6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Science, and 7th and 8th Grade PSD
6th GRADE SCIENCE: Students in the sixth grade meet two or three times a week to study topics related to earth science and experimental design. The goals of the year are to expand proficiency in collecting and presenting data, develop use of the scientific method, and recognize the connections between cycles found in the natural world. Information is gathered through fieldwork, lab exercises, and research. Sources of information we use include selected readings from the Prentice Hall series of science texts, Dr. Art’s Guide to Planet Earth (Art Sussman), books from The Grammar School’s extensive library, the Internet, and popular media.
The sequence of the science program is:
- geology of Lake Champlain
- water (testing, flow volume, cycle, use and supply, pollution, properties)
- topography (mapping, watersheds, effect on water supply)
- science fair (experimental design, use of the scientific method, presentation)
- earth science (atmosphere, weather)
- mystery class (photoperiods of the sun, latitude and longitude, geography)
- astronomy (seasons, our solar system, structures in the universe)
7th GRADE SCIENCE: Students in the seventh grade meet two to three times a week to study topics related to environmental science, physics, and experimental design. The goals of the year are to become familiar with collecting and organizing data in the context of fieldwork, evaluate the impact of nutrition-related topics on both the individual and the environment, expand use of the scientific method, and identify forces in daily life. Information is gathered through fieldwork, lab experiments, and research. Sources of information include selected readings from the Prentice Hall series of science texts, books from TGS’s extensive library, the Internet, and popular media.
The sequence of the science program is:
- trees (identification of local species, anatomy, forest zones)
- nutrition (diet assessment, issues related to food in the modern world)
- science fair (experimental design, use of the scientific method, presentation)
· physics (forces, motion, density, simple machines)
- soils (types, zones, testing)
8th GRADE SCIENCE: Students in the eighth grade meet two to three times a week to study topics related to chemistry, experimental design, and human biology. The goals of the year are to expand skills in research, refine the use of the scientific method, and identify the connection between behavior and health. Information is gathered through labs and research. Sources of information include selected readings from the Prentice Hall series of science texts, books from TGS’s extensive library, the Internet, and popular media.
The sequence of the science program is:
- chemistry (matter, atomic structure, acids and bases, forensics)
- science fair (experimental design, use of the scientific method, presentation)
- biology (systems of the human body, reproduction, health impacts of behavior)
FAMILY LIFE CURRICULUM: The Family Life Curriculum for the eighth grade is covered during science and includes a look at the reproductive anatomy, how pregnancy occurs, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The emphasis is on responsibility to oneself, one's family and friends, and one’s values.
PHYSICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: This program is designed to help students to develop physically through play, games, and skill tasks. Activities are planned to emphasize the underlying themes of the program: strength and endurance (muscular and cardiovascular), coordination, game skills, sportsmanship, and establishing physical activity as a lifelong endeavor. The fall curriculum includes one class each week focusing on the Presidential Fitness guidelines, one working on challenge-course activities, and one for general aerobic fitness. In the winter, the students cross-country ski on the TGS trails, ice skate at the Vermont Academy rink, and choose between cross-country skiing at Grafton Ponds or downhill skiing or snowboarding instruction at Okemo. Spring activities include team sports, cooperative games, and track and field.
