Science

Science

The science curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in the scientific process, principles and concepts of science- exploration, while developing inquiry skills and scientific habits of mind. Science concepts are investigated through a variety of partner, group, and independent activities. Lab skills practiced include: hypothesizing, observing and making measurements, analyzing data, scientific drawing, graphing, problem-solving, making models, and using tools.

Grade 5 – Students investigate topics in
Earth Science that include landforms, volcanoes, rocks, fossils, air and water.
Chemistry – physical and chemical changes, change of state, mixtures, compounds, acids, bases and salts.
Physics – Forces and motion, work and energy, simple machines, renewable and non renewable resources. This culminates in an independent science project that incorporates all aspects of experimental design at the science fair.

Grade 6 – Students investigate the Solar system and topics that include –
Physics – Waves, sounds, electromagnetic forces, light mirrors and lenses.
Meteorology – Atmosphere, weather, air pollution, climate. This culminates in an independent science project that incorporates all aspects of experimental design for the science fair.

Grade 7 – Students are introduced to the field of biology. Topics include –
Biology – From bacteria to plants.
Physics – Motion, forces and Energy.
Earth Science – Earths waters. This culminates in an independent science project incorporates all aspects of experimental design for the science fair.

Grade 8 – Students further their study in Biology. Topics include –
Biology – Human Biology and health, Cells and heredity.
Chemistry – Chemical Interactions. This culminates in an independent science project incorporates all aspects of experimental design for the science fair.

Computer Science – Fifth Grade

Today, almost all work related activities are done using a computer. The goals of the computer science curriculum are to understand the fundamental components of a computer, its hardware and software. Students are then taught some basic computer applications like MS –Word, MS –Excel. The computer curriculum is integrated into the curriculum of the other subjects, so that students apply their knowledge of computer applications in their assignments and for problem solving. Students use word processing skills to do their story-writing, essay writing, project reports on the computer; spreadsheets and graphing; geography and map usage.

Sixth Grade –Eighth Grade

Starting in Sixth grade the computer curriculum is totally integrated into the subject curriculums. Students visit the computer lab to use various computer applications that help them do essays, stories, project reports, slide shows and power point presentations. Students also use simple computer programs and educational software that help them enhance their curricular activities. Students are also subjected to a lecture and discussion on Cedar Hill Prep Schools’ computer policies and ethical issues relevant to the policy, copyright laws, and rules against plagiarism.

Engineering – (meets once a week)Introduction to engineering – Evidence of Engineering can be found in every field – from material engineers who design simple objects like a cap for a soda can, to utilizing the knowledge of a computer engineer to optimize work processes. The projects and activities done at Cedar Hill Prep actively engage students in understanding the concept of engineering and its relationship in our technological world. Students use their creativity, ingenuity and innovative skills in conducting their assignments and projects. The hands-on approach gives a student immense satisfaction because they have a chance to see the end result and reflect on what could have been done differently. Each project enriches the learning experience by exercising their critical thinking, observation skills, predicting abilities, hypothesizing, experimenting and investigating.