Kelly McDermott

Essential standards are just a modified standard course of study that will be periodically revised to keep pace with the needs of our students, community, state and country.

How is it different from before? The content has been rearranged to allow the flow of information to be more natural. This allows for vertical alignment throughout the grades based on student development. This allows teachers to work collaboratively to create assignments that are more rigorous. At the end of 6 th and 7 th grade, students will be taking state tests.

How is the approach different? We are expecting students to use their experiences to solve problems that force them to use higher levels of thinking. Students need to be able to apply logical reasoning, analyze the validity of information, make connections across the curriculums, and to solve practical and abstract situations.

What we are doing to support our students? On grade Level As a school Science team meets weekly to plan lessons, share resources and create common assessments. All teachers support each other by including tasks that incorporate multiple disciplines. Assignments based on non- fiction reading and writing. Science team participates in school and district professional development. Creating a virtual science dictionary to help students keep track of information throughout middle school. Working cooperatively to assure the success of our students.

Unifying Concept% of test ?s Matter: Properties & Change (Chemistry & the Periodic Table) 14-16% Energy Conservation & Transfer (Energy Sources & Resource Management) 10-12% Earth Systems, Structures & Processes (Hydrology) 13-15% Earth History (Geology, Fossil Record, & Changes in Earth/Life over time) 11-13% Structure & Function of Living Organisms (Identifying/Classifying Contagious Diseases; Prevention/Treatment of Diseases; Biotechnology: Societal Benefits & Ethical Concerns) 19-23% Ecosystems (Needs of Organisms, Organisms' Relationships & Energy Flow) 9-11% Evolution & Genetics (The Theory of Evolution using Genetic Evidence) 11-13% Molecular Biology (Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis & Carbon Cycle; Food, Diet & Exercise) 8-10% Total 100% If you are interested in reviewing the NC Essential Standards adopted by the state on what is expected for your student to know, click on the following link: [Link] standards/science/6-8.pdf