Students in 4th Grade Science learn by doing through field experiences, participating in presentations from experts, and conducting experiments. Students engage in discussion, inquiry, and demonstrations.

Our Earth science unit is all about geology. In the first cycle, students learn how geologists can use fossil evidence and rock layers to explain changes that have happened to landscapes. In the second cycle, students evaluate ways in which weathering, erosion, and deposition has changed our landscape. In the final cycle, students learn about geologic events and brainstorm ways to reduce the human impact of future changes to Earth’s landscape.

Our physical science unit surrounds the concepts of energy and waves. More information coming soon!

Students explore concepts of matter, astronomy, Earth's systems, and ecosystems. Students engage in hands-on science experiments that allow them to question ideas, hypothesize, analyze data, and present findings to peers and teachers.

In their study of matter, students learn about atoms, elements, and the periodic table. Students use their knowledge of physical and chemical properties of matter to investigate how thermal energy can change a substance's state of matter.

In their study of astronomy and Earth's systems, students learn how the rotation and revolution of the moon and Earth around the sun effect the hours of daylight and seasons we experience on Earth. Students analyze data to discover patterns of daylight hours, climates, and time zones around the globe. Students develop and use a model of Earth's distribution of fresh water to propose solutions for water conservation in the United States.

In their study of ecosystems, students study the interconnectedness of living and nonliving things. Students learn how populations and communities within a habitat interact at different levels within the food chain. They apply this knowledge to model the movement of matter and energy within an ecosystem.

Students in 6th Grade connect their understanding of multiplication and division with ratios and rates and ratios and fractions. They are thus able to solve a wide variety of mathematical problems and explain their reasoning. Students extend their understanding of numbers and the ordering of numbers to the full system of rational numbers. They can reason about the order and absolute value of rational numbers and about the location of points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. By the end of 6th Grade, students can write expressions and equations that correspond to given situations, evaluate expressions, and use expressions and formulas to solve problems. They can construct and analyze tables and can use equations to describe relationships between quantities. Students can solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume and prepare for future work on scale drawings through drawing polygons in the coordinate plane.

In addition, students explore concepts of biodiversity, electricity, and space. In their study of biodiversity, students learn about the interconnectedness of living things and that maintaining diversity is critical to the health of the planet. Students use disruptions of ecosystems to make observations, ask questions, make hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and share their findings with one another. In their study of electricity, students have the opportunity to program Arduinos as they explore circuits and examine and create different types of circuits with other materials. In learning about space, students will focus on developing an understanding of the phenomena that result from the movement of different bodies in space. They will also create a scale model, using proportional reasoning, of the planets and their distance from the sun.

Students in 7th Grade show a great deal of curiosity and interest in science. The purpose of this course is to cultivate this interest and help students develop the basic skills needed in higher-level science courses. The curriculum covers topics from Earth and life sciences. Emphasis is placed on acquiring an understanding of concepts of science and on the collection and analysis of data. Students are expected to employ increasingly accurate methods of investigation in both laboratory and field work and to perform projects and data analysis both individually and in groups. Class work involves traditional lectures and discussions along with hands-on experiments and experiences. Follow-up work at home allows students to strengthen what they have learned in our discussions and investigations.

This course continues to cultivate students’ interest in science and help them develop the essential skills needed for higher-level courses. The curriculum alternates its focus between physics and chemistry while also making connections across science disciplines and other subject areas. Students use scientific thinking as they experience hands-on learning, often using the engineering-design process. Projects include the design, creation, testing, and redesigning of contraptions such as Trebuchets, Rube Goldberg machines, and Newton scooters.