Course Selection
SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES
Science 8 [ Earth Science ] [ full year ] Intended Audience: Grade 8 Major Outcomes:
• Increase knowledge of the nature of science and engineering processes through inquiry and experimental design.
• Develop an understanding of the basic structure of matter.
• Explore astronomy with a focus on the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
• Develop an understanding of the geologic processes that shape the Earth.
• Review the hydrologic cycle and its impact on water sources.
• Understand the meteorological processes that drive weather and climate.
Projects / Activities: May include physical and chemical change activities, explorations of moon phases, rock and mineral identification, geologic modeling, weather data collection, and heat transfer studies. Instructional Focus: Students will work individually as well as in small groups. They will be involved in inquiry-based experiments, investigations of relevant topics, model design and creation, observation, data collection, and analysis.
Advanced Science 8 [ Earth Science ] [ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process: District Placement Process Intended Audience: Grade 8 Major Outcomes:
• Advanced Science 8 addresses the same Minnesota science standards as Science 8 [ Earth Science ]. Students in this course will move through the basic concepts at a quicker pace to allow for more in depth study. There will be a greater emphasis on data collection and analysis. In addition, students in this course will work more independently and conduct additional research outside the school day.
• Increase knowledge of the nature of science and engineering processes through inquiry and experimental design.
• Develop an understanding of the basic structure of matter.
• Explore astronomy with a focus on the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
• Develop an understanding of the geologic processes that shape the Earth.
• Review the hydrologic cycle and its impact on water sources.
• Understand the meteorological processes that drive weather and climate.
Projects / Activities: May include physical and chemical change activities, explorations of moon phases, rock and mineral identification, geologic modeling, weather data collection, and heat transfer studies. Students will present the results of a research and an experimental project or a research and an engineering project in a STEM Fair setting. Participation in the District STEM Fair is strongly encouraged. Instructional Focus: Students will work individually as well as in small groups. They will be involved in inquiry-based experiments, investigations of relevant topics, model design and creation, observation, data collection, and analysis.
PLTW Gateway [ DSF ] [ elective or required, every other day ] Intended Audience: Grades 7 and 8 This course may replace the Technical Education requirement in grade 7. Major Outcomes:
• Experience a scientific environment involving design, creativity, and team problem solving.
• Understand the engineering process from concept to production.
• Explore how science has affected technology throughout history by looking at concepts in nanotechnology, physics and chemistry.
• Explore the science behind aeronautics and use software to experience space travel.
Projects / Activities: Students will be introduced to various software throughout the course such as 3D-CAD, NASA flight simulator, and on-line resources to provide enriched learning experiences. Additional design and hands-on experiences are integrated throughout the course. Instructional Focus: This course emphasizes high levels of academic rigor and computer literacy. Homework is an integral part of this course and students must be independently motivated to complete it in a timely manner. This class is a part of a nationally recognized preengineering program called Project Lead the Way Gateway. The program, whose goal is to develop more American engineers, includes modules in Design and Modeling, Science of Technology, and Flight and Space. Authentic, real-world problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the class. This is an academically challenging course and is best suited to the independent learner.
PLTW Gateway [ ACG ] [ elective, every other day ] Prerequisite / Selection Process: PLTW Gateway DSF strongly encouraged Intended Audience: Grade 8 Major Outcomes:
• Experience a scientific environment involving design, creativity, and team problem solving.
• Learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems.
• Students learn the basics of programming in Intro to Computer Science 1.
• Investigate architectural plans, construction styles, alternative materials and processes, dimensioning, measuring and architectural sustainability.
Projects / Activities: Students are introduced to the influence of automation and robotics in our world and use a robust robotics platform to design, build and program a solution to solve an existing problem. Additional hands-on student experiences are integrated throughout the semester including MIT App Inventor where students create
12 Middle School Registration Guide