In grade 6, students will be introduced to core science concepts. Each unit will introduce new vocabulary, provide practice activities, and use claim-evidence-reasoning writing assignments to further the learning experience. At the end of each unit, there will be a unit test as well as a  project based learning style cumulative assignment so students can apply what they have learned in a fun and innovative way.

The grade 7 science curriculum explores the physical science standards based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. The first unit, Matter and Its Interactions, begins with an introduction of the Big Bang Theory and the origin of matter in the universe. It transitions into the difference between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Students will investigate the different compounds, elements and mixtures to gain a deeper understanding of how synthetic materials are created from natural materials and how matter from the creation of the universe makes up everything we interact with. Students complete multiple labs to demonstrate their understanding of these phenomena. This understanding connects to the phenomena of particle motion.  The unit shifts focus at this point, to states of matter and the motion of particles. Key concepts for this unit include atoms, chemical and physical changes, chemical reactions, synthetic and natural materials, and change in states of matter. 

All living organisms are made of cells. Life is the quality that distinguishes living things—composed of living cells—from nonliving objects or those that have died. While a simple definition of life can be difficult to capture, all living things—that is to say all organisms—can be characterized by common aspects of their structure and functioning. Organisms are complex, organized, and built on a hierarchical structure, with each level providing the foundation for the next, from the chemical foundation of elements and atoms, to the cells and systems of individual organisms, to species and populations living and interacting in complex ecosystems. Organisms can be made of a single cell or millions of cells working together and include animals, plants, algae, fungi, bacteria, and all other microorganisms. By the end of grade 8:  All living things are made up of cells, which is the smallest unit that can be said to be alive. An organism may consist of one single cell (unicellular) or many different numbers and types of cells (multicellular). Unicellular organisms (microorganisms), like multicellular organisms, need food, water, a way to dispose of waste, and an environment in which they can live.

Elective: PLTW curriculum is designed to empower students to thrive in an evolving world. As a part of the design process when developing and updating our curriculum, we focus on connections to a variety of standards. The courses offered in grades 6-8 consist of Robotics and Medical Detectives. 

Elective: This STEM- based course will introduce the idea of a balanced approach to sustainability and explore the topics of climate change, limited resources, renewable energy, water, waste, environmental justice, and the needs of different ecosystems. This class is important now more than ever before as it will teach middle school students the importance of taking care of the planet, what motivates humans to make a massive change, and how to problem-solve solutions to sustainability challenges. Case studies and problem-solving exercises will be used to provide real-life experience in addressing sustainability issues. Students will be presented the opportunity to work out of and provide solutions to issues that their own community might face.

In addition to learning about sustainability, students will be exposed to the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as access to resources looks different around the world. This course will be student-driven, where students will research topics and design their own projects around them. Students will be exposed to sustainable resources or lack thereof in their own community, as well as globally. Sustainability is a cross-disciplinary field of study, and therefore, social justice, literary texts, and mathematical analysis will also be incorporated into daily lessons and projects. Sustainability incorporates the environment, society, economics, and students will apply these topics to learn about different cultures and support a more sustainable future.