Sixth Grade:

Sixth-grade science begins the year with a study of microscopes and cell theory. Students examine a variety of living and non-living specimens, using a variety of magnifiers. Children learn about the history of the microscope and the people and cultures that contributed to the development and invention of this important tool of inquiry. Sixth-graders learn important scientific concepts and skills throughout this investigation, including observational skills, data recording, and deductive reasoning. During the study of cell theory, students discuss and question the three universal cell theories and compare different types of cells. Students represent their understanding of cell structure by creating individual organelles.

Six-graders also have an introduction to earth science, with an emphasis on fossils. They study fossils and fossil information and determine the absolute and relative ages of fossils. Children learn about the geologic time scale and participate in hands-on experiments. Finally, sixth-graders learn about the skeletal system and the human body. Students learn how the body is organized and the major bones in the skeleton as the body’s supporting framework.

Resources

Holt Science and Technology: Life Science, Published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Electricity And Magnetism, by Michael J. Padilla, Ioannis Miaoulis, Martha Cyr

Glencoe Earth Science (Glencoe Science), by Susan Leach Snyder, Ralph M., Jr. Feather, and Dinah Zike

NSRC/STC: Magnets and Motors Kit

Seventh Grade:

Seventh-grade science focuses on the earth and life sciences. This includes an investigation into the sun, the layers of the earth, plate tectonics, volcanoes, and the different types of energy humans can obtain from these sources. Students learn about the theory of plate tectonics, types of plates, and their movement. Students conclude their study of the earth with a unit on the atmosphere and various mechanisms that drive the weather. The study of life science includes looking at the common characteristics and needs of all life, as well as how to classify life. Students examine the diversity of living organisms while studying evolution and genetics.

Resources

Science Explorer: Books: Inside Earth, Weather and Climate, From Bacteria To Plants, and Environmental Science, by Inc. Prentice-Hall

Eighth Grade

Eighth-grade Introductory Physical Science focuses on basic physical science concepts, such as the states and behavior of matter, volume, mass, density, and other characteristic properties of matter. Eighth- graders also study thermal expansion and the kinetic theory of matter and how these concepts affect the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases. Children learn about these concepts in a laboratory setting and through this experience develop the skills necessary to perform laboratory experiments. Students investigate the periodic table of the elements. They develop an understanding of the overall organization of the table as well as the different characteristics of the groups of elements. Students learn about atomic theory, atomic/molecular structure, and are introduced to the concept of chemical bonding. They complete a series of labs to demonstrate their understanding of each type of chemical reaction.

The eighth-grade study of physics focuses on motion, forces, and their real world applications. Through student created labs, students demonstrate their understanding of how to describe the motion of objects using scientific language. They will also perform accurate calculations to create and read their data.

Resources

Scientific Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks, by Inc. Prentice Hall

Glencoe Physical Science, by McGraw-Hill