Science

High Point’s junior-high science program strives to inspire and engage students and to build a knowledge base and skill set that will allow them to be successful throughout their academic career. These skills include: creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration.  Students will develop scientific reasoning skills through hands-on investigations, which allows students to apply their learned knowledge to practical situations and examples. Our science program is presented through a balance of inquiry-based learning, teacher-led instruction, STEM activities, student projects, discussions and debates. Students will effectively demonstrate the ability to use laboratory equipment and integrated technology.

The seventh grade science course is a life science class that introduces students to general biological concepts. It provides an understanding of the diversity of living organisms from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms. It provides the skill set and knowledge to prepare the students for high school biology. Topics covered include: cell biology, genetics, ecology (including environmental conservation), scientific taxonomy, the structure and function of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Animal structure and function (including the human body) and the chemistry of living things. This includes a 3 day marine biology trip to Catalina Island. 

The eighth grade science course is a physical science class that introduces students to general chemistry and physics concepts. It provides an understanding about the structure of matter, energy and the changes they undergo. This course provides the foundation and skill set to prepare the students for high school chemistry and physics courses. Topics include: classifying matter, atomic structure, chemical reactions and bonding, the Periodic Table of Elements, motion, forces, energy, simple machines and electricity. Students will apply and understand mathematical relationships, learn the engineering design process, and will conclude their year by designing and building their own working Rube Goldeberg machine.