Middle School Science
The Philosophy
The Middle School science program focuses on science process skills while introducing students to scientific concepts. The curriculum is presented through project based learning which is appropriate to the developmental level of a middle school student. The goal of the curriculum is to encourage and develop an appreciation of science. The skills and knowledge gained throughout the Middle School years will allow students to be successful in their future scientific endeavors.
General Science: Science as Inquiry
Open to: Grade 6
Scientific inquiry approaches learning science as an active process. In this course, students explore a variety of topics in an inquiry-based study of science. Some of the topics students investigate are scientific process, genetics, fluid dynamics, force and motion, and water. Students learn safe laboratory procedures and utilize the steps of the scientific process to solve problems as they actively engage in scientific investigations.
Understanding Connections in Earth, Life and Physical Science
Open to: Grade 7
Students are asked to think insightfully as they make connections between topics involving the three main branches of science: Earth, Life, and Physical Science. We investigate topics such as classification, biodiversity, evolution, ecology, chemistry, and physics. Students conduct and design experiments to develop an understanding of scientific ideas. As a culminating activity for our biodiversity and ecology unit, students trek into Bear Brook State Park to practice their skills in orienteering, species identification, and appreciation of nature.
Environmental Science: The Web of Change
Open to: Grade 8
Students are immersed into the study of the Earth by studying the dynamic relationship of cause and effect. Using an inquiry-based approach, students learn about the environment around them, investigating the natural habitat around the Derryfield campus. Students investigate topics in the fields of ecology and environmental science. Students continue to hone their skills in the scientific process, which will prepare them to transition to higher level science courses. As a culminating activity for the eighth grade year, students take the knowledge about environmental issues they gained throughout the year to the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH to understand the impacts of humans on coastal ecosystems
