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Introduction to Middle School Science
Our Science curriculum is designed to meet and/or exceed the Rhode Island Science Grade Span Expectations in a meaningful way. It is our shared belief that by setting high expectations and using differentiated approaches to instruction, we allow our students access to a curriculum that is challenging and engaging.
Science at the middle level involves introducing students to various topics in Earth & Space Science, Life Science and Physical Science. Effective science instruction balances learning about topics in science as well as acquiring the skills involved in doing science. The emphasis is placed on teaching students how to act like real scientists involved in doing real science.
While the skills and concepts to be learned at this level are clearly defined, we strive to let student inquisitiveness drive instruction. From teaching our students how to ask questions about the natural world as well as how to go about finding the answers by conducting investigations, learning becomes authentic, increasing the level of student understanding with ownership and appreciation for the things that they are learning.
| SCIENCE CURRICULUM |
| SCIENCE CONCEPTS |
SCIENCE SKILLS |
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Earth & Space Science
Example: Weather systems
Life Science
Example:
Food webs
Physical Science
Example:
Newton's laws of motion
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Use and
care of equipment
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Critical
observation
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Measurement
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Making predictions
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Designing experiments
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Collection,
manipulation, display, and examination of data
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Graphing
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Interpreting Data
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Drawing
Conclusions
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Note taking
and report writing
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The
American Association for the Advancement of Science
through its long-term initiative -
PROJECT 2061 seeks to advance literacy in
Science, Mathematics and Technology. Chapters 1 and 12 from
their publication
Benchmarks Online
, outlines the nature of science as well as the logical thinking skills that students should understand and
posess by the end of 8th grade.
THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
(Chapter 1 - Benchmarks Online)
The Scientific World View Scientific Inquiry Scientific Enterprise
LOGICAL THINKING SKILLS
(Chapter 12 - Benchmarks Online)
Values & Attitude
Computation & Estimation
Manipulation & Observation
Communication Skills
Critical Response Skills
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