Welcome to the Canyon Hills Science Department

What to Expect in Science

In science class content is taught through a combination of direct instruction as well as problem based science inquiry. Students are trained in the science lab to use equipment properly, conduct experiments, and collect data to use to answer questions or to solve problems. In their writing, emphasis is on supporting reasoning with evidence from lab investigations, or from research.

New nationwide science standards, called Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), are in the making. To start incorporating these standards, you will see larger themes, for example “systems,” or “structure and function” being included more visibly than before within the traditional content.

The content for 7th grade and 8th grade includes:

7th Grade

Cell biology, including Genetics

Earth and Life History

Structure and Function in Living Systems, including Organ Systems

Physical Principles in Living Systems, including Light and Levers.

8th Grade

Forces and Motion

Chemistry, including Periodic Table, Reactions, and Chemistry of Living Systems

Density and Buoyancy

The Earth in the Solar System

Both grades emphasize learning through investigation and experimentation