Middle School Science

Instructor: Mrs. Orbita

Lab safety is very important during scientific investigations.  At the beginning of the year, students will be instructed in proper lab safety practices and will be required to sign a lab safety contract stating awareness of the safety rules.

Our lab work during the year will involve students working in small cooperative groups where students will not only work together to solve problems, but will also be developing valuable social skills.

6th Grade

SCIENCE:  Students receive instruction in Physical Science.  The Introduction to Physical Science text is supplemented with outside materials, including Internet usage.  Some of the topics covered include Matter, Chemistry, Energy, Waves, Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism.

7th Grade

SCIENCE:  Students receive instruction in Life Science.  The Life Science text is supplemented with outside materials, including Internet usage.  Some of the topics covered include Classification, Kingdoms of Life, and Human Body Systems.  The seventh graders also will conduct and present a Science Fair project.

8th Grade

SCIENCE:  Students receive instruction in Earth Science.  The Earth Science text is supplemented with outside materials, including Internet usage.  Some of the topics covered include Earth’s History and Processes, Air & Water, Our Impact on the Environment, and Astronomy.

SCIENCE - GRADES 6-7-8

Course Description/Objectives

The goal is for students to see science as a system for making sense of the world.

Grading will be based on assignments, labs, group and individual projects, participation, quizzes, and tests.

Grade 6 Science

Textbook:  Introduction to Physical Science by Glencoe Science.

We will begin our year by discussing what science is and the steps of the scientific method, which will also include measurement and materials in science.  Some of the topics that we will be studying this year include matter, chemistry, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.

Grade 7 Science

Textbook:  Life Science by Glencoe Science.

This year, the seventh graders will begin the year studying fluids, energy, and light.  They will then go on to  investigate living things.  They will be learning about what all living things have in common and what they are made of.  Next, we explore the great diversity of living things on Earth and how they are categorized.  We then will discuss interactions of organisms with other organisms and their environment.

This year the seventh graders will also be conducting science fair projects.  We expect to be choosing topics before Christmas break.  Students will then have time over break to gather any necessary materials for their projects.

Grade 8 Science

Textbook:  Earth Science by Glencoe Science.