Prodigy Team Science:  Physical Science Year at a Glance

2011 - 2012

Click on any unit below to access specific handouts, homework assignments, and projects for class.

Welcome to Science!  It is my hope that all students will learn a variety of new science skills and content this year, as well as gain an appreciation and enthusiasm for the wonderful world of science!  Click here for Science class expectations.  The Physical Science topics to be studied this year are described below. 

Unit # 1 (7 weeks) September / October:   The Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry      

            Throughout this unit 7th grade students will engage in a number of activities that will help them understand a variety of scientific processes.  They will take a realistic look at the field of science, examining both its benefits and limitations.   Students will learn and practice the methods that scientists use when designing and conducting investigations. Skills learned in this unit will be implemented throughout the year as students participate in numerous inquiry based activities.

Vermont Standards 7.1, 7.2, 7.3                   Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8:1-8

Unit #1 ( 7 weeks):    Light and Photosynthesis: 8th Grade

      8^th graders will explore the dynamics of light including how it travels and interacts with matter. Students will also review concepts learned last year in the Nature of Science unit while conducting inquiry experiments related to light and fall foliage.

Vermont Standards 7.1, 7.2, 7.3                    Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8:28, 3, 4

Unit # 2 (11 weeks)  November - January :  Matter and Chemistry*

            The Metric System, properties of matter, phases of matter, the relationship between atoms, elements, compounds & molecules, heat & matter, mass, weight, gravity, density, pressure,the law of conservation of mater and chemical reactions are all explored throughout this unit.  Explorations throughout this unit will lead students to an understanding of how elements and energy interact to create our very familiar surroundings.  There are a number of “way cool” experiments involved, which will help students to appreciate and respect some very common chemicals around us, including liquid nitrogen!  One project for this unit will be researching an element for a wall sized periodic table. 

Vermont Standards 7.12 aa, bb, cc           Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8: 9, 10, 12, 13-15, 22

Unit # 3 (3 weeks) February:       Interdisciplinary Unit: The Renaissance

All students on Prodigy will study the nature of science during, and its evolution since the Renaissance time period. Scientists of the Renaissance, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, and their major contributions will be examined as well. Students will present their focus group projects to the community at the end of the unit during our Renaissance Fair, usually the Thursday evening before February break.

Unit # 4 (8 weeks):       Motion, Forces, and Energy*

            Students will work with concepts of speed, momentum, acceleration, force, work, power and heat & sound energy.  Students will have several opportunities to design experiments and share results. They will apply Newton’s Three Laws of Motion in several interactive, real-world activities including sledding and using motion detectors! The final project for this unit has students applying their knowledge of physics concepts to their favorite sport, and then sharing their findings with the class. 

Vermont Standards 7.12cc,dd         Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8: 19, 21, 23, 29

Unit # 5 ( 4 weeks ):     Electricity and Magnetism*

            Students will explore static and current electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism.  There will be a number of activities where students will be constructing circuits and creating electromagnets and motors.  Students will examine alternative energy sources, and conduct home energy audits.

Vermont Standards 7.12ee,ff         Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8: 24,25 Vermont Standards 3.9aa, bb, cc; 4.6aa

Unit # 6 (4 weeks):       River Ecology

            Students will be taking an up close and personal look at our very own Crossett Brook.  Throughout this unit students will learn about various aspects of healthy river ecosystems and collect data to assess the health of our stream.   The unit involves a lot of outdoor data analysis and a couple of really neat guest presenters.  The final project for this unit has students displaying a comparison of a healthy river ecosystem to a non-healthy river ecosystem.

Vermont Standards 7.13cc, 4.6aa, 3.9dd              Vermont Grade Expectations S7-8:36, 37

           (* There will be subject specific books to accompany these units.)