SCIENCE CURRICULUM GUIDE 2011-2012
- What topics will my child be studying this year?
- What will my child be learning in science this year?
- How can my child bring up his/her grade?
What topics will my child be studying this year?
6th GRADE:
Weather and Climate – atmosphere; understanding weather; climate & biomes
Inside the Restless Earth – minerals & rocks; rock & fossil record
Environmental Science – interactions of living things; Earth’s ecosystems
7th GRADE:
Microorganisms, Fungi, & Plants – characteristics of living organisms;
bacteria & viruses; protists & fungi; plants & plant processes
Herb plants/seeds project & research: growth, care, history & uses
Cells, Heredity, & Classification – cell structure/function; cell processes;
heredity: genes & DNA; organism classification; adaptation & evolution
Astronomy – stars, galaxies, & the universe; formation of solar systems
Animals – invertebrates; amphibians
8th GRADE:
Introduction to Matter – properties & states of matter; elements, compounds, & mixtures;
atomic theory & atoms; periodic table
Periodic Table project & research
Interactions of Matter – chemical bonding, reactions, & compounds; identification &
balancing chemical equations
Human Body Systems & Health – body organization & structure; structure & function of
organ systems
What will my child be learning in science this year?
6th GRADE:
Students will use inquiry to understand life, earth, and physical
science. Inquiry involves the use of scientific method to
question, predict, investigate, analyze, and explain. Students
will apply math and language art skills to correlate with further
development of science skills.
Students will:
• use inquiry skills for classroom instruction and labs
• understand and use scientific method to investigate
claims and find evidence
• understand the factors that create and affect weather and
climate
• explore rocks, minerals, and explain Earth’s geological
processes
• investigate the evidence of life on Earth
• demonstrate knowledge of lab safety and proper use of
scientific equipment
• use computer technology to research, investigate, and
problem-solve
• develop and write a lab report to communicate experiment
findings
7th GRADE:
Students will use inquiry to understand life, earth, and physical
science. Inquiry involves the use of scientific method to
question, predict, investigate, analyze, and explain. Students
will apply math and language art skills to correlate with further
development of science skills.
Students will:
• use inquiry skills for classroom instruction and labs
• understand and use scientific method to investigate
claims and find evidence
• investigate and classify organisms: microscopic, plants,
and animals
• grow plants from seeds, research them and present findings
• identify and understand cellular life processes
• explore the development of the universe
• demonstrate knowledge of lab safety and proper use of
scientific equipment
• use computer technology to research, investigate, and
problem-solve
• develop and write a lab report to communicate experiment
findings
8th GRADE:
Students will use inquiry to understand life, earth, and physical
science. Inquiry involves the use of scientific method to
question, predict, investigate, analyze, and explain. Students
will apply math and language art skills to correlate with further
development of science skills.
Students will:
• use inquiry skills for classroom instruction and labs
• identify the characteristics, properties, and
interactions of matter
• investigate, develop, and understand the periodic table
• investigate and apply concepts of human biology and their
interactions
• explore and apply concepts of genetics and heredity
• demonstrate knowledge of lab safety and proper use of
scientific equipment
• use computer technology to take notes, research, investigate, and
problem-solve
• develop and write a lab report to communicate experiment
findings
How can my child bring up his/her grade?
Students are given the opportunity to earn extra credit points on each of their
chapter tests by answering the Extra Credit essay at the end of the test. Writing
is an important part of all subject areas. Students are encouraged to further
develop their writing skills in science by answering the extra credit question with
a properly structured paragraph. Points are given for displaying a knowledge of
the chapter material as well as use of analytical skills.
Students can review for chapter tests by printing the Directed Reading B worksheets
for each chapter section from the online website. Answer keys are in the science
classroom; students can correct in the morning before school starts. Students
scoring D's & F's on chapter tests can receive extra credit points for doing
the Directed Reading B worksheets,if corrected and reviewed by Mrs. White prior
to the day of the test.
Students that are struggling with chapter tests can schedule time to work
on developing or improving study skills when preparing for science tests.
Students can also earn points through current events that are relative to what
is being currently taught in class. News events that relate to the lesson can
be summarized and reported to the class if approved by the teacher. The source
material or URL address of where information was found must be submitted along
with a written summary, in the STUDENT'S OWN WORDS.