2026-2027 -- Carden Conejo Middle School - Flipbook - Page 35
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
6th Grade: Earth & Space Science
Students explore the systems that shape Earth and its place in the universe. Using FOSS Earth &
Space modules, they model geological processes, observe weather patterns, and study Earth’s
relationship with the solar system. Key units include:
Weather & Water: Investigating atmosphere, clouds, and climate systems
Planetary Science: Understanding gravity, orbits, and space exploration
Earth History: Modeling rock layers, fossils, and geologic time
Hands-on activities like building weather instruments, simulating erosion, and creating
topographic maps teach students to connect scientific phenomena to real-world change.
7th Grade: Life Science
This course investigates the interconnected systems that sustain life. From the tiniest cells to
complex ecosystems, students study how organisms grow, adapt, and interact with one another and
their environment. Key Units Include:
Populations & Ecosystems: Examining food webs, biomes, and human impact
Diversity of Life: Exploring classification, cells, and microscopic organisms
Human Systems Interactions: Understanding anatomy, physiology, and genetics
Students maintain lab journals, conduct microscope investigations, and model energy transfer in
ecosystems. A focus on environmental awareness and health ties scientific learning to realworld stewardship.
8th Grade: Physical Science
Eighth Grade science combines physics and chemistry, preparing students for advanced study in
High School. Students explore matter, motion, and energy through experimentation, measurement,
and engineering design. By the end of Eighth Grade, students are confident, inquisitive thinkers who
approach every challenge with curiosity, evidence, and imagination.
Key units include:
Chemical Interactions: Investigating matter, reactions, and molecular structure
Force & Motion: Applying Newton’s laws through hands-on challenges
Energy & Electromagnetism: Exploring light, sound, and circuitry
Students design and conduct experiments, measure forces with spring scales, and build circuits
to model energy transfer. Inquiry-based labs emphasize precision, teamwork, and application of
the scientific method.
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