Science

Science

The Middle School Science courses are designed to encourage students to recognize, describe, use and apply key scientific ideas to explain abstract phenomena even when they appear in unfamiliar contexts.

Scientific inquiry provides opportunities for students to consider the benefits and drawbacks of applications of science in areas such as technological developments, the environment, health care and quality of life. Through our Middle School courses, students:

• test out ideas experimentally
• develop practical skills
• carry out investigative fieldwork
• use collaborative approaches to solving problem
• appreciate the importance of experimental evidence

Core learning engagements include experiment reports, experiment design projects, observation journals, poster presentations, lab tests, informal observations, research essays, quizzes and examinations. Students are encouraged to develop their independence as learners through self- and peer assessment.

Grade 6
Students study concepts including particles, energy, forces, mixtures, organisms, and survival. They inquire into overarching questions like, “What is the universe made of?”, and are introduced to the scientific method, with many practical opportunities to learn and develop experimental skills. Through diverse units, students explore safe experiment design strategies, sequential report writing, data collection and analysis, and the evaluation of a procedure. There are multiple chances for guided inquiry and research. Students also build their science vocabulary and practice research strategies to investigate topics such as forces on their bodies, water conservation, the use of reproductive technology, and the ethics of zoos.

Grade 7
Students study the concepts of motion and speed, waves theory for communication, physical and chemical change, energy for life, plants and the biosphere. Ever wondered what is inside an eyeball? In Grade 7 Science, students cut one open to find out! Students inquire into motion, waves, plants, energy for life, elements, compounds and chemical change. They also look at issues such as the global impact of technology use and how to spot pseudoscience by looking into what constitutes a ‘superfood.’ The year culminates with a science fair in which students apply their investigation skills to inquire into a question of their choice.
 

Grade 8
Students study topics including the human body, chemical relationships of acids and bases, properties of metals, electrical circuits, and earth and beyond in order to develop their knowledge and understandings. They  develop a range of practical scientific skills through units on the chemical relationships, the fundamentals of electricity, astronomy and movement. Some questions students encounter are: How safe are acids? How can we build a better bicycle? How do we move? Students carry out collaborative and experimental work throughout the course and develop their inquiry, presentation and citation skills with research that relates course concepts to the wider impacts and applications of science.