Science

Science

Department Head: Mrs. Anabel Guerra


7th Grade
Science
- (7th Grade) This course includes the following: recognize the changing and increasing body of knowledge in science; conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods as well as critical thinking and problem solving techniques; identify gravity and phases of the moon as a component of the solar system and explore the effects of events such as hurricanes on the Earth; use various methods to understand force and motion; distinguish between kinetic and potential energy; identify photosynthesis; investigate the natural world and all of its wonder; relate the concept of the process in the human organism such as the movement of blood.

Science Pre-AP - (7th Grade) In addition to the the above, Pre-AP students will be given opportunities to further analyze, explore and question scientific theories. They will be expected to give presentations, research projects, and write essays and other activities of a higher cognitive level beyond that expected of students in junior high. The following objectives will be covered during the year: conduct field and laboratory investigations using safe environmentally appropriate and ethical practices for at least 40% of instructional time; recognize that all systems have basic properties that can be described in terms of space, time, energy, and matter; comprehensive study of elements, bonding, reactions, and brief introductions to organic chemistry.

Integrated Science (regular) - The study of science in the 7th grade includes the following objectives. The students will be able to recognize the changing and increasing body of knowledge in science. The students will conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods as well as critical thinking and problem solving techniques. The students will identify gravity and phases of the moon as components of the solar system and explore the effects of events such as hurricanes on the Earth. The students will also use various methods to understand the relationship between force and motion. The students will able to distinguish between kinetic and potential energy. The students will also identify the process of photosynthesis. They will be able to relate the concept of the process in the human organism such as the movement of blood.

Integrated Science Pre-AP - In addition to the above, Pre-AP students will be given opportunities to further analyze, explore and question scientific theories. They will be expected to give presentations research projects (cell model, DNA model, rocket racer cars, paper rockets), and write essays and other activities of a higher cognitive level beyond that expected of students in Junior High. 

8th Grade
Science
- This course includes planning and conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, critical thinking, scientific problem-solving, and using tools such as telescopes to collect and analyze information. The study of science also includes the following: recognize the changing and increasing body of knowledge in science, examine information on the periodic table to recognize that elements are grouped into families, predict possible outcomes that result from different genetic combinations and explore the extinction of some species, investigate to learn about the natural world, identify the roles of both human activities and natural events in altering Earth systems.

Science Pre-AP - In addition to the above, Pre-AP will be given opportunities to further analyze, explore and question scientific theories. They will be expected to give presentations, research project, and write essays and other activities of a higher cognitive level.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) - Students shall be awarded one high school credit for successful completion of this course. This course is recommended for students in grade 9 or 10. This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topic: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter and solution chemistry.

Language Support
Recent Immigrants (ESL Students) - ESL students are recent immigrants who have not yet passed the LAS Test at Level 3. Students take two electives from required course and take the following subjects: ESL Reading, ESL Writing, ESL Speaking and Listening (7th & 8th grade mixed class), ESL Mathematics, ESL Social Studies, ESL Science.

Special Education Support
Special Education - Resource Reading - This course is designed to develop work attack skills, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills. Students will also develop basic skills in writing, regular and language.

Special Education - Resource Math - This course emphasizes basic math skills and applications. Essential elements and course objectives are modified to meet individual needs.

Special Education - Resource Language - This course emphasizes on the basic skills in writing, reading,, and literature.

Special Education - Self-contained - This class is for the students who have multiple handicapping conditions. They study manipulative skills, vocational skills, basic language and math skills, keyboarding, and personal health skills. They also participate in regular P.E. classes as well as art.