Science

General Science focuses on the role of the sun’s energy on the Earth’s systems, water in the environment, air and atmosphere and basic chemistry concepts. Students explore the concept of change through study of transformations of energy and matter. Instruction also focuses on a more detailed understanding of the solar system and space exploration; natural resource management, its relation to public policy and its cost/benefit trade-offs, and scientific methodology, emphasizing precision in stating hypotheses and defining dependent and independent variables. Students learn to test the validity of predictions and conclusions. Instruction focuses on inquiry through observing, experimenting and modeling. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized; therefore, students are encouraged to develop research projects for entry into science fair competition.

Life Science emphasizes a more complex understanding of change, cycles, patterns and relationships in the living world. Students build on basic principles related to these concepts by exploring the cellular organization and the classification of organisms; the dynamic relationships among organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems; and change as a result of the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Instruction focuses on inquiry through observing, experimenting and modeling. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized; therefore, students are encouraged to develop research projects for entry into science fair competition.

Physical Science continues to build on skills of systematic investigation, with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials that were studied in grades 6 and 7. Students also validate conclusions using evidence and data. Instruction stresses an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy, with considerable emphasis on the technological application of physical science principles. Major areas covered include periodicity (the Periodic Table); physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound, light, electricity and magnetism; and work, force and motion. Instruction focuses on inquiry through observing, experimenting and modeling. The importance of scientific research that validates or challenges ideas is emphasized; therefore, students are encouraged to develop research projects for entry into science fair competition.

A standard program of study and an Honors program of study are offered in Social Studies. Students identified to receive Talented and Gifted (TAG) services in Social Studies are scheduled into Honors sections of U.S. History 1, U.S. History II and Civics and Economics.