January 5 - 9, 2026:
This week in Science, we reviewed the Space unit in preparation for our upcoming Space unit test. We also started to review properties of matter as an introduction to our Chemistry unit.
December 15 - 19, 2025:
This week in Science, we learned about the Doppler Effect and how it works in different types of waves (light, sound, water, etc.). We then delved deeper into the Doppler Effect and related it to spectral analysis, which allows scientists to determine relative motion and composition of objects in space.
December 8 - 12, 2025:
This week in Science, students learned about the distribution of matter in space. We looked at objects that fly through space, planets, as well as the life cycle of stars. We talked about how stars use hydrogen as fuel for thermonuclear fusion and how that leads to the creation of heavier elements. From here, we'll look at how to describe the position of objects in the sky (altitude, azimuth), and get into the Doppler effect.
December 1 - 5, 2025:
This week in Science, we jumped into the Space Exploration unit. Some classes are starting with theory, and others are starting with a film study as a hook for the unit. Regardless, by the end of the unit, all classes will have completed a film study to pique student interest in space, as well as learn some of the theory in a fun way.
November 24 - 27, 2025:
This week in Science, students wrote their Biodiversity Unit Test. They also completed a research task wherein they explored various biodiversity management strategies and critically evaluated them. This assignment also explored the benefits and drawbacks of zoos as tools for conservation.
November 17 - 21, 2025:
This week in Science, we looked at the various reasons behind the reduction of biodiversity we're experiencing on this planet. We then looked at various methods to mitigate this loss.
November 13 - 14, 2025:
This week in Science, we learned about patterns of inheritance in genetics (complete dominance, incomplete dominance, co-dominance). From there, we began talking about reduction of biodiversity, and next week we will start to look at biodiversity management strategies.
November 3 - 7, 2025:
This week in Science, we talked about genes and the alleles (possibilities) for how these genes are expressed. We learned about genotype and phenotype, and students were able to practice using this knowledge in a lab activity.
October 29 - 31, 2025:
This week in Science, we spent some time reviewing concepts from September, then continued to talk about types of reproduction. From there, we began talking about genetics and introduced terms like DNA, chromosomes, genes, and alleles.
October 1 - 3, 2025:
This week in Science, we started to delve into the world of genetics. We talked about DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and students are starting to understand how they all relate to one another.
September 22 - 26, 2025:
This week in Science, we talked about how organisms reproduce. We covered sexual and asexual reproduction, and looked at some of the benefits and drawbacks of both in terms of survival in various environments.
September 15 - 19, 2025:
This week in Science, we further explored niches and what this looks like for various types of organisms. We looked at various adaptations that organisms have gained, and talked about how that comes about via natural selection and evolution over successive generations. In our "Best Beak Physique" lab, students explored how various utensils (beaks) were better suited for picking up various types of food, and related this to adaptations and feeding in nature.
September 8 - 12, 2025:
This week in Science, we'll delve into our Biodiversity unit. We'll talk about variability within and between species, as well as types of interdependent relationships between species. We'll also explore the concept of biological niches and talk about what this means for various types of organisms.