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COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Science

SCIENCE AT CMS

Laura Longo, Director of Science, K-12 
Ann Marie Ferreri, Science Lead Teacher

 

All of the Commack Middle School science curriculums are designed to cultivate inquiring minds about science and the natural world, encourage transferable thinking skills, and promote positive social relationships among all learners within the school community. To this end, the students are engaged in hands-on lessons that develop:

  • scientific, mathematical, technological, and literacy skills so that students acquire relevant and essential knowledge.
  • an appreciation and understanding of the scientific process in order to carry out scientific investigations.
  • the ability to record, organize, process, and interpret data.
  • communication skills that enable students to present scientific information in a variety of formats, through a variety of modes, using appropriate scientific language.
  • problem-solving skills, practical skills, and intellectual rigor.
  • an awareness of the interdependence between science and society and the willingness to act responsibly.
  • the disposition and capacity to become lifelong learners in a rapidly changing world.
  • the capacity and self-confidence to act both individually and collaboratively.
  • respect for others and an appreciation of similarities and differences.

  • The 6th grade curriculum is a study of the living environment, based upon the NYS Intermediate-level Core Curriculum. The major units of study include:

    • How We Study Life Science
    • The Cell as a System
    • The Classification of Living Things
    • The Study of Invertebrates and Vertebrates
    • The Human Body as a System
    • Genetics
    • The Plant Kingdom
    • Ecology


    Some of the activities that that are planned for this year include:

    • A presentation from the Sweetbriar Nature Center of vertebrate animals.

  • The 7th grade curriculum is a study of the chemical and physical principles that underlie all scientific processes. It is based upon the NYS Intermediate-level Core Curriculum. The major units of study include:

    • Scientific Method and Safety
    • Metric System, Measurement, and Graphing
    • Mass, Volume, and Density
    • States of Matter, Physical and Chemical Properties
    • Elements, Atoms and the Periodic Table
    • Mixtures, Compounds, and Solutions
    • Forces and Motion
    • Work, Power, and Simple Machines
    • Energy
    • Electricity and Magnetism

  • Some 8th grade students are enrolled in the NYS Physical Setting-Earth Science course and take the Earth Science Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. These one-credit high school science courses are built around a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:

    • Measuring Earth
    • Earth in Space
    • Minerals and Rocks
    • Surface Processes
    • The Dynamic Crust
    • Geologic History
    • Meteorology
    • Climate

     

    All other 8th grade students are enrolled in the commencement-level NYS Living Environment course, and take the Living Environment Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. This one-credit high school science course is also a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:

    • The Cellular Nature of Life
    • Reproduction and Development
    • Genetic Continuity
    • Change and Evolution
    • Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis
    • Adaptations for Maintenance: an Evolutionary Perspective
    • Ecology and Human Impact on the Planet Earth

  • The study of science at Commack Middle School entails the acquisition of knowledge, the development of laboratory skills, the processing and analysis of information, and the ability to work collaboratively with other students. Thus, student learning is assessed through a variety of formats. These include classroom activities, lab performance, laboratory reports, homework assignments, and tests. The weighting of these assessments will be:

    • 60% tests and quizzes
    • 40% lab performance, lab reports, class work, homework, collaborative efforts

  • NYS Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

    All curricula is based on the New York State Standards in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, which include:


    Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design
    Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.


    Standard 2: Information Systems
    Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.


    Standard 4: Science
    Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.


    Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes
    Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.


    Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
    Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

  • Physical Setting – Earth Science course – culminates in Earth Science Regents Exam

    • Teacher recommendation and mastery of the science 7 course

     

    Living Environment Regents course – culminates in Living Environment Regents Exam

  • Science Research

    • Annual participation in Long Island Science Congress.
    • Annual participation in the Society for Science and the Public’s Regional Middle Level Science Research Competition.
    • Annual participation in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF).
    • Annual participation in the Regional Science Quiz Bowl Competition.


    Science Clubs

    • Science Research Club
    • Science Olympiad
    • Science Quiz Bowl

View Curriculum Guides Go To District Department Page