Science
The Willows Science program is designed to help students develop a keen understanding of the scientific process. This enables students to decipher scientific information and to systematically solve problems. Students devise and create scientific theories through the use of scientific journals, reference materials, technology, and laboratory experiences. Throughout the elementary grades, guiding questions inform scientific exploration. The units of scientific study are thematic and organized according to the California State Framework. Lower school students visit the Science Lab and work with middle school teachers and students, through a Science Buddies program, to enhance their scientific study.
Middle School Science
6th Grade Science
Science is a human endeavor and a way of thinking. It’s an ever-changing search for truth and knowledge. Good scientists have active imaginations, ask meaningful questions, make careful observations, and design and conduct methodical investigations. They draw reasonable conclusions and make connections between science concepts and everyday phenomena.
The sixth grade science curriculum is aligned with concepts and skills delineated in the National Science Standards. We want 6th graders to enjoy science, and to that end students will participate in hands-on investigations. Below is a general outline of topics.
| 6th Grade Science | |
|---|---|
| 1st trimester: | Scientific process - Mystery Festival Learning about Learning |
| 2nd trimester: | Scientific Process Investigating the Properties of Matter |
| 3rd trimester: | Scientific Process Land Formations |
- Teacher and student resources:
- Discover Magazine
- Odyssey Magazine
- Newspapers
- GEMS units (Great Explorations in Math and Science developed at the Berkeley Hall of Science
- AIMS units (Association for the Integration of Math and Science)
- Related trade books and fiction
- Science websites
- Critical thinking puzzles
- Films
- Field Trips
7th and 8th Grade Science
The Science curriculum in 7th and 8th grade is based on the skills delineated in the California Science Content Standards. Students ask meaningful questions and conduct experiments as they explore new topics and develop their understanding of the scientific process. Students spend about half of their class time conducting laboratory experiments, and they learn to interpret and share their findings through open discussions and formal lab reports.
We present science concepts in a manner designed to appeal to the varied interests and learning styles of the students. One means of achieving this is through the use of art: students often create illustrations and build scientific models in order to solidify their understanding of concepts. Additionally, students have occasional opportunities to choose the manner in which they present their scientific reports. They are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts through creative methods that highlight their particular strengths and interests.
As students explore life science and physical science, they learn to use the tools of science to understand concepts and communicate ideas. With these skills, students are better able to make informed decisions about scientific problems in the future.
The 7th and 8th grade courses of study progress as follows:
| 7th Grade: Life Science | |
|---|---|
| 1st trimester: | Scientific method Cell Biology Genetics |
| 2nd trimester: | Evolution Vertebrate Anatomy |
| 3rd trimester: | Vertebrate Anatomy, cont’d |
- Text:
- Exploring Living Things
Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley - Life Science: The Challenge of Discovery
D.C. Heath and Company
| 8th Grade: Physical Science: | |
|---|---|
| 1st trimester: | Scientific method Earth in the Solar System Forces and Motion |
| 2nd trimester:Structure of Matter | Chemical Reactions Chemistry of Living Systems |
| 3rd trimester:Periodic Table | Density and Buoyancy |
- Texts:
- Science Insights
Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley - Physical Science: The Challenge of Discovery
D.C. Heath and Company
