Sixth-grade science focuses on physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology through exploration of the Earth and its associated physical phenomena. Units include: the Scientific Method with focus on Data Collection and Interpretation, Forces on Structures, Astronomy of Earth’s Solar System, the Periodic Table, Properties of Matter, Earth’s Interior and Atmosphere, and Avian Ecology. Student activities are varied and include the construction of models of different types of bridges and exploring solubility and density through experiments. The year concludes with a collaborative project studying avian species and their relationship to natural and human-influenced environments.

The year’s theme is life on Earth, with a focus on the role of energy. We use microscopes to examine tiny ubiquitous organisms as well as the cells that make up all living things. Building on this knowledge, we delve into photosynthesis and cellular respiration, seeking to understand these chemical reactions and essential processes of life. We work our way up from cells to tissue to organs to organ systems, with a focus on human anatomy. Broadening our view to grasp the incredible diversity of life, we learn about ecosystems, exploring how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings. Finally, we investigate the impact that humans have on the environment, with a focus on climate change.

In 8th-grade science, students study two units, each focusing on essential questions that they answer, based on information gathered from labs and activities performed throughout the unit. The first unit, Designer Genes, is a genetics study. Students gather evidence to answer this essential question: Although humans have the technology to modify the biology and chemistry of living organisms, should they? This unit begins by exploring cell processes, including cell division and reproduction, with an emphasis on DNA replication, transcription, and translation. We then study how genes are expressed and how traits are passed from generation to generation.

During the second half of the year, students engage in a chemistry unit entitled Anatomy of a Reaction. They explore the question: How can we use evidence and observations to prove whether or not a physical or chemical change has occurred? And how can we prove the Law of Conservation of Mass holds true during chemical reactions? Students investigate how the periodic table is organized and why it is important, the differences between physical and chemical changes, and the different kinds of chemical reactions. They identify subatomic particles and charges, interpret chemical formulas, balance chemical equations, describe the difference between reactants and products, understand reaction rates and the factors that affect them, have an understanding of the difference between an exothermic and endothermic reaction, and have an understanding of the components of acids and bases, including the chemical difference between them.

Throughout the year, 8th-grade scientists also engage in design thinking. A problem is posed to the students—and, working as a team, they must define and solve it. Through this iterative process, students learn to reframe problems as actionable opportunities. They engage in design-thinking challenges, understand the value of collaboration and feedback, develop a growth mindset, view setbacks and failures as valuable learning moments, appreciate the value of hard work and persistence, along with compromise and out-of-the box thinking. During the last month of school, student design teams interview other members of the community to discover unsolved problems; they build and display prototypes for their solutions at the year-end Science Expo.