SCIENCE AND THE CURRICULUM

6th grade science is an exploration into topics that help develop a good foundational science understanding of the life sciences. 6th grade science is taught from an exploration, lab style setting. Students will spend class time developing both note taking and writing skills as they relate to science. Time in class is devoted to the development of science vocabulary and lab application of science. 6th grade science helps to develop the students overall life science understanding while working to develop other skills needed to be successful in school. Students will do limited long term research projects (maybe one per year). Other questions concerning 6th grade science are addressed in the homework and group work pages.

CHALLENGE SCIENCE AND THE CURRICULUM

Challenge science follows the same basic curriculum topics as the 6th grade science classes. Challenge science differs in several aspects however. Challenge science will spend a greater amount of time looking at the curriculum topics in a more in depth fashion. This includes many of the more mathematical aspects of science and the theory behind many of the scientific ideas. Students are allowed to explore topics with more complete experimental approach. Labs will often test for more variables, students will be ask to produce more detailed analysis of the lab work they have done. Students in challenge will throughout the year tackle several long- range projects these projects give the students the opportunity to think about and present some of their own independent science research and ideas. More details on these projects will come as the year progresses.

In order, for the students to be given a greater in depth study, challenge science will dispense with many of the mechanical aspects of the regular class. Students in challenge will need to be able to listen and follow directions. Students are expected to be able to produce high quality lab reports, with well thought out ideas and good writing. Challenge science moves faster with more information presented on a daily basis. Students in challenge science will be expected to work at home on research and reading. Students who fall behind are cannot keep up with the pace can make arrangements to stay after school, for science help sessions. The requirements of challenge are difficult, but in trade the student is given a much greater, complete look at the curriculum topics. Challenge science is for the motivated learner. The challenge class is for those students who enjoy science and wish to devote time and energy into learning the subject. A student may have high-test scores but this may not translate into the ability to produce lab reports, do research projects or approach this class from its more analytical base. Simply because a student qualifies for this class much thought and reflection needs to be done on the part of the student and parent if this is a class they wish to try.

Please direct any question you may have to Mr. McColgan.

MAIN PAGE