Science
The Bronxville Middle School science core curriculum is organized by discipline for each grade level. Sixth grade focuses on Earth and Space Sciences, seventh grade on Biology, and eighth grade on Physical Science, encompassing both Chemistry and Physics. All courses align with the NYS-adopted NGSS, emphasizing phenomena-based learning, review and reflection using the CER model of argumentation, along with hands-on experiences through laboratory experiences both in the classroom and on site visits. The middle school science sequence culminates in the NYS Science Exam administered each spring.
Our science students innovate throughout various experiences. For instance, 6th-graders define and test design problems, complete non-fiction science book projects, and track weather. 7th-graders engage in finding ways to help clean the Bronx River, while 8th-graders engage in a variety of projects including minimizing kinetic energy in plane motion.
Leadership is fostered through science activities that encourage student advocates and collaboration. Specific culminating experiences occur at the end of each course. In 6th-grade students visit the Challenger Center (NJ) to lead a NASA mission to launch a space shuttle. The 7th-grade, theoretically, genetically engineers an endangered species. In 8th-grade students demonstrate their laboratory skills through the sludge test, which encourages students to separate a mixture and promotes leadership in thought and communication. In addition, lab assignments across all grades are conducted in groups.
Students engage the world around them through their various scientific endeavours. This is strongly reflected in the 6th-grade Climate and Environmental Science unit, including a Technology and Climate Conference. The 7th-grade year-long Bronx River Studies asks students to monitor human impact on the environment and assess the health of an ecosystem, demonstrating community engagement. The 8th-grade ends the year with a Rube Goldberg project that they showcase to other students in the school district.
Critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis, is a cornerstone of the science curriculum. Students across all grades are continually asked to represent data, analyze and interpret information (e.g., weather maps, fossils, rocks, solar system data, change over time), explore and calculate concepts (potential/kinetic energy, speed, velocity, acceleration, mechanical advantage), and analyze phase change diagrams. Students across the grade levels are writing science conclusions using the CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) format to help them think about their data collections and the scientific principles being applied.
The MS Science Curriculum actively reinforces the Bronxville Promise by providing a rich array of hands-on investigations, projects, and analytical tasks along with aligning to the NGSS standards as adopted by NYS.
