Junior High Science
California middle school science standards, based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), are structured around three dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. These standards are organized into grade-level specific expectations for grades 6, 7, and 8, with a focus on Earth science, life science, and physical science, respectively. California also offers an integrated model for middle school science, where the three disciplines are interwoven throughout the grade levels.
Key Components of the California Science Standards
- Science and Engineering Practices:
- These practices outline the behaviors and skills that students use to investigate the world and develop solutions to problems, such as asking questions, developing models, planning investigations, analyzing data, using mathematics, constructing explanations, engaging in argument, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
- Crosscutting Concepts:
- These concepts provide a framework for connecting knowledge across different science disciplines. They include patterns, cause and effect, scale, proportion, and quantity, systems and system models, energy and matter, structure and function, and stability and change.
- Disciplinary Core Ideas:
These are the foundational ideas in each science discipline: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.- Earth and Space Science: Focuses on topics like Earth's systems, the solar system, and the history of Earth.
- Life Science: Covers topics like cells, heredity, evolution, and ecosystems.
- Physical Science: Explores matter, energy, motion, forces, and waves.
Middle School Grade Level Focus
- Grade 7: Primarily focuses on Life Science. Students will learn about diseases & pathogens, zoology, anatomy, cells & genetics, plants & photosynthesis, earth science, nutrition, and health
- Grade 8: Primarily focuses on Physical Science. Students study astronomy, waves, energy & motion, matter & chemical reactions, and human impacts on the environment. We have a shared lab space that students will use to explore and learn about the world around us.
