The sixth grade has been studying the Physical Science unit. We began this unit with the exploration of heat and matter. In this study we explored the difference between heat and temperature. We discovered that matter could be heated by conduction, convection and radiation. In the chapter Changes in Matter, we explored melting, freezing, evaporation and boiling. We learned that chemical changes involve reactions, which give off or absorb energy. We also completed lab activities involving freezing and dissolving. We hypothesized which materials would be good insulators. We investigated the properties of acids and bases, using indicators to test for acidic or basic solutions. Currently the sixth grade is studying moving objects. We have learned the difference between weight and mass, and Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. By the beginning of March we will be focusing on light, color, and sound. This chapter allows for more interesting lab activities.

The seventh grade has been studying the Electricity and Magnetism unit. We began by identifying the properties and concepts related to magnetism. In the chapter Electric Current and Magnetic Fields, we built series and parallel circuits. After we mastered circuits, we built our own flashlights. We have also constructed an electromagnet and discovered its role in our circuits and everyday appliances. We are just beginning our new unit From Bacteria to Plants. This unit begins with viruses and bacteria, protests and fungi and finally ends with plants. We began our lab activities manipulating variables to grow mold.

The eighth grade has been studying the Chemical Interactions unit. We began this unit with matter and its changes. This led to chemical reactions, atoms, the periodic table, and study of atoms and bonding. Our lab activities included using a conductivity test to determine whether compounds contained ionic or covalent bonds. If a solution contains ionic compounds, that solution will conduct electricity. Our light bulb lit in salt water along with a few other solutions. We concluded this unit with the chapter Exploring Materials. We touched on polymers, metals and alloys, ceramics, and glass and finally radioactive materials. Our next book and unit takes us to the study of Animals. We begin this study with sponges, cnidarians and worms. Our first lesson introduced us to the characteristics of animals, adaptations, species and other vocabulary for us to use in identifying animals. We will progress through mollusks, arthropods, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and finally animal behavior.

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