Middle School Science
	The aim of middle school science is to build upon the inquisitive nature of the students developed in the lower school while beginning to formalize the curriculum in preparation for upper level classes. Students and teachers work together in class and laboratory investigations that include inquiry and develop both critical thinking and problem solving skills.  For more information please read the Middle and Upper School Science Course Sequence. The 6th Grade Earth Science course begins with a look at the formation of the universe.  Students explore the solar system, the effects of the sun and the moon on the Earth, and changes in the planet due to natural occurrences.  Students study the Earth by exploring a range of topics including the theory of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, minerals, and the Earth’s surfaces.  They end the year studying the atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate. Students develop organizational and study skills and improve note-taking ability. Hands-on exploration through labs and projects provides a concrete experience for the students. Interdisciplinary lessons with the Geography and Language Arts classes reinforce students’ understanding of geographic phenomenon.    Seventh Grade Life Science is the study of living things and how they interact. The class begins with a study of cells, which includes an introduction to biotechnology, genetics, and current topics such as DNA, stem cells, and cloning. After a study of the human body the class investigates other life on earth through a survey of the kingdoms, with expanded studies in the plant and animal kingdoms. Frequent hands-on laboratory investigations sharpen the critical thinking and lab skills begun in the sixth grade.   Eighth Grade Physical Science covers two main topics: physics and chemistry. Students study chemistry the first semester and physics the second semester.  Students study atomic structure and the role protons, neutrons, and electrons have on an element’s chemical properties. Students do not memorize the periodic table; however they become familiar with element placement in the table and how and why it became organized in its present day form. Physics is a hands-on science and students will study motion and forces, energy and work, magnetism, electricity, and waves and will apply this knowledge to every day events in their lives. Students will use their algebraic skills to solve for unknown variables such as speed, velocity, force, and work.