We believe that great teaching allows students the best opportunity to succeed in school. The science teachers at La Paz collaborate regularly and are dedicated to their craft, making sure that lessons are engaging, current, and meaningful for 21st century learners.

Why new science standards? Why now?

Science—and therefore science education—is central to the lives of all Americans, preparing them to be informed citizens in a democracy and knowledgeable consumers. If the nation is to compete and lead in the global economy and if American students are to be able to pursue expanding employment opportunities in science-related fields, all students must have a solid K–12 science education that prepares them for college and careers. Needless to say, major advances have since taken place in the world of science and in our understanding of how students learn science effectively. The time is right to take a fresh look and develop Next Generation Science Standards.

Former science standards focused on content but NGSS transforms the learning experience within the classroom using a 3-dimensional approach. The 3 dimensions are Disciplinary Core ideas (knowing science), Cross cutting concepts (thinking like a scientist) and the Science and Engineering Practices (working like a scientist). This approach dramatically changes the classroom for teachers and students by increasing the hands-on experiences, level of critical thinking, and student engagement.

NGSS at La Paz Intermediate

We are proud to announce that we have been implementing NGSS for the last three years. While we are continuing to strive for the vision of NGSS, all middle school science units are fully aligned to the new standards. The staff at La Paz believe that NGSS engages and challenges students to be better learners. Walk into any of the science teacher's rooms and you will see all dimensions of NGSS in action.

• NGSS Parent Guide
• NGSS Parent Guide (Spanish)

The La Paz Science Department is now using the Modern Classroom instructional model which includes these three main components:  blended learning, self-paced structure, and mastery-based grading. We are thrilled to bring this model to the classroom as it is a powerful tool to meet each student’s individual need for support and/or enrichment.

Canvas is a learning management system that is similar to Google Classroom, but provides extended resources for activities, communicating grades and uploading assignments. Students will move through science lessons using instructions and resources posted in Canvas.

Parents can also be connected to Canvas using the Parent Canvas app.  This app can be found by searching "Canvas Parent" in your device’s app store, you will find the BLUE Canvas icon.  As a parent or guardian, you can pair yourself as a Canvas "observer" to your student. This allows you to see all due dates, assignment descriptions, scores and receive notifications directly through the Canvas Parent app.  Please watch this easy-to-follow Canvas LMS for Parents for more information and how to pair your account with your students.

Link to Canvas LMS for Parents

Once you have been paired with your student in the Parent Canvas app, it is recommended that you adjust the notifications options.  To adjust notifications, select the three bars at the top left corner of the app, then select “Settings”. You can turn on and off the notifications as you prefer and how often you wish to receive them (immediately, daily, weekly).  My recommendation for parent notifications is to turn ON both Grades and Announcements and set them to “Weekly”.  Turn off everything else. This will greatly reduce the amount of incoming notifications.&

7th Grade & 8th Grade Units

(Change title from STANDARDS to UNITS) 

7th Grade

Trimester 1: Understanding Matter - Unit #1

• States of Matter, Properties of Matter, and Chemical Reactions

Trimester 2: The Changing Earth - Units #2 and #3

• Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics, Rock Cycle, and Earth’s Resources

Trimester 3: Interactions Within Ecosystems - Unit #4

• Photosynthesis and Respiration, Food Chains and Food Webs, and Interactions Within Ecosystems

8th Grade

Trimester 1

• Geologic Time 
• Natural Selection and Adaptations 
• Evidence of Evolution

Trimester 2

• Forces and Motion
• Mechanical Energy
• Electromagnetic Forces
• Introductions to Waves

Trimester 3

• Light 
• Information Technologies
• Earth and Human Activity
• The Sun-Earth-Moon System 
• Exploring the Universe

Class Materials 

• McGraw Hill Workbook - Provided by the teacher throughout the school year.
• College ruled spiral notebook (100 pages) - Must be size 8 1/2 x 11
• Pencils and erasers (extra lead if using mechanical)
• Set of colored pencils
• Small covered pencil sharpener for colored pencils
• 2 pens, blue or black
• 2 red or green pens for grading
• Set of 3 highlighters
• Expo whiteboard marker
• Several glue sticks (bring one to class and keep stocked for entire school year)
• 1 pack of 3x5 index cards

Additional 7th grade materials

• 1 pocket folder
• Honors: Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat to be read 2nd Trimester

Classroom Laboratory Safety

A teacher may remove any student at any time for any behavior that endangers themselves or others.

1. Equipment and chemicals should be used only in the classroom, do not take anything from the classroom.
2. Clean all pieces of equipment after use and return them as directed by teacher.
3. Keep chemicals away from eyes, ears, nose, mouth, clothing and skin.
4. Use chemicals only from clearly marked containers or as indicated by teacher.
5. Measure chemicals at the supply table and take back to your station only the amount you need.
6. Always replace caps, covers and stoppers on chemical containers immediately.
7. Mix chemicals according to instructions only.
8. Wipe up spills immediately.
9. Keep the open end of a test tube pointed away from you and anyone else when heating it.
10. Report any accidents to the teacher immediately.
11. Throw waste materials into proper containers according to teacher instructions.
12. Goggles MUST be worn whenever you are working with chemicals, heating materials, or you could be harmed by flying objects.
13. Wash your hands at the end of each laboratory period.
14. Never heat a sealed container.
15. Students with long hair must tie it back when working with an open flame.
16. Keep aisles and walkways clear of backpacks, binders and papers. All school materials should be placed under the tables.
17. Keep your movement around the room to a minimum. Stay at your lab station or seat unless directed by the teacher.
18. DO NOT SMELL OR TOUCH CHEMICALS UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE. Use the wafting technique to smell chemicals when necessary.
19. STUDENTS SHOULD NEVER BEHAVE IN A MANNER THAT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

• Matthew Bettino - Matthew.Bettino@svusd.org
• Aime Camey - Aime.Camey@svusd.org
• Ian Keith - Ian.Keith@svusd.org
• Michelle Stafford - Michelle.Stafford@svusd.org
• Marie Whittaker - Marie.Whittaker@svusd.org