Science
Through Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses, the science program offers experiences for students to explore, explain and apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to events that affect their lives. Students learn to systematically investigate, analyze data, use reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence, and understand the importance of research that validates or challenges ideas.
Students should consult with their counselors to develop an appropriate science sequence. There are several possible sequences and students should select one which best matches their own interests and abilities. The selection of a science course should be made with careful reference to the prerequisites that serve as indicators of the academic skills and knowledge necessary for success in the course.
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03_4105_0 Grade 6 Science
03_4105_8 Grade 6 Science ELD
Grade: 6
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course explores the characteristics of the world, from the Earth’s placement in the solar system to the interactions of water, energy, air, and ecosystems on the Earth. Students will examine the use of resources and consider how their actions and choices affect the future habitability of Earth. Students continue to develop scientific skills and processes as they pose questions and predict outcomes, plan and conduct investigations, collect and analyze data, construct explanations, and communicate information about the natural world. Mathematics and computational thinking gain importance as students advance in their scientific thinking. Students continue to use the engineering design process to apply their scientific knowledge to solve problems.
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03_ 4115_0 Life Science
03_ 4115_8 Life Science ELD
Grade: 7
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course emphasizes a more complex understanding of change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. Students build on basic principles related to these concepts by exploring the cellular organization and the classification of organisms; the dynamic relationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems; and change as a result of the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Students build on scientific investigation skills by independently identifying questions and planning investigations. Students evaluate the usefulness and limits of models and support their conclusions using evidence. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experience in the engineering design process gain importance as students advance in their scientific thinking.
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03_4125_0 Physical Science
03_4125_8 Physical Science ELD
Grade: 8
Prerequisite: None
Assessment: SOL Test
Description: This course emphasizes an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas covered by the standards include the particle nature of matter; the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; energy transfer and transformations; properties of longitudinal and transverse waves; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion. Students enrolled in this course will take the Grade 8 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) test which covers grades 6-8 science standards.