Course Selection
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
Science 8 [Earth Science]
[full year]
Intended Audience: Grade 8
Major Outcomes:
• Increase knowledge of the nature of sci-
ence 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 geo-
logic 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, explo-
rations 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 independ-
ently and conduct additional research
outside the school day.
• Increase knowledge of the nature of sci-
ence and engineering processes through
inquiry and experimental design.
12
• 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 geo-
logic 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, explo-
rations 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 softw