Mr. Ryan’s Third Quarter Letters
All classes will use the Prentice Hall Science Explorer textbook series. This is a terrific series that was
specifically developed to meet the needs of middle grade students, promote science inquiry through
hands-on investigations, and is aligned with the National Science Education Standards.
6th Grade: The 6th Grade is currently studying, "Astronomy." The topics we will study are the Earth,
moon, and sun, followed by studies of our solar system. We will then move into a broader view of
Astronomy as we examine stars, galaxies, and the universe. I have recommended to students that they
use a simple pair of binoculars to aid them in their studies of Astronomy. I encourage students to begin
looking at the night sky regularly, and to try to identify the different features of the night sky we study
in class. The next book we will use is entitled, "Animals," where we will study animal biology.
7th Grade: The 7th Grade is currently studying, "From Bacteria to Plants." The topics we will study are
living things, cellular organization, classification of organisms, the origins of life on Earth, viruses and
bacteria, protists and fungi. We will finish our studies with botany, which is plant biology. As always, I
encourage students to examine the world around them to identify the different items we study in class.
The next book we will use is entitled, "Sound and Light."
8th Grade: The 8th Grade is currently studying, "Cells and Heredity." The topics we will study are cell
structure and function, the history of cell discovery and scientists who have contributed to the cell
theory, cell processes and energy use, and the history of genetics. The next book we will use is entitled,
"Chemical Interactions."