Science Staff

Bobby Biddle, 7th Grade Department Chair
Nancy Brown
Heather Callow
Jeff Grayson
Amy Helm
Sindy Schwab
Valerie Warriner, 8th Grade Department Chair
Rachel White

FCPS Middle School Science Site
Contains links to SOL information and student and parent resources and curriculum materials.

Course Descriptions

Science 7 (Investigations in Environmental Science) - Year
Grade: 7 Required

Investigations in Environmental Science builds upon the experiences in the life sciences introduced to students in upper-elementary grades.  Science content strands on scientific investigation, cellular structure and function, heredity, diversity, populations and ecosystems are emphasized throughout the year and are studied through the use of hands-on experiences with living materials, laboratory investigations, and computer technology. Science process skills -- designing experiments, collecting, organizing, and interpreting data, and constructing models -- are integrated during inquiry-based science experiences throughout the year. Computer technologies including graphing calculators, probeware, CD-ROM, and streaming videos are integrated with instruction and used to enhance student understanding.

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.  Science process skills -- designing investigations; collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; and communicating results -- are integrated throughout the course.  Computer technologies including graphing calculators and computer technologies such as probeware, CD-ROM, and streaming videos are integrated with instruction and used to enhance student understanding.