Course Selection
SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES SPECIAL EDUCATION
Science Courses
Science 6 [ full year ] Intended Audience : Grade 6 Major Outcomes :
• Increase knowledge of the nature of science and engineering processes through inquiry and experimental design .
• 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 explorations of moon phases , rock and mineral identification , geologic modeling , weather data collection .
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 6 [ full year ]
Prerequisite / Selection Process : District Placement Process
Intended Audience : Grade 6 students with a high interest in Earth science topics and strong problem-solving , reading , and math skills .
Major Outcomes :
• Advanced Science 6 addresses the same Minnesota science standards as Science 6 . 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 .
• 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 explorations of moon phases , rock and mineral identification , geologic modeling , and weather data collection . Students will present the results of an experimental project or a research and an engineering project . 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 .
Science 7 [ full year ] Intended Audience : Grade 7
Major Outcomes : Students will use models , engineering , analysis of data and critical thinking skills to explore and create a deeper understanding of the following concepts :
• Cells
• Human Body
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Ecology
Projects / Activities : May include cell labs , microscope use , cell models , ADAM human body software , owl pellet field study , dissections , and ecosystem models .
Instructional Focus : Students will work individually , as well as in small and large groups . They will be involved in hands-on experiments , dissections , investigations , model design and creation , engineering process , observations , data collection and analysis .
Advanced Science 7 [ full year ]
Prerequisite / Selection Process : District Placement Process
Intended Audience : Grade 7 students with a high interest in life science topics and strong problem-solving , reading , and math skills .
Major Outcomes : Students will use models , engineering , analysis of data and critical thinking skills to explore and create a deeper understanding of the following concepts :
• Cells
• Human Body
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Ecology
This course will address the same Minnesota science standards as Science 7 , but at an accelerated pace to allow for increased depth and integrated use of technology .
Projects / Activities : These will include lab investigations , argument driven inquiry , field studies and use of computer technology . Students will present the results of an experimental project or a research and an engineering project ( Capstone ). Participation in the District STEM Fair is strongly encouraged .
Instructional Focus : Students will work individually , as well as in small and large groups . They will be involved in hands-on experiments , dissections , investigations , model design and creation , engineering process , observations , data collection and analysis .
Science 8 [ full year ] Intended Audience : Grade 8 Major Outcomes :
• Knowledge of basic concepts related to force , motion and energy
• Knowledge of the structure of matter
• Apply understandings about matter and energy to everyday life
Projects / Activities : Projects and activities may include individual or group investigations , that are both student and
Middle School Registration Guide 16