Science
Building on the confidence and curiosity fostered in the Lower Division, Middle School Science creates a framework which examines the major principles of the earth, physical, and life sciences under the umbrella of Environmental Sustainability. Sixth grade offers students their first structured look at science skills in a cooperative laboratory setting, and there is particular emphasis on environmental science using Florida's unique natural resources as an ever available learning laboratory. Seventh grade examines living organisms and how they function with an emphasis on the marine environments of South Florida and the environmental stresses unique to this ecosystem. Eighth grade students study a number of topics in physical science, earth science, and chemistry in addition to examining the soil chemistry involved in Florida’s ecosystems. Consequently, as students leave the 8th grade and enter the upper division, they have a firm cognitive and experimental base, reinforced with critical thinking skills. Instruction is rigorous. Students receive exciting and varied opportunities to demonstrate their level of knowledge and understanding in each course as they work toward becoming environmentally aware high school students. In 7th and 8th grade there is the option of taking a more advanced Science class which incorporates all of the curriculum of the regular class with more investigative applications.
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This course is designed to prepare students to be successful in Upper School science by further developing their knowledge base, skill sets, subject interest, and self-confidence as learners. This lab-based course covers the fundamentals of physics science as well as an introduction to chemistry. First semester topics include safety and the scientific method, classification of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions. Second semester physics topics include Newton's laws of force and motion, energy, electricity and magnetism and waves. Mathematics concepts are reinforced through the application of algebra to the exploration of the relationships between variables. Organizational, laboratory, and collaboration skills emphasized throughout this course. As an accelerated course, students are expected to engage in more in-depth study and complete a greater amount of independent work compared to the Environmental Chemistry/Introduction to Physical Science course.
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This course is designed to prepare students to be successful in Upper School science by further developing their knowledge base, skill sets, subject interest, and self-confidence as learners. This lab-based course covers the fundamentals of physics science as well as an introduction to chemistry. First semester topics include safety and the scientific method, classification of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions. Second semester physics topics include Newton's laws of force and motion, energy, electricity and magnetism and waves. Mathematics concepts are reinforced through the application of algebra to the exploration of the relationships between variables. Organizational, laboratory, and collaboration skills are emphasized throughout this course.
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This course begins with a concentrated study of scientific measurement. Sixth grade classes also stress critical thinking and problem solving as well as the scientific method and proper scientific processes, including laboratory safety and laboratory techniques.
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This course is a STEM-based hands-on class. The main focus is on the Earth as a water planet with human impact. Students will develop an understanding of the intricacies of the living world around them, from microscopic cells to complex marine ecosystems. Students will use water as the thread for knowledge from molecular to animal systems on our planet. The curriculum includes hurricane tracking and an introduction to bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, plants, and animals. We will explore the effects of human interactions with our environment and the various ecosystems specific to the Florida Coast. This class will be engaged in high-level STEM activities that are student centered. The class is set at a rigorous pace to allow the student to be an independent thinker, self-motivated, and well-organized. Collaboration is a necessity for success in this class. The class culminates with an experiential trip to the Florida Keys.
