Science

The Middle School science curriculum is designed to develop scientific literacy in our students. By studying concepts from each of the four domains of science: physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science, students will build a conceptual understanding and appreciation of science. It is our belief that students learn science best when they do science. Therefore, to meet the needs of 21st century learners, students are actively engaged in inquiry-based learning. The nature of inquiry-based science lends itself to students working collaboratively. All lab work is designed to assist students in developing and improving the science and engineering practices. Students are required to ask questions (for science) and define problems (for engineering), develop and use models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, use mathematics and computational thinking, construct explanations (for science) and design solutions (for engineering), engage in argument from evidence, and obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.
 Projects and performance assessments within each grade level require students to synthesize material, and use critical thinking and problem solving skills. Some performance assessments provide individual opportunities to showcase creativity and innovative ideas. Interactive technologies are routinely used in all science classes to provide students with opportunities to simulate real-world applications of science.


More details about our Middle School curricula can be found here.

Stemscopes

Stemscopes is our online curriculum platform aligned to support the current Massachusetts Science, Technology and Engineering Standards.  The Stemscopes platform follows the “5-E” method of delivering science content providing opportunities for students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate scientific phenomenon.  Additionally, Stemscopes provides opportunities and support for intervention and acceleration.

Brainpop

Brainpop is a fun and engaging platform that offers short animated videos, learning games and activities to support content across many curriculum areas. 

explorelearning.com Gizmos 

Explore Learning Gizmos provide online science simulations aligned to our curriculum that allow students to graph, measure, compare, predict, analyze and evaluate scientific phenomenon.

Newsela 

Newsela is a digital reading experience providing current topics in the news as well as subject specific reading sets.

PBS Learning Media 

PBS Learning Media curates free, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans for teacher and student use.

ck12.org  

ck12.org is an open source content reading site that also incorporates multi-media delivery and interactives aligned to curriculum standards.

Khan Academy  

Khan Academy offers instructional videos and practice exercises across the content areas.

PhET Simulations 

The University of Colorado, Boulder, has created free interactive math and science simulations.  The PhET simulations are built on extensive education research and have developed interactives that engage students in intuitive, game-like simulations where students  have the opportunity to learn through discovery and exploration.

Writing Like a Scientist Tab

Writing in science is an integral part of the middle school science experience.   Students receive instruction and practice to learn how to “write like scientists.” 

Tips for “Writing like a Scientist:”

1. Avoid personal pronouns, science writing should be objective.

2. Use content vocabulary to demonstrate connections to what is being taught.

3. Write in complete sentences, especially when asked to explain an answer.

4. Label all drawings, diagrams, data tables and graphs to help communicate findings clearly.

Additionally students learn how to use the Claim/Evidence/Reasoning (CER) style of  science writing.  Students will learn how to arrive at a scientific claim using prompts or their own collected data.  Students will identify evidence from the prompt or data that supports the claim. Students will then explain the reasons why the evidence supports the claim.  

Sample Science CER Writing Template