Science
6th Grade Earth Science
AIM’s 6th-grade Earth Science program focuses on building students' knowledge of science concepts as well as exploring the process of being a scientist. Students engage in the scientific method, hands- on experiences, and labs that utilize technology and traditional scientific instruments to deepen their scientific understanding. Students continue to work on general reading and writing development with a particular focus on disciplinary literacy skills and strategies. In addition, the 6th-grade science classes engage in the creation and planting of a community garden. Students apply their learning to researching and studying the garden. They also learn from outside speakers about horticultural science and environmental stewardship. Students read and analyze poetry by artists who engage directly with nature and science in their work.
7TH GRADE LIFE SCIENCE
AIM’s 7th-grade Life Science program focuses on building students' knowledge of
science concepts as well as exploring the process of being a scientist.
Students engage in the scientific method, hands-on experiences, and
labs that utilize technology
and traditional scientific instruments to deepen their scientific understanding. Students continue to work on general reading and writing development with a particular focus on disciplinary literacy skills and strategies.
In addition, 7th-grade students delve into metaphor and symbolism to apply their understanding of the cell organelles with a final cell project. They also speak with a genetic scientist to further their understanding of that field of study. Students also engage with several mini-graphic novels to help learn the terminology and theories behind biology and specifically genetics.
8TH GRADE PHYSICAL SCIENCE
AIM’s 8th-grade Physical Science program focuses on building students' knowledge of science concepts as well as exploring the process of being a scientist.
Students engage in the scientific method, hands-on experiences, and labs that utilize
technology and traditional scientific instruments to deepen their scientific understanding.
Students continue to work on general reading and writing development with a particular focus on disciplinary literacy skills and strategies.In addition, the 8th grade travels to Jackson, Wyoming for a week to develop a broader environmental awareness while studying the Grand Teton ecosystem. Students have an opportunity to work on leadership and collaborative skill-building while in the field snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. They also read select chapters from Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer and adapted by Monique Gray Smith.