This class is taught in English.

Students will learn and review the middle school national science standards. They will also be presented with the potential high school and college science courses that are available to peak their interest in different scientific studies. 

Students will learn the Grade 8 National Science Standards

Matter: Review
MS-PS1-6 Matter and its Interactions

Forces:
MS-PS2-5-Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Energy:
MS-PS3-1-5 Energy
MS-PS4-1-3 Waves

Molecules to Organisms: 
MS-LS1-1-8 Structures and Processes

Ecosystems:
MS-LS2-1-5 Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Heredity:
MS-LS3-1-2  Inheritance and Variation of Traits

Astronomy:
MS-ESS1-4 Earth's Place in the Universe

Geology:
MS-ESS2-1-6 Earth's Systems
MS-ESS3-1-5 Earth and Human Activity

Engineering Design:
MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design

This course is meant for 8th graders and the sensitive topics will be treated with respect to scientific theory. Parents will also be given a heads-up on sensitive topics (usually by means of an email ahead of time). Mrs. Barenborg has taught middle school science for many years and treats sensitive subjects very carefully and sticks to the standards without adding any personal bias. 

Mrs. Barenborg has a degree in education, a concentration in middle school sciences and a masters degree in educational leadership. She has been in education for 42 years, as a teacher, science supervisor, administrator and School Board member.  She created the first science lab in her district, the first STEAM program and is a co-author of eight STEAM Design Challenge Books for teachers and her books are sold internationally. 

Assessment
Frequency: included
Details: An optional benchmark test will be offered for students to take at the end of both semesters.  I do provide follow up activities and post the answers the following week so parents can opt to have their students do the assignments for not. 
Grading
Frequency: included
Details: I offer a grade for the tests, if parents want/need grades or evaluations for homeschooling needs, they need to direct message me early enough to provide me the time to get it done as I have several students. I evaluate by taking test scores, participation in class, attendance and doing the follow up activities into account. 

I encourage parents that have children with special needs to reach out with a direct message so that I can provide some accommodations for their child.

7th grade science

ScienceSaurus A Student Handbook by Great Source (Green Cover) for grades 6-8. I have the 2002 Copyright version and purchased mine on Thriftbooks for a fraction of the price of a new book. It is not required, but is a great resource and I refer to it in class frequently. 

I have the 2002 edition and here is a link for the Thriftbooks site: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/great-source-sciencesaurus_great-source-education-group-staff/293271/#edition=3376284&idiq=6272615

A notebook is HIGHLY suggested and I keep one as well and send out my pages of notes after class. I suggest that students copy and read the pages into their notebooks. I use a composition notebook and show students how to set it up the first day of class.