Science Courses

Science 7 – In-Depth Overview

Core Focus: Life Science with connections to Earth and Physical Science

1. Structure and Function in Living Systems

• Study cells, their parts, and how they function as the basic units of life.

• Explore levels of biological organization (cells → tissues → organs → systems → organisms).

• Understand how body systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, nervous) work together to maintain life.

2. Genetics and Heredity

• Learn how traits are inherited through genes and DNA.

• Study dominant and recessive traits, Punnett squares, and probability in heredity.

• Understand how environmental and genetic factors affect development.

3. Evolution and Natural Selection

• Explore fossil evidence and biological adaptations.

• Understand natural selection, survival of the fittest, and species evolution over time.

4. Ecosystems and Interactions

• Analyze relationships between organisms and their environments.

• Study food chains, food webs, and energy flow in ecosystems.

• Examine human impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

Scientific Practices:

• Use microscopes and models to observe cells and organisms.

• Conduct experiments, record data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

• Engage in scientific argument and modeling to explain life processes.

Purpose:
Science 7 builds a strong foundation in biological science, helping students understand the structure and function of life and its interactions.

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Science 8 – In-Depth Overview

Core Focus: Physical Science with integration of Earth and Space Science

1. Matter and Its Interactions

• Learn about atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds.

• Understand physical and chemical properties of matter.

• Explore chemical reactions, conservation of mass, and energy transfer.

2. Forces and Motion

• Investigate Newton’s Laws of Motion and how forces affect motion.

• Explore concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, and friction.

• Conduct experiments involving motion and graph the results.

3. Energy and Waves

• Study types of energy (thermal, kinetic, potential, electrical, etc.).

• Explore energy transfer and transformations (e.g., conduction, convection, radiation).

• Understand wave behavior, including light, sound, and electromagnetic waves.

4. Earth in Space

• Investigate gravity, planetary motion, and phases of the Moon.

• Understand the Earth-Sun-Moon system and causes of eclipses, tides, and seasons.

• Explore space technology and exploration.

Scientific Practices:

• Design and conduct physical science experiments.

• Build models of atoms, roller coasters, and wave simulations.

• Analyze and interpret data to support scientific claims.

Purpose:
Science 8 strengthens understanding of physical science concepts, preparing students for high school courses like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

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Progression Summary:

Both courses emphasize the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), which form the foundation of NGSS.