7th GRADE INTEGRATED SCIENCE

The seventh grade integrated science curriculum will contain units focusing on physical, life and earth sciences. The curriculum will incorporate hands on investigations, which include basic science skills, scientific method, reasoning and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to investigate ideas, issues, and interests that make up our contemporary understanding of science and technology.

8th GRADE INTEGRATED SCIENCE

*The eighth grade integrated science curriculum will contain units focusing on physical, life and earth sciences. The curriculum accents student involvement with hands on investigations, which include basic science skills, scientific method, reasoning and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to investigate ideas, issues, and interests that make up our contemporary understanding of science and technology. All 8th grade students will participate in the 8th Grade Science Fair. Many will also compete in Ecybermission. 

The 8^th grade Honors integrated science curriculum is a year long class that focuses on the integration of Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences. We are fully implementing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and preparing students to be scientifically literate as well as to take the California Grade 8 Science standardized test (CAST) in the spring.  Science classes at Serrano incorporate Scientific and Engineering practices along with the depth of knowledge in the content standards.  The course will highlight physics,  electricity and magnetism, astronomy,  waves, history of Earth, and genetics concepts.   We emphasize student involvement with hands-on investigations, experimentation and engineering design, as well as note taking, organization and study skills.  Honors Science students are encouraged to  take responsibility for their inquiry as they investigate ideas, issues, and interests that make up our contemporary understanding of science, engineering and technology.   Emphasis will be placed on reading and writing for science,  argument using evidence, science concepts and vocabulary,  and expression of knowledge through a variety of learning methods.  Many collaborative projects including a team entry into the national Ecybermission STEM competition are required. 

Honors Science 8 is more… 

…In depth – lessons do more than skim the surface 

…Problem solving – students are responsible for coming up with their own ideas 

…Critical thinking – students evaluate, not just accept the scientific concepts 

…Understanding how and why – not just memorizing facts 

…Responsibility for learning – students analyze effective study and learning strategies 

…Academic –Students strive toward academic excellence with study habits and effort 

…Rewarding – students gain a love for science and learning for life 

Requirements for Honors Science 8:

• Grade of A in Science 7
• Score of 4 on Science 7 District Benchmark Test 
• Excellent work habits score 
• A demonstrated desire to be a curious and  motivated learner
• Teacher recommendation

All science classes are transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and will incorporate technology, scientific and engineering processes and modeling as part of the course work.

Science Fair 2017-2018