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2009 - 2010
(approved 8/27/09)
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Science |
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The purpose in science instruction in the middle schools is to serve a general education function. That is, science instruction should focus on providing the student with (1) a valid understanding of the nature and purposes of science and of those mental and physical behaviors that characterize science as a human process, (2) a familiarization with certain general principles and concepts of science that have lasting relevancy, and (3) stimulating intellectual encounters with challenging problems involving investigative activities. The goal of preparing the student for future science courses is met by the successful attainment of these more general goals. Science instruction requires active investigative behavior on the part of students. By coordinating/integrating the middle school science program students are provided with opportunities throughout their middle school experience to reconnect to the themes of Systems and Change. In this manner students and teachers are regularly collecting data on student progress toward learning goals not only during the year but from year to year. The threading of these themes from sixth grade through eighth grade will lead to increased understanding and appreciation for the myriad of connections that exist among and between the branches of Earth, Life, and Physical Science. By doing science in addition to learning about science, students are given the opportunity to apply problem solving skills, learned across the curriculum, to real problems they and society as a whole will face.
Sixth grade science provides students with a coordinated science course focused on the themes of systems and change. The course integrates concepts of Life and Physical Science with the studies of Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology, as well as examining issues related to human activities. Students will explore various problem solving techniques used in science as well as the tools scientists use to conduct this research. Students will be producing scientific writing in the form of formal laboratory reports as well as in maintaining informal journals. Hands-on and Minds on inquiry based learning activities will provide students with opportunities to investigate authentic problems and scenarios that are analogous to those faced by scientists in industry as well as the public at large.
Life science is a practical study of the features and functions of living things. The program develops an awareness of living things, the biological processes which keep organisms alive, and the ecological relationships among organisms. Necessary life science principles are introduced through student involvement. This program offers a relevant introduction to Ecology, The Cell and Cell Processes, Human Body Systems, Genetics, and Evolution. Complex ideas are presented and developed logically. Students repeatedly use their experiences in observation, in data gathering, and in studying cause and effect relationships to interpret the environment. Scientific principles are reinforced by activities and experiments. The activities and experiments stress scientific inquiry, observation, data collection, hypothesis formation, experimentation, theory testing, and formation of logical conclusions. In emphasizing scientific inquiry, a clear distinction is made between scientific laws and theories.
The physical science program provides an introduction to fundamental principles of chemistry and physics. Topics covered include: characteristics of matter, energy, motion and forces. Inquiry, process skills, and direct hands-on experiences enhance students' learning and allow them to be actively involved in the process. These areas of learning will build the framework for future science courses. Attention will be given to those activities
which will assist students in their transition to
high school science.
Other Middle School
Programs
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