The Middle School science curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to develop inquiry and laboratory skills while investigating a broad range of scientific themes. The fifth grade curriculum provides an introduction to each of the disciplines covered throughout the Middle School science program. Fifth graders study environments of living organisms, the chemistry of water, and the biology of the human body systems. Experimentation and modeling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. The students also embark on a hands-on investigation both static and current electricity. Sixth graders study the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the phases of the moon. Students look at the physical features of the planet Earth, including the formation of rocks and minerals. The year ends with robotics unit in which students have the opportunity to apply this new geological and astronomical content. In the seventh grade, the life science course examines the beauty, diversity, and complexity of life on earth. In the eighth grade, the physical science course covers many topics relating to matter and energy such as force, motion, the particles of matter, and how matter interacts chemically.

Science – 5

5th grade science builds upon the skills and topics introduced in grades K-4. It provides a stimulating introduction to a broad range of scientific knowledge; opportunities to develop a number of practical skills, including the designing and carrying out of investigations, which involve making hypotheses and observations, the correct use of devices, problem-solving, and the communication of ideas.

 

Students start the year with an opening unit on the scientific method, inquiry, and experimental design, followed by a wide range of topics that continue to keep students engaged in hands-on inquiry. Some of the topics we will cover this year include microscopy, the cell, properties of water, weather, electricity, and human body systems. During the cell unit, students will construct a model of a plant or animal cell. The water and weather units allow students to think about the impact of humans on the environment, and includes testing the water in Central Park. Students learn about electricity by creating simple and parallel circuits, and finish the unit with an engineering project to build a structure that is wired for electricity. The study of the human body focuses on levels of organization and explores several body systems in detail.

Science – 6

In sixth grade, students primarily investigate Earth Science. After a review of the scientific method, we begin the year with astronomy, looking out beyond Earth to understand our place in the universe. We study the history of our solar system, including how the planets formed and the life of a star. We learn about moons, comets and asteroids, planets and dwarf planets, black holes, nebulae, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. Students prepare biographies of the planets in our solar system to present to the class. For our next topic, geology, we look inward at the Earth's internal processes: plate tectonics, the internal structure of Earth, and the rock cycle. Students have the opportunity for hands-on study of rocks and minerals, and we discuss earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain building, and the formation of the oceans. Starting this year, we will also begin to integrate aspects of life science and physics in conjunction with relevant Earth Science topics, such as investigating the relationship between seasons, climate, and biomes or contrasting Earth’s life-friendly conditions with that of other planets. Finally, we discuss the use of unmanned probes used in exploring our world and beyond, and students embark on an engineering project to design and construct a robot to solve a problem of their choice related to Earth Science or Astronomy. They will learn research skills to understand their challenge and will learn basic programming and engineering concepts using a series of hands-on, inquiry based lessons.

In addition to the curricular content of the course, sixth grade students keep their own science journal, a "Science Writer's Notebook," for independent science experiments, observations, and research.
 

Textbook – McGraw Hill: Integrated iScience Course 1

Science – 7

Seventh grade students investigate content in the plant, animal, fungus and protist kingdoms as well as the domains Archaea and Bacteria on both a cellular and multicellular level. Students explore methods of classification, reproduction, cellular function, and genetics in these groups. Students also work on a year-end project of their choosing where they apply the scientific method to further investigate the course content. Students also discuss the practice of science in society and the history of several scientific discoveries.
 

The goal of Life Science is for students to use their curiosity to investigate and understand the living systems that surround them. Students will better learn how to think critically and problem solve. The class will involve labs, PowerPoint presentations, Internet labs/simulations, dissections, and demonstrations. Students will study cells, genetics, and the five kingdoms of life throughout the year.

Text:  

Cronkite, D. et.al. (2009). Science Explorer: Cells and Heredity: Prentice Hall.

Jan Jenner et al (2009). Science Explorer: From Bacteria to Plants: Prentice Hall.

Jan Jenner et al (2009). Science Explorer: Animals: Prentice Hall.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

Textbook – McGraw Hill: Integrated iScience Course 2

Science – 8

8th grade science is an introductory survey course in physical science – the study of matter and energy and how they affect each other. Specific topics we consider include force, motion, energy, the particles of matter, and how matter interacts chemically. Students will also have the opportunity to explore specific topics in Biology that dovetail with their investigations in physics and chemistry in order to help prepare them for upper school courses. This will include looking at chemical interactions in the human body and discussing the flow of energy in the biosphere.

The broad objectives of physical science include the development of laboratory skills, reasoning skills (such as the application of knowledge to new situations), modeling skills (both physical and mathematical), and communication skills.  Students engage in hands-on activities, projects, and lab investigations to illuminate the course content and develop critical thinking and inquiry. 

This course will help students develop a level of appreciation for science that makes it possible for them to share the richness and excitement that comes from a deeper understanding of the natural world. Integrating specific biochemistry and bio-physics lessons will help students build on previous knowledge to help them prepare for more advanced content.

Text: McGraw Hill: Integrated iScience Course 3