Science
INVESTIGATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 7
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 probe ware, 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 ana lyze data, and formulate
conclusions.
All students will participate in a field data collection lab using scientific skills to obser ve and analyze local aquatic ecosystem.
INVESTIGATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HN
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 7
This course extends the standard program of studies for life science. As they study the content strands of cellular structure and function, heredity, diversity, populations and
ecosystems the students will think conceptually; make connections across time, place and subject areas; perform as a practiti oner or scholar in a discipline; and self-assess and reflect
on their learning and the learning process. Instruction is enriched and extended through research -based practices designed to engage and challenge advanced learners, e.g. problembased
learning, research, and investigations.
Science Honors students will be expected to conduct an autonomous research project with staff guidance that will culminate in March with our annual science fair.
INVESTIGATING MATTER AND ENERGY
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 8
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 mot ion are content strands developed through a sequence of hands -on investigations. To augment the inquiry-based investigations, computer
technologies including graphing calculators, Vernier probe ware, 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 car ry out investigations, collect and analyze data, and formulate
conclusions. The end o f course test covers content from grades 6, 7, and 8.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
INVESTIGATING MATTER AND ENERGY HN
36 weeks (year)
Grade: 8
This course extends the standard program of studies for Investigating physical science. As they study the content strands of properties of matte r, energy forms and their
transformations, and forces and motion the students will think conceptually; make connections across time , place and subject areas; perform as a practitioner or scholar in a discipline;
and self-assess and reflect on their learning and the learning process. Instruction is enriched and extended through research -based practices designed to engage and challenge advanced
learners, e.g. problem-based learning, research, and investigations. The end of course test covers content from grades 6, 7, and 8.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Honors physical science extends each of the strands of the general science 8 curriculum and places emphasis on critical thinking, analysis a nd formulating and defending ivestigative
conclusions with evidence. Honors students are required to demonstrate su perior English and mathematical literacy within the course. The unifying role of the 4 physical forces and
their interactions which cause physical phenomena are stressed as a unifying element throughout. In addition, each of the 4 laboratory manuals are augmented with enrichment
topics.