Earth Science (6th grade)
Topics covered in this course include: rocks and minerals; weathering, soil, erosion and deposition; plate tectonics; earthquakes and volcanoes; atmosphere, weather and climate; oceanography; sun-earth-moon motions; solar system, stars and galaxies. Students will perform lab activities both in and out of the classroom, with an emphasis on scientific method. Three topic-related field trips will be offered. Students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the Towle Science Fair or join the Science Olympiad team.
Life Science (7th grade)
Students will gain an understanding of basic life science. The following topics will be explored: basics of the classification system, cells, creation, basics of biological processes, organisms, environment, energy, internal balance, reactions, relationships of organisms, humans in the environment, and natural resources. Students will have some lab time outside of Towle class day and also take two field trips in the year. Participation in the school science fair or becoming a member of a Science Olympiad team is required.
Physical Science (8th grade)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in Integrated Math I or Algebra I
Text: Glencoe Physical Science
The student is introduced to fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. This is the initial course in high school science series. Laboratory technique and safety are emphasized. Topics of study include: Force, Energy, Motion, electricity, Magnetism, Simple Machines, Classification of Matter, Properties of Atoms and the Periodic Table, in addition to Chemical Bonds, Chemical Reactions, Acids and Bases. Students are required to have a scientific calculator. There are monthly labs or field trips. Course may be taken at College Prep or Honors level.
