Science

The Middle School science program is designed to encourage wonder, teach scientific skills, and

facilitate experiment-based inquiry and the engineering design process while exploring a broad range of topics within the earth, life, chemical, and physical sciences. In everything we do, the emphasis is placed on helping students make meaningful connections between the material learned in class and the world around them.

5th Grade In 5th grade science, students are encouraged to wonder about systems in the natural world, beginning with our universe and then gradually moving closer to home. Students explore our solar system and begin to examine the many spheres that make Earth a living planet as they learn about plant life and photosynthesis, water, ecosystems, and weather. Engineering design projects include creating an alien that could survive on a planet of the student’s choice after learning about Earth’s biosphere and application of a student’s knowledge of the Earth’s atmosphere to design carbon dioxide emission capture devices. Students gain experience in scientific research and communication through the Genius Hour project that allows students to choose and learn about a topic of their interest. Equipped with the knowledge and skills gained in each unit, students spend time applying their learning in our garden throughout the year.

6th Grade Sixth grade science explores the characteristics of life. The year begins with students learning about insects in the garden and applying the engineering design process to trap various types of insects for population monitoring or for entrapment. In a collaborative project across all disciplines, students read the book A Long Walk to Water and use the engineering design process to build a water catchment system to address the water scarcity crisis that faced the main character of the book. As the year progresses, students examine the structure and function of plant and animal cells and how they acquire energy to perform specific functions. Students gain an understanding of the specialization of cells which allows them to discover how systems work within an organism and ultimately how these systems interact with each other as students monitor the incubation and hatching of chickens.

7th Grade This physical science course focuses on energy in all its forms within an engineering design framework. At the same time that scientific principles are introduced, each unit includes a presentation of a related problem requiring an innovative solution. Students apply their knowledge through many different engineering projects, including building bridges after understanding forces, motion, and computer modeling, creating a Rube Goldberg machine that demonstrates energy transformations, and designing an interactive electrical toy after learning about electricity and circuits. A unit on robotics using Lego EV3 products solidifies the engineering principles emphasized all year. Throughout the entire curriculum, opportunities abound for students to gain confidence in innovation and problem solving with our unique approach to combining fundamental scientific principles with engaging and relevant engineering designs.

8th Grade Building on previous knowledge, experience, and an understanding of scientific concepts and the engineering design process, the 8th grade curriculum focuses on matter and how the very small can lead to big things. With an emphasis on experimental design, students will explore the properties of matter, atomic theory, and chemistry. Projects include designing a submarine based on the property of density, separating mixtures in a sludge project to develop lab skills, exploring spatial skills through molecular geometry, and observing chemistry in action through an activity based on neurochemistry. In addition, authentic computer-programming experiences are incorporated throughout the course as students apply their scientific understanding to real-world issues. Through project-based learning, the curriculum allows for collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and empathy. This course prepares students for future science courses and promotes confidence in experimental design, a spirit of inquisitiveness, and a disciplined approach to inquiry and research.