WELCOME to the MERCY SCIENCE BLOG
EXPLORING GOD's CREATION....
August, 2018
The Science Program
... emphasizes a hands-on, multi-media approach to understand the wonders of God's Creation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) activities along with basic skill development drive the curriculum and reflect both the NEWLY DEVELOPED Archdiocese of Washington Science Standards and Next Generation Science StandardsEach of the middle school science courses will have a central focus with countless connections to other branches of science and the other disciplines. Science in grades 4 and 5 will cover the broad spectrum of topics included in general science.
The daily routine incorporates scientific achievements of the past and current science, always attempting to tie content to student experiences. Formal STEM classes that address both the science and math curricula have been scheduled weekly at all grade levels. Science is a living, growing field of study that directly affects daily life, and it is my goal to excite an appreciation for it in my students.
Chromebooks
The use of technology plays a significant role is all of the science courses, but especially in the upper grades. Chromebooks are regularly used, and are assigned to each student in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade. Class sets of Chromebooks are available to students in grades 4 and 5.
Telescope and Microscope Loaner Program
The Mercy Science Program makes both microscopes and telescopes available to the Middle School students through its Telescope/ Microscope Loaner Program. With a completed parental permission form and after an equipment training session for the student, the scopes may be checked out for 4 weeks at a time on a first come, first serve basis. These loaner periods may be extended if there are no active requests for equipment. The goal of this program is to foster student interest in astronomy and the life sciences.
The focus of Grade 8 is Life Science, but, as with all of Mercy's science courses, there will be countless connections to other branches and academic disciplines. September will be a review of the microscope and procedures for its use as we study the origin of life science, cell theory and cell structure. Besides numerous microscope activities, there will be a major project due in the 1st quarter: the cell model. Please frequently check the schoololom.org/science 8 web site for science notes, worksheets, and updates.
Science 7:
Science 6:
Astronomy and the Earth Sciences are the focus of the sixth grade science program, taught four times weekly. This often is the last opportunity for students to study astronomy, unless they choose what are often optional astronomy classes in high school. This quarter will see an exploration of the history of astronomical theories, galaxies, stars, and the solar system. There will be an emphasis on understanding the telescope as a primary astronomical tool, and there will be projects that require observations of the moon. Please note that students have the opportunity to borrow a telescope (with a completed parental permission form and student training). Please frequently check the science 6 web site for notes, worksheets and updates.
Science 5:
Taught three times weekly, the fifth grade General Science will begin with a study of Life Science and will include extensive training in the use of a microscope as they are introduced to the early history of the field. An introduction to basic cell structures, cell organization, and representative organs and organ systems will be also be covered in the 1st quarter. Please frequently check the science 5 web site for notes, worksheets and updates.
I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming year and the adventures of discovery that it will bring as we explore God's creation.
contact information: 301 365 4477 ext. 222 (science room)
email: pgsharp@gmail.com, psharp@olom.org
