Science
The middle school science program achieves two primary goals. First, we give students a working knowledge of the scientific method as a systematic approach to problem solving. And second, we help them develop connections between what they learn in the classroom and their lives beyond it. We take a discovery approach to learning because students learn best when they uncover relationships and ideas themselves. In the laboratory we stress objectivity in observation, accuracy in data gathering and recording, and analysis and presentation of data.
FIFTH GRADE
In fifth grade science, students work through what it means to think like a scientist. They begin by studying the scientific method and make connections to history class as they begin their study of Egyptian engineering and mummification. Students study Earth and space as they complete investigations on topics including: shadow shifting, sun tracking, day and night, night-sky observations, phases of the moon, the solar system and stars. The year concludes with a study of Earth’s atmosphere and weather patterns. Throughout the year, students develop skills related to observation, questioning, research, design and experimentation and writing.
SIXTH GRADE
The sixth grade science course primarily explores Earth science through an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. The students begin the year by examining the structure, properties, and states of Earth’s water. Clad in hip waders and wielding nets, students venture into the Hudson River on the annual seining field trip, where they will locate and identify a variety of organisms. They will also explore how water can be used as an alternative energy resource.
Next, students investigate the key characteristics of Earth’s interior, focusing on rocks and minerals and how they make up the different features found on Earth. They analyze the ideas of continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics to determine how and why the Earth's continents have changed positions throughout history. In addition, students explore how plate movement relates to earthquakes and volcanoes.
During the spring, the curriculum shifts to life science. Students learn how to classify the Hudson River’s planktonic, nektonic, and benthic organisms into their respective taxonomic categories. They also explore the energy flow in Hudson River ecosystems and the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers. Finally, students examine the human impact on Hudson River ecology.
SEVENTH GRADE
In the seventh grade, students gain a detailed understanding of living systems. They build on basic principles by exploring cell structure and function, cell processes and energy, and how to use a microscope. They learn about the human body by doing a deep dive into the human microbiome, learning about the complex relationship humans have with the microorganisms in and around them. They analyze the history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it. They conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations, compose formal research reports and develop skills including the organization and mathematical analysis of data, the manipulation of variables in experimentation and the identification of sources of experimental error. They also engage in creative projects demonstrating their understanding of their learning.
EIGHTH GRADE
Eighth grade science is a skills-based course designed to prepare students for the science courses they will be taking in the Upper School. The overarching question for the course is: “How do scientists work together to solve problems?” Students find several answers to this question through a series of collaborative exercises that all have an emphasis on developing understanding through investigation, critical thinking and the recording and reporting of data. Students also cultivate their scientific literacy, learn to make conclusions based on evidence, data and accepted scientific knowledge, and work on developing their metacognitive skills. Topics of study include engineering, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Collaborative group work as well as active learning experiences are keystones of this course.
