The goals of the Middle School science classes are to foster the curiosity and enjoyment of science; to introduce students to the various fields of science; to give them an appreciation of the role of science in our culture; to expose the student to a variety of scientific concepts, topics, and experiences; to offer substantial opportunity for suitable hands-on activities; to lay the foundations for critical, scientific thinking; and to help improve such general study skills as reading, note-taking, and writing. Students are prepared for three years of science in the Upper School.

Group V:
Group V Science explores the natural world around us. Overall we will focus on Ecology and the classification of living things. Plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates are examined in depth as well as their adaptations to their environment. We will examine our influence as humans on the environment as well as our own adaptations through the use of inventions. Active learning will be fostered both in and out of the classroom. Students can expect to explore the topics of this course through group discussions and projects, laboratory work, field trips, as well as research. Skills, such as observation, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis will establish a basic understanding of the scientific process. Science is a hands-on discipline, therefore active participation is expected.

Group VI:
In Group VI science, students are encouraged to explore abstract ideas while participating in multiple hands-on demonstrations and lab activities designed to reinforce each area of study. The course includes the human cardiovascular system, the properties of matter, energy, elements and molecules, the solar system, light and sound, heat transfer and conversion, and Earth’s atmosphere. In addition, students are directly taught study skills, note taking, and reading for content using science textbooks. Also indtorduced at this level are the scientific method and the writing of lab reports.

Group VII:
This course explores the nature of science, nutrition and human digestion, the physics of motion, introductory chemistry, stellar astronomy, earth sciences, and electricity. Once introduced, such themes as heat transfer or mechanical and chemical change are revisited in new settings throughout the year. Much of this course is experiential, revolving around labs and hands-on activities. Laptops play a significant role in this course. For example, probes are attached to the computer to obtain data and the computers are used to analyze data by preparing tables and graphs. Numerous sites on the Web are referred to for information and notes are frequently downloaded from the SmartBoard.

Group VIII:
I.P.S., Introduction to Physical Science is a laboratory course which stresses learning through inquiry; students will perform experiments, derive conclusions and build concepts. In many instances, a question will be raised, and the only way to find its answer will be to perform an experiment. When conducting an experiment, the goal of the student/scientist is to understand and to interpret nature and to observe what actually occurs. The topics to be investigated are predominantly from the realm of physical science. The emphasis of this course is on learning about and studying first-hand the properties of matter.