Middle School students are exposed to the major disciplines in the sciences to provide increased understanding of themselves and the world around them. The science program is geared to provide students with the basic skills of scientific methodology. The program alternates between physical and biological sciences, beginning in the fourth grade when the students study an earth science course to discover how their planet functions. Not only is science studied in the laboratory, but also on field trips to Black Rock Forest and Central Park. By the end of eighth grade, students have a thorough understanding of the aspects of biology, geology, and astronomy, as well as some basic principles of physics and chemistry.

Students in the sixth grade use Dinosaur Canyon, a program that employs the scientific method through computer simulation of a geological section through a canyon. Students find fossils and take rock samples, which are removed, to a simulated laboratory for analysis. By sorting through their samples, analyzing their data, and characterizing their observations, they find meaning in their discoveries.

In addition to this program, students in eighth grade use the computer as a tool to pursue a study of motion and growth, the structure of matter, and the nature of energy. The eighth grade utilizes Virtual Laboratory that simulates basic science laboratory experiments conducted in the classroom. Each “virtual lab” allows the student to apply the step-by-step method of inquiry and prepares the student for the real world event. Students identify the directly measurable, relevant facts, create a proposal relating the relevant facts, design an experiment, graph the results, and develop a descriptive equation. This methodology also permits students to work independently through the event so that they can contribute confidently in their group to the real world solution. Learn more about curricular technology initiatives.