This middle school science course explores essential academic concepts such as genetics, ecosystems, weather patterns, and the properties of waves and forces. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, learners will engage with scientific principles, develop critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding of how these concepts apply to the world around them. The curriculum aligns with national and state science standards, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive foundation in key scientific topics.
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

Life Sciences:
MS-LS1: Structure and function of cells and organisms.
MS-LS3: Inheritance of traits and variation of traits in organisms.
MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, energy, and dynamics.

Earth and Space Sciences:
MS-ESS1: Earth’s place in the universe (which can include weather patterns).
MS-ESS2: Earth’s systems, including interactions between the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Physical Sciences:
MS-PS2: Motion and stability: Forces and interactions.
MS-PS4: Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer.


Weekly Breakdown 

Week of July 8: Moon phases
Week of July 15: The Milky Way
Week of July 22: Genes 
Week of July 29: Traits
 
Week of August 5: Renewable and nonrenewable resources
Week of August 12: Cell theory and parts of a cell
Week of August 19 - OFF
Week of August 26: Biotic and abiotic factors
 
Week of September 2: Scientific method
Week of September 9: Earth’s layers (Mantle, Earth’s crust, outer core, and lithosphere).
Week of September 16: Earthquakes
Week of September 23: Volcanos
Week of September 30: Weather patterns
 
Week of October 7: Climate zones
Week of October 14: Flooding
Week of October 21: Human impact on the environment
Week of October 28: Tsunami
 
Week of November 4: Ecosystems
Week of November 11: Interactions between organisms and their surroundings
Week of November 18: Game day and review
Week of November 25 (Mon/Tues classes will meet) Thursday/Friday classes will have off
 
Week of December 2: Biodiversity
Week of December 9: Conservation
Week of December 16: Ecology/jeopardy
Week of December 23 - OFF
Week of December 30 - OFF
 
Week of January 6: Light waves
Week of January 13: Sound waves
Week of January 20: Electromagnetic spectrum
Week of January 27: Properties of matter
 
Week of February 3: Properties of elements
Week of February 10: Properties of compounds
Week of February 17: Physical vs. Chemical reactions
Week of February 24: Newtons law of
Motion 
 
Week of March 3: Gravity
Week of March 10: Friction
Week of March 17 - OFF
Week of March 24: Simple machines
Week of March 31: Plant cell structure
 
Week of April 7: Animal cell structure
Week of April 14 (week day classes will meet, Sat/Sun classes off): Cell division
Week of April 21: Inheritance
Week of April 28: punnet Squares
 
Week of May 5: Genetic disorders
Week of May 12: Skeletal system
Week of May 19: Muscular system
Week of May 26: Digestive system 
 
Week of June 2: Respiratory system
Week of June 9: Nervous system
Week of June 16: circulatory system
Week of June 23. review

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Our classrooms are guided by a Socratic teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and encouraging open dialogue among learners. By facilitating engaging discussions and posing thought-provoking questions, students are able to explore topics more deeply and gain a comprehensive understanding of the material. 

We incorporate a mix of traditional methods such as videos and limited PowerPoint presentations to accommodate various learning styles as well. 

In addition, we gamify our lessons, as much as possible, to make learning fun and interactive for students. By adding elements of games and competition, we are able to keep learners engaged and motivated to participate in their education.

We also incorporate hands-on projects, wherever possible, to provide students with real-world application of their learning. Through these projects, students are able to apply their knowledge in practical ways and further enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

By designing this type of diverse classroom environment, utilizing multiple teaching methods, we effectively address the diverse learning styles of our learners.

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Please note we value mental health and want to prevent teacher burnout. With that said, we do take company wide breaks where there will not be any classes taught nor will we be answering emails. 

Please expect a delay in responses the following dates: 

2024:
August 19-August 25 (Summer Break)
November 27-29 (Thanksgiving Break)
December 23 - December 31 (Winter Break)

2025

January 1 - Jan 5 (Winter Break)
March 17 - March 23 (Spring Break)
April 19 - April 20 (Easter Break)
August 25-31st (Summer Break)

If you are enrolled, you will not be charged!

We will be returning all emails the day or two after we return. 

In addition, teachers may need time off outside of these breaks as emergencies do happen. We always try our best to give ample notice when we can. You will never be charged for a day that we cancel classes.

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Refund Policy:

We strictly adhere to Outschool's refund/reschedule policy for all of our classes. This means that once a class has been paid for, there will be no deviation from Outschool's guidelines. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling outside of what Outschool allows. 

Camera Policy:

All students are required to keep their camera turned on during the entire class. The only exception is those that have been verified by Outschool and have the verification badge.  

Contact info:

In compliance with Outschool's policies, we do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former families on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). We also do not provide or ask for any personal information such as email address or phone numbers.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these policies.