Investigations in Environmental Science
Grade:7
36 Weeks
Investigations in Environmental Science builds upon the experiences in the life sciences introduced to students in upper-elementary grades. Cellular structure and function, heredity, diversity, populations and ecosystems are content strands developed through a sequence of hands-on investigations. To augment the inquiry-based investigations, computer technologies including graphing calculators, Vernier probeware, CD-ROMs, and streaming videos are used to build background knowledge and enhance student understanding. Process skills related to scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic are integrated throughout the course as students carry out investigations, collect and analyze data, and formulate conclusions.

Investigating Matter and Energy
Grade: 8
36 Weeks
Investigating Matter and Energy builds upon the experiences in the physical sciences introduced to students in the upper-elementary grades. Properties of matter, energy forms and their transformations, and forces and motion are content strands developed through a sequence of hands-on investigations. To augment the inquiry-based investigations, computer technologies including graphing calculators, Vernier probeware, CD-ROMs, and streaming videos are used to build background knowledge and enhance student understanding. Process skills related to scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic are integrated throughout the course as students carry out investigations, collect and analyze data, and formulate conclusions. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Texts:
Borgford, Christine, etal. Physical Science, Austin Texas: Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 2004.

Lab Manuals:
Investigating Matter and Its Changes
Investigating Matter and Temperature
Investigating Motion, Forces, and Energy
Investigating the Energy Transformations

Recommended Resource:
ScienceSaurus 6-8: GreatSource