Middle School Science Department
Philosophy: Science at St. Paul’s is aimed at helping the student understand the world and to find out how the world works, to seek what regularities there may be, and to penetrate the connection of all things. The science faculty wants science students to learn and appreciate scientific facts, logic, and methods, while experiencing high levels of expectation, motivation, involvement into inquiry learning, critical thinking and problem solving. This is accomplished by utilizing the best technological tools available to prepare our students for university and informed career choices. The promotion of science literacy and appreciation, the integration of all sciences, and the integration of science with other academic disciplines is this department's goal.
SCIENCE 5The 5th grade Science course of study is an integrated program. Students will investigate life processes, interaction among living things, earth systems, the atmosphere and solar system, kinds of matter and forms of energy. This program hopes to engage students in posing problems and questions and guides them in the exploration of scientific data. In addition, this program will expand on concepts learned and help the student apply this understanding to the real world.
SCIENCE 6Science 6 is an integrated curriculum introducing the nature of science through explorations in life and physical sciences. Students will cultivate their understanding of the basic make-up of all matter and the similarities and differences in life structures and functions. Concepts and study skills are developed and enhanced through lab experiences, cooperative learning groups, and technology projects. A class trip to Mountain Trail Outdoor School at the Kanuga Episcopal Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina focuses on environmental studies and is complemented by in-class follow-up activities.
SCIENCE 7The 7th grade science curriculum integrates Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Scientific Inquiry is woven throughout, with an emphasis on forming questions, performing investigations, and communicating results. The Earth Science strand focuses on Earth as a part of the solar system and the forces that shape Earth’s surface. In the Life Science strand, students investigate structure and function in living systems as well as ecology. Students explore chemical reactions and the electromagnetic spectrum in the physical science strand.
SCIENCE 8The 8th grade science curriculum integrates Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. A stress on scientific inquiry continues with increased emphasis on data analysis and experimental design. The Earth Science strand focuses on plate tectonics and Earth’s structure as well as how evidence from rocks allows us to understand the evolution of life on Earth. The life science strand explores genetics and biological evolution including the importance of energy and resources. In the physical science strand, the theme of energy continues with a study of forces, motion, and electrical energy.