We will be using the new resource, HMH Science Dimensions, to investigate science topics by: creating driving question boards (engage), performing hands-on activities (explore), using technology and writing workbooks to enhance understanding (elaborate), and writing CERs (evaluate). We will start with Chemistry, move into Energy and Energy Transfer, and then end the year with Space Science.
1st & Part of 2nd Trimester: Chemistry Unit 1: Structure of Matter- Performance Expectation: MS-PS1-1 Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
Unit 2: Structure of Matter- Performance Expectation: MS-PS1-4 Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
Parts of 2nd & 3rd Trimesters: Energy and Energy Transfer Unit 1: Energy: Performance Expectations: MS-PS3-1 Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object. MS-PS3-2 Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.