7th Grade Life Science
Our year begins with a north woods tree identification project. Students learn basic leaf structure and how to read field guides and dichotomous keys. Taxonomy and classification systems of organisms is emphasized. The students are introduced to Phenology (the study of organisms’ response to seasonal and climatic changes in the environment). Walks into the outdoor classroom are taken, as weather permits. Students observe, identify and take notes on the organisms we discover. This is continued throughout the year. In our cell unit, students learn about the different types of cells. This includes extensive use of the microscope. Cell structure, processes (photosynthesis, respiration and fermentation), meiosis and mitosis, are also studied. The compound light microscope aids us in our investigation during this unit. The genetics unit allows students to gain an understanding of the structure of DNA and how the principles of heredity operate. Students construct and use Punnett squares and pedigree charts to determine traits of offspring through several generations. Other topics covered relate to animal diversity. Using a microscope and simple dissection, we take a comparative look at organisms, from the simple protists to the complex mammals.
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Science is an Earth-based/Environmental Science class. Material covered focuses on the natural processes that affect the Earth and the impact that humans have on these processes. Students will explore cycles in nature and learn about the challenges associated with utilizing and managing local natural resources. Honeybees will be a major focus of study throughout the year and students will be visiting and tending to the needs of hives throughout the year. Students will learn about bees, communicate their findings with community members, and teach elementary students about bees. Additionally, students will assess the overall quality of the local ecosystem through investigations, projects, and field work using hand-held probeware to obtain accurate real-time data. The topics of this class are paired with the writings of Aldo Leopold from A Sand County Almanac. Students will reflect upon Aldo’s words, share their thoughts with their classmates, and offer their own insight on wildlife conservation in Wisconsin.
SCIENCE OF FOOD
Have you ever played with your food? Have you ever eaten your homework? The Science of Food class will let you do both. This class will let you explore the science behind flavors and ingredients while learning different cooking techniques. Many local plants and animals will be used in recipes. This hands-on class will allow you to make sausage, cheese, ice cream and maple syrup. Students will harvest wild rice, tend to a honeybee hive, and turn sugar into caramel. Through experiments, hands-on activities, exploratory labs, and field trips students will understand the methods of growing, harvesting, preserving, processing and packaging of foods. Students will learn the chemistry of foods in terms of composition and changes that occurs during processing and storage, sensory and physical assessment of foods, microbiological issues related to both spoilage and safety of foods, and the development of new food products. Science principles are applied to food in farm fields, food processing, food preservation, in home and restaurant kitchens, and in research laboratories. This course will assist students in making science relevant to the "real" world as they explore many local foods that are available throughout the year. Learn about science in a whole new way. Let's get cookin'!
High School Courses Middle School Students May Take
APPLIED SCIENCE
This lab-based course develops knowledge and understanding of the concepts of matter, force, energy and natural processes in the areas of physical and earth science. The course involves demonstrations, discussions, lectures, and experimentation. The student does experiments in order to obtain data that can be evaluated by the class and hopefully some conclusion can be reached. It is intended that students learn to appreciate how scientists get information in order to discover the working of nature. Skills in the use of the metric system are developed. The student will gain a strong background for more advanced science courses such as chemistry or physics.
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