Science Department
Grade 6 - Science
This course introduces students to concepts in all three major core science fields - life, physical, and earth sciences. Students will begin with an in depth study of the scientific method in order to better prepare and appreciate how to study science throughout their lives. Students will be introduced to concepts in biology to include animal and plant physiologies, genetics, and human biology. The physical science unit will introduce Newton's laws and machines, directly linking the fields of science and math. Lastly, students will explore the science of our Earth to include oceans, space, and conservation of our natural resources. Participating in these three major units, students will construct and conduct scientific laboratories, projects, and writings. Computer and Internet use is required to teach students how to value technology in the science classroom.
Grade 7 - Life Science
This is an introductory course to life sciences at Ambassador Preparatory. Students examine the life around by making observations and asking questions. Sample questions we ask are why do leaves change colors in the fall and how do spring flowers grow each season? We study ecosystems, cells, and genetics during first semester and complete a survey of the Kingdoms of life second semester. Hands on activities and scientific writings are used throughout the year to prepare students the best high schools in America.
Grade 8 - Physical Science
This course introduces students to concepts in both physics and chemistry. First semester requires students to participate in many class activities and discussions using SI measurements and data collection. Students will become comfortable with calculating force, acceleration, and velocity through various word problems and scenarios. An in depth study of Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion will give students an appreciation of energy and momentum before exploring the properties of heat and energy transfers. The semester will end with a conservation unit, giving students the knowledge of preserving the Earth that we inhabit. Second semester introduces students to basic fundamentals of chemistry. Students will study the properties of atoms, the periodic table, and how to utilize both in chemical bonding and compound formation. The year concludes with chemical reactions in nature as well as simple organic chemistry.
Grade 9 - PRE - AP Biology
Building on concepts learned in seventh grade, this course is designed to explore the Science of Life and how all living and nonliving things interact. Students will begin first semester by looking at the study of biology - the interaction of living and nonliving things and how ecosystems are formed. Students also spend an in depth time studying the structure, function, and reproduction of the basic unit of life - the cell. Building on these concepts, students will investigate the theories of Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin to better understand the fields of genetics and DNA to grasp the intangible theories of evolutionary biology. Second semester, students will conduct an in depth study of the five kingdoms of life - eubacteria/archaebacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Special attention is given to independent projects and essay writing, as this course prepares students for study in AP high school courses.