Middle School Science Program

ROBMS Science Course Sequence
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
6 th Grade Science
(Heterogeneously Grouped)
Life Science
(Heterogeneously Grouped)
Accelerated Life Science
Physical Science
(Heterogeneously Grouped)
Accelerated Physical Science
Earth Science – Grade 6
The course of study for the sixth grade middle school student is an earth science curriculum. The course of study is in accordance with the
2009 NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The course is designed to focus on development of a “scientific mind” through student use
of scientific strategies. This process takes place within each unit of study via the students hypothesizing, researching, experimenting,
observing and inferring. The major units of study for all grade six middle school students are:
Unit 1: Scientific Method; Weather/Meteorology
Unit 2: Earth’s Waters/Oceans
Unit 3: Astronomy: Earth-Moon-Sun System, Solar System, Stars, Galaxies, Universe
Unit 4: Dynamic Earth
Unit 5: Changing Earth
Textbook: Glencoe-McGraw Hill Earth Science 2005
(Online student edition)
www.glencoe.com/ose
Life Science – Grade 7
The course of study for the grade seven middle school students is a life science curriculum. The course of study is in accordance with the
2009 NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The course is designed to focus on development of a “scientific mind” through student use
of scientific strategies. This process will take place within each unit of study via the students hypothesizing, researching, experimenting,
observing and inferring. The major units of study for all grade seven middle school students are:
Unit 1: Scientific Practices
Unit 2: Life Science/Physical Science: Cells and Cell Processes, Heredity, Classification and Life Structure
Unit 3: Life Science: The Animal Kingdom
Unit 4: Life Science: Animal Diversity
Unit 5: Ecology
Textbook: Glencoe-McGraw Hill Earth Science 2005
Online student edition)
www.glencoe.com/ose
Accelerated Science – Grade 7
This course is intended for students who demonstrate an innate aptitude in science, are self-motivated and possess demonstrably high
mathematical, verbal and writing ability. Placement in this class is dependent upon established criteria. This course of study for grade
seven middle school students is an advanced life science curriculum.. The course of study is in accordance with the New Jersey Core
Curriculum Content Standards for Science. The course is designed to focus on development of a “scientific mind” through student use of
scientific strategies. The scientific process is practiced within each unit of study via the students hypothesizing, researching,
experimenting, observing and inferring.

Physical Science – Grade 8
This course is intended to provide a background of information in science and a foundation for future school science courses. Students
receive instruction in the areas of chemistry, astronomy, and the related physical sciences. This material is presented and practiced using
a variety of learning tools and modalities: labs, demonstrations, hands-on activities, writing, computers applications and outside resources.
Audio visual presentations via videos, DVDs and internet sites will be used in presentation. Student research work in the IMC is
incorporated into the course.
Unit 1: Science Skills, Lab Technique, Measurement and Scientific Notation; Physical Science: Forces and Motion
Unit 2: Thermal Energy, Electromagnetic Spectrum, and Energy Transformations; Atoms, Compounds and Mixtures
Unit 3: Chemistry: Properties of Matter, Atoms and the Periodic Table; Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions
Unit 4: Physical Science: Force, Motion, Work; Electricity and Magnetism
Unit 5: Environmental Protection and Global Warming
Textbook: Glencoe-McGraw Hill: Introduction to Physical Science 2005
Online student edition)
www.glencoe.com/ose
Grade Eight Advanced Science
This course is intended for students who demonstrate an innate aptitude in science, are self-motivated and possess demonstrably high
mathematical, verbal and writing ability. Placement in this class is dependent upon established criteria. Students should have a desire to
continue in academically advanced science courses in high school. Through this course students receive instruction in the areas of,
chemistry, the related physical sciences, and environmental science. This material is presented and assessed through a variety of
learning tools and modalities: labs, demonstrations, hands-on activities, writing, computer and technology application. Resources such as
videos, DVDs, and the internet are incorporated into the course. Students are required to research topics as part of their coursework.