All grades will follow a connected curriculum where units in each of the major science fields are explored. Students investigate hurricanes and weather concepts. Students watch a video about Hurricane Andrew, track hurricanes to predict their paths, investigate convection currents and the water cycle, and publish a hurricane newspaper. Using the investigation wheel, students ask driving questions, plan an on-line investigation, search the web for information, assess the validity and appropriateness of gathered information, compile facts and ideas, and formulate a response to their driving question. Investigations was developed by the Middle Years Digital Library Teaching and Learning Group at the University of Michigan.
Students investigate the changing structure of Earth.
They examine the major divisions of the earth's structure, describe the forces that produce earthquakes and volcanoes, and investigate the properties of quake-resistant buildings. Quake, Bake, and Shake is part of the Science Links series that was developed by The Agency for Instructional Technology, a Division of South-Western Educational Publishing. Students view a series of video clips where individuals explain aspects of the problem. Students formulate hypotheses, investigate clues that may or may not support their theories, collaborate with classmates, and finally prepare a lab report with summary and recommendations. The Grade 8 mysteries are The Blob, Twins or Not, Lost Mining Probe, and Misplaced Fossil.