Science
The Science Department seeks to create an educational experience that will develop in its students a deep appreciation and thorough understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the physical universe. In formulating its program of study, the department acknowledges that scientific investigation is a process, and it aims to lead students from the experiential encounters with nature so necessary to an elementary school child to more empirical investigations appropriate for middle school students and finally to a deeper understanding of the theoretical bases of science during the upper school years. The curriculum is designed to reflect the hierarchy of scientific thought as it is revealed by nature in coordination with the student’s cognitive development. Though the essential role of laboratory work is undisputed, the primacy of the mind in any science pedagogy must not be lost. Rather than emphasize rote memorization and algorithmic procedures and calculations, our curriculum and assessments develop deeper levels of student thought. Only by training students to think in a penetrating manner can we adequately prepare them for whatever awaits.
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(1 credit)
The course introduces the student to the study of living organisms, the systems that operate within living creatures, and the classification schemes used to reveal the similarities between many life forms. The course offers a complete study of life cycles, beginning with the simplest of structures and spiraling outward to encompass the human body. The course includes the basic description of living things, complex plant structures, various groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, human body systems, human reproduction and development, genetics and applied genetics. The course fosters personal discovery through applicable labs and a grade-wise commitment to our unique environment as an outdoor lab. Life Science concepts are taught directly and indirectly utilizing our school garden, which is maintained and cared for by all 6th grade students.
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(1 credit)
This course introduces students to the dynamic physical and chemical processes that have shaped and continue to shape the surface of the Earth. Using the scientific method, students learn and investigate topics including the history of the Earth, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics and its role in creating earthquakes and volcanoes, and surface processes such as erosion by wind, water, glaciers, and gravity. In addition, students take a step back from the surface of the Earth to explore the role of the atmosphere, weather, and water cycle in our daily lives. Emphasis is placed on our changing environments and sustainability efforts through hands-on and group learning activities that utilize a combination of laboratory exercises, in-class discussions, and our hydroponic systems. Each seventh grade student grows several plants throughout the year using our hydroponic systems in order to compare and contrast growing methods and resource demands between outdoor farming (6th grade) and indoor farming (7th grade) as well as learning to identify our impact on our diminishing natural resources.
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(1 credit)
During one semester, the course introduces the students to the central concepts and skills of chemistry. Students explore models and the structure of the atom; study the Periodic Table and the classification of the elements; investigate compounds and mixtures; experiment with solids, liquids and gases; discover bonding; and write and balance chemical equations. During the second semester, the course introduces the students to the central concepts and skills of physics. Through classroom discussions, laboratory investigations, interactive internet projects, and science roundtables, students explore and investigate motion and forces, energy and work, electricity and magnetism, waves, light, and sound. Throughout the course, the students hone their laboratory techniques, quantitative measurement skills, and unit conversions; they refine their mastery of scientific inquiry and improve their communication proficiency writing laboratory reports and solving word problems.
Middle School Electives: These courses do not fulfill the science graduation requirements.
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(1/2 credit)
This course examines the growth and development of South Florida through environmental, historical, and cultural perspectives. Students will be able to draw connections between key industrial and conservation figures and the role they’ve played in shaping modern South Florida. In addition, students will explore local conservation areas and partner with preservation programs to perform hands-on fieldwork to track environmental changes on a local scale. The course will focus on STEM-based projects that require students to utilize multiple disciplines and evaluate real-world problems. Students will be evaluated using both formative and summative assessments including daily readings, discussion, lab reports/ projects, and fieldwork. The goal of the course is to provide students with contextual background of their world to increase appreciation and concern while also providing an avenue for them to engage the curriculum as active scientists.
Open to students in Grades 7-8.
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(1 credit)
Physical Science 8 Honors covers similar concepts and skills as are covered in Physical Science 8. The Honors course moves at a faster pace, requires a stronger command of mathematical concepts, and challenges students to draw connections between disciplines and work with greater independence.
Middle School Electives: These courses do not fulfill the science graduation requirements
Leopoldo LlinasMS Science Chair | Director of Environmental Stewardship(305) 251-2230 ext. 157University of Miami - B.A.
Evan Apanovitch(305) 251-2230 ext. 291Fairfield University - B.S.2017
Robert Moore(305) 251-2230 ext. 209University of Miami - B.A.
