Science - Mrs. Kleister

Middle school science students will start the year with a few review chapters. By doing hands-on labs the students will work through the scientific method and focus on collecting data and ways to present the data. They will also be reviewing the metric system and lab safety. Students will continue to work on lab techniques throughout the year.

Our Annual Element Bingo will be held this year around Halloween. This is an educational and fun way to celebrate this event. This year we will also participate in National Chemistry week and the students will be participating in activities run by Mount Saint Mary's Chemistry Department.

Out of the classroom activities for the fall include tree identification, studying chemical reactions as trees change color, and soil and water testing. Life science students using the microscopes will be introduced to the world of microorganisms as they collect pond samples and make observations.

Students will be involved in science-technology projects. Sixth grade students will be working on a tree identification project while seventh grade students will create a HyperStudio slide show on cellular structures of living things. The eighth grade will also create a project on the Periodic Table. Students will be required to keep a science journal and read and report on current happenings in the science world.

Students will go on several trips throughout the year. Trips already scheduled are the Taconic Environmental Center, Sterling Mines, Esopus Meadows, and The Rockland BOCES Challenger Center.

Textbooks

The middle school science program uses the Glencoe and Prentice Hall Series textbooks in conjunction with the workbooks and lab books. The eighth grade uses a review book for the New York State Science Test.