Sudbrook Magnet Middle School

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program is a 3-year program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Students in the program follow the same curricular topics in the same order as their general Science course. Through participation in the STEM Magnet program, students gain data analysis, research, and lab skills. Lab work begins with an emphasis on observation skills and builds analytical skills through thoughtful investigations. Students work on projects individually and collaboratively in small groups while applying literacy strategies and mathematical problem-solving skills. Projects are designed around STEM career options and require utilization of critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

UNITS

GRADE 6

Chemistry- matter, atoms, molecules, and extended structures, phases of matter, synthetic materials, interactions between substances, properties and changes of matter

Physics- Speed, velocity, and acceleration, units of measure, Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion, forces and collisions

Space Science- gravity and motion of celestial objects, composition of the universe, scale of objects in the universe, cyclical patterns of lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons, technology and space exploration

Earth Science- plate tectonics and convection currents, earthquakes, volcanoes, and changes to Earth’s surface over time, weathering, erosion, and the rock cycle

Life Science: Ecology- organization within ecosystems, living and nonliving factors in ecosystems, food chains, food webs, and interactions among organisms, energy flow and nutrient cycles, photosynthesis and cellular respiration

 

GRADE 7

Physical Science: Energy- types of energy, temperature, convection, conduction, and radiation

Life Science: Form and Function- , characteristics of life, cell theory; unicellular vs. multicellular organisms, microscopes; plant, animal, and specialized cells, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, body systems and organs

Chemistry: Matter and Its Changes-chemical reactions, physical and chemical properties of substances, conservation of matter, endothermic and exothermic reactions

Physics: Forces and Waves- contact and non-contact forces, electricity and magnetism

 

GRADE 8

Earth Science- natural hazards, climate, weather

Life Science; Earth and Environmental Science- fossils, geologic time, extinction, anatomical structures, genetics, natural and artificial selection, related technology, natural resources, patterns of human use and consumption of resources, pollution