7 th Grade Life Science Investigations in Environmental Science

Course Description Builds Upon Experiences & Provides Foundation Four Content Strands –Observing Living Things –Understanding Populations and Ecosystems –Chesapeake Bay –Exploring Heredity and Diversity Strands developed through variety of instructional strategies –Emphasis on observation, experimentation, discussion, generalization and application, 85% Hands-On---Learn Through Doing Learn concepts in a variety of ways –laboratory investigation, making predictions, designing experiments, collect and organize data in charts and graphs, models, communicate results Computer technologies integrated with instruction –CD-ROMS, interactive videodisc, digital camera, application software, flex camera, laser disc players. wireless lab stations

First Semester Students investigate interactions of living things with environment Observations, Scientific Drawing –Work in small groups to build mini ecosystems –Make detailed observations and inferences about the interdependence of living and nonliving things –Create Food Chains and Food Webs –Apply basic ecological concepts to explore human interactions with Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Second Semester Students investigate characteristics of living things –Classification –Experimental Design –Use compound microscopes to observe a variety of plant and animal cells to see similarities and differences –Study pattern of organization in multicellular organisms, look at cell processes – osmosis, diffusion, photosynthesis –Review life processes of living things –Introduced to genetic principles of how living things pass traits from one generation to the next, DNA –Change over time

Investigating Matter & Energy 8 th grade Physical Science

Course Description The 8th grade physical science course, titled “Investigating Matter and Energy,” builds upon the physical science experiences introduced in upper elementary school. There are three content strands developed through a sequence of varied instructional strategies with an emphasis on experimentation, observation, generalization, application, and discussion. Students learn physical science concepts through hands-on laboratory investigations.

Concept strands Energy Matter Force

Investigating Matter & Its Changes Through hands-on experiences, students examine different types of matter and create generalizations about the nature of matter including physical and chemical changes. They build on their knowledge of the atom and study the organization of the periodic table to gain a better understanding of chemicals and their properties. Topics Physical Properties Mass, Volume, Density Atoms & the Periodic Table Chemical Bonds Chemical Reactions Acids & Bases

Investigating Energy & Its Changes Students analyze energy transformations and apply their general knowledge of the forms of energy to understand the how work occurs. Hand-on activities focus on particular forms of energy and their application to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts. Topics Forms of Energy Heat & Temperature Waves, Light & Sound Electricity & Magnetism

Investigating Forces & Motion Students form a stronger conceptual understanding of work, force and motion. Activities engage students in learning the relationships of physics principles. They are designed to build confidence in examining and discussing physics concepts based on data and theoretical knowledge. Topics Force & Motion Speed, Velocity & Acceleration Newton’s Laws Work & Power Mechanical Advantage Efficiency

Communicating Problem-Solving Thinking Professional Collaborating Meeting Standards

Other Items Binders/Lab Manuals/Textbook Planners Tests/Review Portfolio Folders Blackboard

Keys for Success Organization –Planners –Homework buddies –Blackboard Get Involved –Team Events –Team Parent –Clubs/Activities –Dances Study Skills –Study Space at Home –Review notes/chapter –Study-Quiz-Study Parent/Guardian –Check Homework –Check Planner –We need your help