COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science programs are taught using the Science Interactions by Glencoe textbook and hands-on materials to promote discovery and experimentation in the categories of life, earth, and physical science. The purpose of this document are as follows:
* To inform parents of the general nature and thrust of the grade levels program. * To act as a guide to parents in providing supportive assistance to a childÕs school program.
GRADE SIX
Life Science: Study basic heredity; explain what and how traits are passed on; explain chromosomes; study Mendel; study the digestive, circulatory, respiratory systems including the dissection of the squid, earth worm, and frog. Earth Science: Study the structure and parts of the earth, including rocks, minerals and renewable and non-renewable resources. Physical Science: Describe the three forms of matter; explain molecules and atoms; explain a formula and model; describe melting and freezing point; study crystals.
GRADE SEVEN
Energy, the concept central to all science, is introduced in the context of work and machines, and applied to body movements. Students will study NewtonÕs Laws of Motion and learn how they relate to forces and pressure. Having learned many of the concepts and tools of science, we now explore in more depth the nature of gases and why the properties of gases can be best explained by an atomic theory of matter. This will help explain the behavior of the atmosphere including the greenhouse effect. We next delve more deeply into the structure of living things. Before learning about cells, however, we explore how lenses and mirrors can expand our senses so that we can obtain direct evidence of the existence of cells.
GRADE EIGHT
In the eighth grade we start by exploring evidence of other interactions in our world, those supplied by electricity and magnetism. These connect us with many familiar technologies, as well as explain some aspects of the nature of light. By now students will have enough tools so that they can understand not only the structure of the atom, but also the evidence on which this structure is based. Atomic structure is also the foundation for chemical reactions and for the kinetic theory of matter that explains why solids, liquids, and gases act as they do. Students will also find out that the oceans of our world interact with systems on Earth to support life on our planet. We conclude the exploration by looking at the interactions between Earth and its neighbors, the sun and the other planes, and the place of our world in the cosmos.
By the end of three years, we will cover the following key concepts and skills during the class:
* Offer a true integrated science program, where life, earth, and physical science are integrated throughout the year.
* Show students how history, the arts, and literature can be part of science.
* Be able to solve problems using scientific methods.
* Participate in hands-on activities as a way of providing a bridge between science content and student comprehension.
* Work safely in the science laboratory.
* Use the metric system in the science classroom.
* Develop and apply critical thinking skills.
* Help student succeed in middle school science so that they will continue learning science through high school and into adulthood.