Science

The middle school Science curriculum comprehensively explores various scientific disciplines, including marine science, earth science, life science, and physical science. In grade 5, students learn about oceans, marine life, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. Earth Science topics include the study of rocks, minerals, landforms, and the Earth's processes. Life Science components cover biology, ecology, and the diversity of life forms on Earth. Physical Science concepts introduce students to the principles of physics and chemistry, including properties of matter, energy, forces, and motion. Through hands-on experiments, observations, and projects, students develop a deep understanding of these scientific disciplines and their relevance to the world.

The teachers in the Science department at Canterbury bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to their students and subjects.  Our goal is to have our students learn to analyze problems systematically, to understand the context of problems and identify an approach to find solutions.  We want students to be able to explain their conceptual understanding in prose, and to be able to quantify results when necessary, then comment on the reasonableness of their conclusions. 

Paul Wyness, Science Department Chair

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS?

1.  How do the concepts of matter and energy apply to physical and biological systems?

2.  How do we control variables in experiments (how do we apply the scientific method) to determine causation?

3.  How do scientific models help us understand both microscopic and macroscopic systems?

4.  How do laws of conservation (mass, energy, momentum, etc.) help us understand changing systems?

5.  What is the relationship between humans and nature, and what effect are humans having on the natural world?

6.  How does knowledge of the atom help us understand and predict the outcome in chemical reactions?