Science in Motion!
This course introduces 7th-8th grade students to the fundamental principles of matter, energy, forces, waves, electricity, and magnetism while fostering scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on investigations, mathematical applications, collaborative discussions, and interdisciplinary connections, students will develop scientific literacy and explore the inherent patterns and structure in scientific phenomena that shape our physical world.
Course Objectives
- Matter, Energy, and Chemical Reactions
- Exploring the structure of matter, conservation of energy, and the impact of chemical reactions on different substances.
- Forces, Motion, and Waves
- Examining Newton’s Laws, the principles of motion, and how waves (sound and light) travel and interact with different materials.
- Electricity, Magnetism, and the Order of Creation
- Investigating the relationship between electricity and magnetism while recognizing the patterns and order inherent in scientific laws.
- Scientific Theories, Truth, and Applications
- Evaluating scientific models, differentiating between hypotheses and theories, and applying scientific principles to real-world problems.
- Scientific Inquiry and Experimentation
- Apply the scientific method to conduct investigations, collect and analyze data, and effectively communicate their findings.
- Develop practical laboratory skills.
Portfolio Artifacts*
- Laboratory Notebook
- A laboratory notebook helps develop good scientific habits and is essential for documenting experiments, organizing thoughts, and collaborating effectively.
Prerequisites
- Science: No extensive prior scientific knowledge required.
- Mathematics: Foundational math skills and/or pre-algebra recommended.
Whether you are fascinated by electricity, intrigued by chemical reactions, or eager to understand how waves shape our world, this journey will spark curiosity and deepen your understanding of the physical forces that surround us. Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!
* Portfolio – a purposeful collection of work or evidence that showcases a student’s learning, growth, and achievements over time.