Middle School Science
Philosophy
Science at The Sage School is a pre-k – 8 program designed to provide gifted students the opportunity to experience science first-hand and become lifelong learners. The goal is to nurture curiosity and recognize the relevance of science in daily life. The program builds basic science literacy by exposing students to all major fields of science. By using an inquiry and investigative approach, students come to realize that science is a process, not merely a body of knowledge to memorize. This is particularly important in providing the rigor and scope of the material appropriate to gifted learners.
A Sage science classroom utilizes hands-on, multi-sensory activities and technology to engage students in the learning process. The program encourages students to reach their full potential and use higher levels of thinking. A Sage student will use their scientific knowledge to critically, responsibly and compassionately contribute to the world around them.
Goals
1. Build a sophisticated science language and understanding
a. Be knowledgeable about fundamental areas and principles of chemistry, biology, physics, earth and space science
b. Possess the knowledge, understanding and skills of a scientifically literate person
2. Develop scientific text and lecture note-taking skills
a. Identify main ideas of scientific text and lecture
b. Use notes to produce study guides to increase comprehension
c. Cultivate an organized framework of thinking and synthesis of ideas
d. Develop the skill of independent note taking in preparation for secondary school and beyond
3. Establish a thorough understanding of laboratory report requirements
a. Utilize lab equipment appropriately and safely to conduct experiments
b. Design experimental and laboratory procedures. Apply the scientific method to original experimental designs. Identify variables and controls
c. Develop the ability to write rigorously and independently from a teacher provided rubric
1) Provide an introduction requiring extensive research
2) Create a scientific hypothesis
3) Create a written procedure of materials and methods
4) Present data both descriptively and in tables and graphs
5) Critically analyze and interpret data
6) Use results to support conclusion
7) Propose experimental designs to enhance further investigation
8) Speculate impact in the world
9) Write in a passive voice for a scientific audience
4. Create original research reports
a. Gather information from multiple sources
b. Be able to draw logical conclusions, make a critical analysis and/or defend a position
c. Properly cite all types of sources
5. Develop a conceptual model to understand the world around us
a. Be able to use scientific processes and principles to make personal decisions
Content
Content | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
The Nature of Science | Scientific Method Standards of Measurement Role of Technology | Scientific Method Standards of Measurement Role of Technology | Scientific Method Standards of Measurement Role of Technology |
Chemistry | Matter Composition and properties Solids, liquids and gases Kinetic Theory Properties of fluids Behavior of gases Properties and Structure of Atoms The Periodic Table Metals Non-metals Mixed group
| Chemical Bonds Stability in bonding Types of bonds Formulas and compounds Chemical Reactions Chemical changes Chemical equations Classifying chemical reactions Acids, Bases and Salts Strengths of acids and bases | Biochemistry Organic Compounds Hydrocarbons Isomers Polymers Carbohydrates Photosynthesis/respiration Fats/lipids Proteins/amino acids Enzymes/reaction rates Nucleic Acids
|
Biology | Interactions of Life Living Earth Populations and communities The nonliving environment Cycles in nature Energy flow Ecosystems Ecological succession Biomes Aquatic ecosystems Conserving Resources Resources Pollution Conservation
| Cells Cell structure and organization Cell processes Cell reproduction Human Body Systems Skeletal, muscular, and skin systems Digestive system Circulatory system Lymphatic system Respiratory system Excretory system Nervous system Endocrine system Reproductive system
| Genetics Mendelian Genetics Meiosis Pedigrees Molecular Biology DNA replication Transcription RNA processing Translation Mutations Genetic engineering Evolution
|
Content | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
Physics | The Movement of Energy Waves Sound Electromagnetic waves Light
Nuclear Reactions Radioactivity Nuclear decay Detecting radioactivity Nuclear reactions
| Motions and Forces Describing motion Acceleration Gravity
Energy Nature of energy Conservation of energy Wave properties | Astronomy Electromagnetic radiation Tools of astronomy The Moon Sun-Earth-Moon system The Solar System Stars Galaxies and the universe Space travel
|
Earth Science | Composition of the Earth Layers of the Earth Materials of the Earth Identifying Minerals Igneous Rocks Sedimentary Rocks Metamorphic Rocks Rock Cycle
Earth’s Movements Continental Drift Plate tectonics Divergent and convergent plate boundaries Volcanic Activity Earthquakes
| Geologic Time Earth’s “birth”, age and heat sources Formation of the crust and continents Formation of the atmosphere and oceans.
Earth’s Eras Precambrian Paleozoic Mesozoic Cenozoic
| Surface Processes of Earth Weathering, erosion, soil Mass movements, wind, glaciers Surface water Ground water
Oceanography The oceans Ocean movements
Marine Environment Shoreline features The seafloor
|
Materials
Our Middle School science curriculum utilizes a range of texts to provide differentiation, indoor and outdoor lab activities, current event articles, DVDs, and web sites.
Student Text examples:
Hewitt, Paul, and Et Al . Conceptual Integrated Science.
Daniel, Lucy, and Et Al. . Life Sciences.
Biggs, Alton Et Al. Biology.
Feather, Ralph Et Al. Earth Science.
McLaughlin, Charles W., and Et Al . Physical Science.
Phillips, John S. Chemistry.
DiSpenzio, Michael Et Al. Science Insights Exploring Living Things.
DiSpenzio, Michael Et Al. Science Insights Exploring Matter and Energy.
DiSpenzio, Michael Et Al. Science Insights Exploring Earth and Space.
Bryson, Bill. A Short History of Nearly Everything.
Zaccaro, Edward. The 10 Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know (But are Rarely Taught).
Reid, George K. Pond Life.
Mottana, Annibale Et Al. Simon and Shuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals.
Leahy, Christopher Et Al. The Nature of
Video examples:
The
Physics The Elegant Universe and Beyond NOVA
Learning and Teaching Evolution WGBH
Volcano National Geographic
Web sites examples:
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/
http://www.nsf.gov/news/classroom/index.jsp
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/
Laboratory material examples:
Stereomicroscopes
Compound microscopes
Rock and mineral collection
Variety of live animals and plants
