Kingsview Science Department 

    Overview 

    The middle school science program allows students to investigate both the concepts and practices of Science and Engineering. At each grade level, topics in Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Engineering are interconnected to show students the relationships that exist between the sciences and the natural world. Inquiry and laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program. Problem solving and online investigations are used continually to allow students to investigate authentic problems and reinforce science concepts. The middle school science program was developed in part through a Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant and reflects the Next Generation Science Standards adopted by the state of Maryland. High expectations and differentiated instruction allow all students a challenging and engaging access to science.

    Investigations in Science 6 (IS6) 

     

    IS6 is a problem/project-based curriculum. Instruction is interwoven around a relevant problem/project to allow a focus for student learning. Students engage in minds-on inquiry and hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. Units studied in IS6 center around topics related to matter and its interactions, ecosystem dynamics, human impacts on the environment, energy, and waves. Students engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to propose solutions to identified problems.

    Students are awarded 10 SSL hours at the completion of Grade 6 Science for their full participation in SSL activities.

    Dissection is one of the many instructional methods that may be used in middle school science. Students may request one of the teacher’s alternatives to dissection in these classes. Alternatives may include such materials as videotapes, charts, diagrams, and textbook overlays.

     

    Investigations in Science 7 (IS7) 

     

    IS7 is a problem/project-based curriculum. Instruction is interwoven around a relevant problem/project to allow a focus for student learning. Students engage in minds-on inquiry and hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. Units studied in IS7 center around topics related to cellular processes, structure and function in living things, genetics, Earth’s history, and biological evolution. Students engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to propose solutions to identified problems.

     

    Dissection is one of the many instructional methods that may be used in middle school science. Students may request one of the teacher’s alternatives to dissection in these classes. Alternatives may include the use of such materials as videotapes, charts, diagrams, and textbook overlays.

    Investigations in Science 8 (IS8) 

     

    IS8 is a problem/project-based curriculum. Instruction is interwoven around a relevant problem/project to allow a focus for student learning. Students engage in minds-on inquiry and hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. Units studied in IS8 center around topics related to Forces and Motion, Astronomy, Weather and Climate, and Earth’s Materials and Processes. Students engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to propose solutions to identified problems.

     

    Meet the Department 

    Investigations in Science grade 6
    Mr. Michael Cratsley
    Mr. Dewey Peace
    Mr. Steve Swanson

    Investigation s in Science grade 7
    Mr. Michael Cratsley 
    Mr. Steve D'Amato 
    Ms. Jill Lane


    Investigations in Science grade 8
    Mr. Wymon H. Lee (Department Resource Teacher/Chair)
    Ms. Kara McDermott

    Mr. Jay Silvio