Science

6th Grade: Earth Science

Earth Science is designed to introduce students to the science program at Ramapo Ridge middle school. It is an inquiry/discovery-based course designed to help students understand the interactive systems of the Earth and space. The course will help students understand the earth in which they live and the impact of modern technology on the earth system. The course prepares each student to make informed decisions related to the explosion of knowledge/technology in the Earth sciences and therefore become an informed global citizen. The course helps students prepare for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) in science. Sixth grade Earth science is an inquiry/discovery-based course that facilitates student transition from the concrete to the abstract. This is accomplished by integrating Blooms’ taxonomy and higher levels of thinking into the program. The course follows middle school developmental philosophies by using hands on laboratory experiments, cooperative-learning groups, life-related learning activities and integrating other core subjects. Additionally, this course supports and encourages successful transition from elementary school to middle school. Assessment of student success will take a variety of forms. Frequent written tests and quizzes containing both objective and free response questions will be used. Students will also be assessed at the end of a marking period with the use of a common summative assessment. Students will be asked to conduct laboratory investigations and to report on the results of their investigations through written, verbal, and visual presentations. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis.

7th Grade: Life Science

Life Science is designed to introduce all students to the structure, characteristics, and basic needs of organism, to the diversity of life on Earth, and help them gain an understanding of the biotic and abiotic factors that shape their environment. This course will also introduce students to the organization of living systems, the diversity, complexity, and evolution of life, and how genetic information is passed on to future generations. This course of study will help students prepare for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) in science.  Seventh grade life science is an inquiry/discovery-based course that facilitates student transition from the concrete to the abstract. This is accomplished by integrating Bloom’s taxonomy and higher level thinking into the program. The course follows middle school development philosophies by using hands on inquiry-based laboratory experiments and cooperative-learning groups. Assessment of student success will take a variety of forms. Frequent written tests and quizzes containing both objective and free response questions will be used. Students will also be assessed at the end of a marking period with the use of a common summative assessment. Student will be asked to conduct laboratory investigations and to report on the results of their investigations through written, verbal, and visual presentations. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis.

8th Grade: Physical Science

Physical Science is the culminating science course at Ramapo Ridge designed to prepare students for the transition to the high school science program. It is an inquiry/discovery-based course structured to help students understand the physical world. The course follows middle school developmental philosophies by using hands on laboratory experiments, cooperativelearning groups, life-related learning activities, and integrating other core subjects. The course helps students prepare for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) in science. Assessment of student success will take a variety of forms. Frequent written tests and quizzes containing both objective and free response questions will be used. Students will also be assessed at the end of a marking period with the use of a common summative assessment. Students will be asked to conduct laboratory investigations and to report on the results of their investigations through written, verbal, and visual presentations. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis.