October Secondary Science Newsletter Information

7^th Grade: Photosynthesis

In order for all cells to live they must create energy.  For plants, that process is known as Photosynthesis which takes place in the chloroplast organelles.  In order for this process to occur, plants require 3 things: Sun, CO₂ and Water.  These compounds are then converted in to simple sugars in the form of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).  Students will learn how this process can in turn create new cells which allow the cells to replicate and the plant to grow.

8^th Grade: Phases of the Moon

The Moon, Earth’s only satellite, plays an important part in the tides we experience each day and like all other heavenly bodies, has its own schedule to which time and events can be measured.  Students will understand the moon has a small gravitational force on the Earth that actually causes a bulging which results in high and low tides.  The will also discover the phases of the moon, the rise and set, and that the dark side of the moon is really a science misconception.

Biology: Populations

In an ecosystem, survival for any organism depends on the population in which it lives.  Students will learn that in order for a species/population to exist, there must be a careful balance in the symbiotic relationships that are present, the niches, the geographical location, and what climatic factors are present.  This also must include the natural processes such as emigration, immigration and population density. 

Chemistry: Chemical Reactions

All matter is comprised of pure elements or compounds.  In order for new compounds to form, bonds must be broken and new ones formed.  This breaking and forming change the characteristic of the matter and will now behave in a different way.  Students will learn that these reactions will happen in 6 different ways.  Students will also learn to balance chemical equations in an effort to understand the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Earth Science: Weathering and Erosion

Weathering and Erosion are natural processes which shape the earth’s surface.  Students will learn that there are 2 types of weathering: chemical and mechanical.  They will also learn that the rate at which these occur are dependent upon the climate, moisture, soil type, and precipitation.   In an effort to conserve our resources, it is necessary to examine the causes and look toward ways to prevent.