative tasks as well as unit tests. These assessments aim to be challenging and rigorous while giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding. Students receive regular feedback from both peers and teachers and are helped to reflect on their learning throughout each unit.

The curriculum is supported through a variety of student and teacher resources. Units are aligned with the K–12 UWCSEA Science standards and benchmarks.

The programme in Grade 6 is designed to help students gain confidence in working and thinking like scientists. There is a strong focus on experimental design and developing the skills needed to explain scientific concepts. This is all embedded in a curriculum that lays the foundations of modern Science. The Grade 6 units of study are as follows:

• Becoming a scientist – how do we work scientifically?

• Water - how does particle arrangement affect the properties of matter?

• Cells and reproduction – what are the building blocks of life?

• Energy and sustainability – how do we transfer energy efficiently?

• Chemical reactions - how can matter react to form new substances?

The Grade 7 curriculum further builds on scientific concepts and is made relevant to the students lives where possible. Investigations continue to be a large focus throughout the curriculum, along with an increase in emphasis on teaching independent study skills and facilitating student-led projects.

• Elements, mixtures and compounds – what are the foundations of Chemistry?

• Heat transfer – how do we apply the concepts of heat transfer to the real world?

• Energy in living things – how is respiration supported in living organisms?

• Microbes and disease – how do microbes and disease impact humans and the planet?

The programme in Grade 8 is designed to push students to become critical thinkers who make links between the Science topics studied throughout middle school. There is a strong focus on communication of deep conceptual understanding which both cements learning from previous years while actively preparing students for the high school curriculum. Investigations continue to be used to broaden scientific thinking.

• Forces and motion – what are Newton's laws and how do they impact our lives?

• Light – how does light interact with its surroundings?

• Variation and genetics – how are traits passed down through generations?

• Chemical reactions – how do we use equations with chemical equations?

• Human impact on the environment – what is the chemistry behind climate change?