Earth Science (6th Grade) – Earth Science focuses on geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Students will explore scientific method, Earth structure, Earth dynamics, properties of the ocean, atmospheric forces dealing with climate and weather, as well as our place in the solar system and universe. Interdisciplinary topics include mapping, Earth’s layers, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, climate, oceanography, and the solar system. Students will explore their world by analyzing environmental samples, graphical analysis, laboratory experiments, and conducting research.

Eighth grade science is an introduction to chemistry and physics.  Chemistry units include atomic structure, periodicity, nature of matter, and phases changes; while physics units include Newton's Laws of Motion and 1D-2D kinematics, while being tightly integrated with the math course that students are taking concurrently.  Learning takes place through projects, labs, lectures, and research. The goal of the eighth-grade science program is that students will develop the understanding that science is a process.  Students will gain an appreciation for the application of chemistry and physics in their daily lives. The focus is on scientific inquiry and formulating and answering questions, with a content emphasis and concentration in physical science and engineering.

This course engages students in the study of life science through exploration of such fundamental topics as cell structure, simple organisms, life processes, the diversity of life, and human body systems. Active engagement in the methods and processes of science occurs throughout the course. Big ideas and skills are introduced and repeatedly applied in subsequent units. Students will be asked to conduct both independent and group work, participate in class discussions, engage in class activities, apply content, present information an a variety of formats and organize information in a variety of ways.