Grade 6

Sixth grade science represents a general science overview. The areas of study include both physical and life science, though mostly concentrated on the physical. The approach is a combination of text, multimedia and inquiry. Some of the units are inter-disciplinary, where ideas are shown to be related and are reinforced in the disciplines of Language Arts, Social Studies and Math. The four modules are: Consumer Chemistry; Energy Systems; Systems in Space; and, Bio-diversity.

Grade 7

The Life Science course uses a holistic approach in applying the perceptions and skills of a scientist for obtaining, interpreting, learning and presenting information. Reading for meaning, developing personal research hypotheses, using the language of science effectively, applying known facts to problem-solving techniques, designing controlled experiments, manipulating equipment, building models, writing, and drawing conclusions are part of this research process.

Individual and group-work using rubrics as guidelines are required to understand the interrelationships between the living and the non-living world. Acquiring knowledge, exploring lab and local community populations as well as observing global populations through technology provide a broad view of the components of the student’s environment. The four modules are: Systems in Motion; Issues in Genetics; Classification I & II: Plants, Bacteria, and Fungi; and, Adaptations and Behaviors of Animals.

General Science

This course provides an introduction to Earth Science and Living Environment as well as other topics that are part of our eighth grade Science program. Students in this class will take the New York State Assessment in May and June. There is a performance component (LAB) and a written test. Topics covered are: Chemistry; Rocks and Minerals; Plate Tectonics; Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition; and, Weather and Climate.

Single-Grade Acceleration: Regents Earth Science

Seventh-grade students who demonstrate strong academic performance in science and math may be considered for recommendation for single-acceleration in science–enrollment in Regents Earth Science–for Grade 8.

• Students are typically identified in the winter of seventh grade, based on quarter math and science averages, as well as science test and lab grades.
• Families of students who are recommended for single-grade acceleration in science are notified by email in the spring.
• Course topics covered are: chemistry; rocks and minerals; measuring the Earth; plate tectonics; weather, erosion and deposition; weather and climate; Earth history; and, Earth in space.
• Regents Earth Science is offered at SOMS.
• Students must meet the high school minimum attendance requirements.
• Students take the Earth Science Regents exam.

Accelerated Sequence

● Grade 6: Science 6
● Grade 7: Science 7
● Grade 8: Earth Science (Regents)
● Grade 9: Living Environment (Regents)/Honors
● Grade 10: Chemistry, General Science, Electives
● Grade 11: Physics, electives, Advanced Placement, General Science
● Grade 12: Physics, electives, AP, General Science