MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB AND MATH

Goals

The goal of the Middle School Science Program is to create an excitement and understanding of the general sciences of Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. The program is to prepare the student for high school and further levels of higher education. Upon graduation from the Science Program, the students have a full and complete appreciation of the sciences and its relation to God and the creation of Earth.

Curriculum

The science curriculum is based on solidifying the student's ability to take notes, independently research certain topics, and write perfect lab reports based on the science labs held in class, which will prepare each student for high school. Students will be prepared for other classes that have similar requirements as well.

Grade 6: Earth Science

The students begin by learning the basic studies of the Earth such as Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy. Students will get the opportunity to work with minerals and different types of rocks as well as different chemicals during lab periods. In addition to the lab periods, students will complete a long term project where they will explore Igneous Rocks and Minerals. The students will also study weather, erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes and finally the Universe where another long term project will take place.

Grade 7: Life Science

The study of Life Science is to build on the student's knowledge from the previous year in Earth Science. Together, we will begin by studying the structure of cells and viruses. Here, the students will complete a long term project research and investigating different viruses and presenting the class with oral presentation. The students will also begin to learn the phases of Mitosis and Meiosis and will learn a fun song to help them remember each stage in order! The students will then move on to evolution, plants and animals and will eventually dissect an organism, usually a frog.

Grade 8: Physical Science

Welcome to the wonderful world of physics and chemistry! Here the students will learn more about matter and energy by applying their mathematics skills to everyday science! We will discuss and demonstrate Newton's First, Second, and Third Laws. The students will become familiar with motion, acceleration and momentum, energy, solids, liquids, and gasses along with elements and the periodic table. Here the students will complete a long term project on a specific element of their choice.

Middle School Math

Each grade level learns a variety of mathematical skills throughout the year.

Grade 6 begins with fractions and decimals as well as equations with variables.

Grade 7 begins with integers, equations with variables and with decimals and moves on to coordinate planes and functions.

Grades 7 and 8 are blessed with the opportunity to learn the "integers" song, "For the Same Sign," lyrics by Megan Pfeiffer, that is to the tune of Billy Joel's, "For The Longest Time."

Grade 8 also focuses on equations and functions and moves on to pre-algebra and geometry to prepare the students for high school and other levels of higher thinking. I am a strong believer in cooperative learning, therefore, all of the students will do lots of group work and will use various learning techniques, such as songs and visuals.

Megan Pfeiffer
See Grade 7 for Bio