Classroom Spotlight | G6-G8 Science

by BIS / 2022.03.18 Friday / Published in NEWS, news & event

The Grade 6-8 Science curriculum at Boston International School is designed to expose students to a wide range of concepts and skills to best prepare them for whatever future Science classes they may pursue. Students entering the middle years programme from elementary will begin by discovering the techniques that allow us to ask Scientific questions and plan fair investigations to find out answers. They then use those skills throughout the entire curriculum, asking questions about forces, chemical reactions, cells, and plants to name a few. The emphasis is on learning through inquiring and content is covered using the entire spectrum of pedagogy from student inquiry to teacher led instruction. Each year, the topics that are covered are revisited with more depth and more mature questioning. By the time they reach high school, students have not only covered a great deal of content knowledge but have developed the ability to transfer this knowledge and skills beyond the classroom.

One way in which we assess the progress of students in Science is through MAP testing. These standardised tests allow us to monitor not only the students understanding of the concepts, but also their growth in knowledge over the time period. The results of the tests show areas in which students need revision or support so that the teachers can then offer resources to practice those skills. Students can then use online platforms, such as IXL.com, to enhance those areas in their own time. MAP test results also inform the teachers as to the strength of the current curriculum and give us feedback on units that may need additional resources.

The 8th Grade unit on Chemical Reactions is a good example of how content is delivered through inquiry and knowledge and skills are built upon year after year. The students begin by using molecular model kits and the periodic table of elements to review their 7th grade knowledge of molecules. They are then led to inquire about how the molecules may recombine to make new molecules. Various chemical reactions are prescribed and performed by students so that they can make observations and collect evidence of the reactions happening. At the end of the unit, they are challenged to create their own chemical reactions and analyse the processes occurring at the molecular level. At each step, students are encouraged to gather their own materials and set up the reactions with sound technical skills. Giving the students the responsibility leads to confidence that they carry on to their High School Chemistry and Physics classes.