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Welcome to my classroom! I love teaching middle school science because it's an exciting journey of discovery and curiosity. Science is all around us, and in my class, we dive into hands-on lab activities that make learning come alive. Whether it's conducting experiments, building models, or exploring real-world problems, students experience firsthand how science helps us understand the world and the forces that shape it.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching middle school science is seeing students begin to notice the little things in the world around them—how plants grow, why the sky changes color, or what happens when two substances mix. They start to ask questions and make connections between what they learn in class and their everyday lives. These moments of wonder are the building blocks for scientific curiosity and critical thinking.
By the time students leave my class, I hope they not only have a solid understanding of scientific concepts but also a deeper appreciation for the role science plays in shaping our world. Becoming scientifically literate is more important than ever in our modern society, and I strive to help students develop the skills they need to think critically, make informed decisions, and contribute to a better future. Science is not just something we study—it's a way of thinking and engaging with the world!
Grade 6
In 6th grade, students engage in a wide range of exciting science topics aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These topics include exploring the structure and properties of matter, understanding chemical reactions, and studying energy forms such as kinetic and potential energy. Students will also investigate Earth’s systems, including its geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. The curriculum covers key concepts like plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes, and delves into weather patterns and the factors that influence climate.
Additionally, students will examine the impact of human activities on Earth’s systems, as well as the complex interactions within ecosystems, food webs, and the survival adaptations of organisms. The course encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, helping students understand the Earth’s history, fossils, and evidence of past life. These topics aim to provide students with a deep understanding of the natural world and foster scientific inquiry through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
Grade 7
In 7th grade, students explore a variety of fascinating science topics that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). They will study the structure and function of cells, learning about cellular processes and the role of DNA in heredity. Students will also investigate the patterns of plant and animal reproduction, and explore the relationships between organisms and their environments within ecosystems. A significant focus is placed on understanding the interactions and flow of energy within ecosystems, including food webs and energy pyramids. As students delve deeper into Earth's systems, they will examine how human activity impacts the environment.
Additionally, students will learn about the human body’s systems, including the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, and how they work together to maintain homeostasis. Students will also learn abut waves magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetic radiation. Through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building a strong foundation in science. These topics encourage students to make connections between scientific concepts and real-world phenomena, fostering a deeper understanding of how science shapes the world around them.
Grade 8
In 8th grade, students explore a variety of advanced science topics that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). They study genetics and biotechnology, learning how traits are inherited through genes and how advances in biotechnology can influence medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Students also investigate the theory of natural selection, exploring how populations evolve over time through adaptations to their environments. The curriculum includes a focus on the solar system, where students learn about the Sun, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies, as well as the forces that govern their movement, like gravity.
In addition to these topics, students explore physics concepts, including motion, forces, and energy, understanding how energy transforms and how the law of conservation of energy applies to various systems. They also examine chemical reactions, atomic structure, and how elements combine to form compounds. Through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while investigating Earth’s history, the process of plate tectonics, and the formation of landforms. These topics help students build a deeper understanding of the natural world and the science that shapes our everyday lives, encouraging connections between scientific concepts and real-world applications.
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