Science

6th Grade Science uses the course, IQWST® (Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology), which transforms adolescents into scientists. They begin the year with an introduction to "how to do science" through exploration of the scientific method and the inquiry process. Students apply this to an introduction to physical science, "Can I Believe My Eyes." We explore the behavior of light and the electromagnetic spectrum, and how our eyes work to allow us to see objects and colors. Using the modeling process developed in this first unit, we transition into a chemistry unit, "How Can I Smell Things from a Distance," in which we investigate particle motion, energy, and phase changes. Within this unit is also a foundational introduction to atoms, molecules, and particle properties. In the Spring, we dive into earth science with "How Does Water Shape Our World." The focus is on exploring the processes of weathering and erosion within the rock cycle, and how the water cycle contributes to the shaping of Earth's surface over time and apply these concepts to parallel research of American National Parks. We finish our year with a tour of population change based on food webs and resource availability with a life science mini-unit that uses examples of local invasive species and outdoor experiences to explore our standards.

6th Grade Science

7th Grade Science uses the course, IQWST® (Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology), which transforms adolescents into scientists. Students investigate questions relevant to their lives by conducting investigations; collecting and analyzing data; developing and using models to explain phenomena, and engaging in argument from evidence.  Lessons are organized into thematic units that encourage students to also pursue their own original questions that integrate the fundamentals of Physical Sciences, Life Science, and Earth Science. 

7th Science

8th grade students use the course  IQWST® (Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology), which transforms adolescents into scientists. Students investigate questions relevant to their lives by conducting investigations, collecting and analyzing data, developing and using models to explain phenomena, and engaging in argument from evidence, all in a literacy and discourse-rich environment.  Lessons are organized into thematic units that encourage students to also pursue their own original questions in units that integrate the fundamentals of Physical Sciences, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science.  As research indicates, and the Framework for K-12 Science Education and NGSS describe, students learn best when they use coherent materials that support them in building understanding over time.  By referencing real-world science with which students are familiar or have personal experience, science learning has value to diverse students who can apply what they are learning to their everyday lives. 

8th Grade Science