Science
Morrison Academy recognizes the universe as God’s special creation. Science is a process that enables us to understand and appreciate this creation and the laws that govern it. Through science we understand more about the character of God—His creativity, His power, and His desire for order. Science education at Morrison seeks to help students gain knowledge of God and His creation. This is accomplished with an activity-oriented science program, that teaches students to think analytically and logically, to solve problems creatively, and to use technology as a tool. It also endeavors to guide students to become good stewards of the resources that God has created.
Morrison’s middle school science curricula use an integrated approach as each grade level studies aspects of earth, life, and physical science. Based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), our instructional approach focuses on guided discovery of scientific principles through the scientific method rather than student memorization of content. Additionally, each course has a focus on engineering design, through which students create, test, and redesign models to explore concepts.
Science Goals for Morrison Academy
- To recognize God as the Creator
- To value science as a way of knowing
- To solve problems using the scientific inquiry method
- To become scientifically literate
- To become good stewards of God’s creation
Grade 6
In Science 6 students focus on deepening their understanding of energy, weather, and cells as they develop their skills in engineering and design. In physical science, students investigate energy transfer with an emphasis on heat. This understanding of energy guides students into earth science as they consider weather and climate with an emphasis on how humans have an impact on the environment. Finally, students deepen their understanding of life science by studying cells and heredity.
Grade 7
Students in Science 7 focus on understanding the relationship between energy and matter, specifically how energy flows, drives cycles, and is conserved. Other topics of study include energy and matter flow in chemical reactions, photosynthesis, ecosystems, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. Students also examine the impact of unevenly distributed resources and of natural disasters.
Grade 8
Science 8 students deepen their understanding of energy through mathematical relationships between energy, mass, velocity, and position. Topics of study in physical science include electromagnetic forces and motion. In life science, students gain an understanding of the effects of genes and will examine the origins of life. Lastly, in earth science, students will study the history of Earth, its place in the universe, and human impact on natural resources.