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The fifth grade science classroom is centered around the exploration of the world around us. It is our intent that lively discussions and hands-on experiences out of doors cultivate a love of science discovery.

Students begin the year with an introduction to the scientific method. They further develop their skills of observation in a year-long field study of Indian Mountain and the organisms that live on and around campus. Through their study of local ecosystem students make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and what they observe in the natural environment. Connections are also made with the social studies curriculum. Students learn about humans’ interactions with their physical world, while studying biomes and regions of planet Earth.

Reading assignments and vocabulary exploration are enhanced by hands-on activities in order to facilitate comprehension. Short- and long-term research projects, many inspired by the students’ own questions, develop their familiarity with tools such as Google slides, and build presentation and collaboration skills. Students leave fifth grade science empowered to solve real life problems in their changing world and to take action to preserve and defend the sustainability of their planet.

Seventh graders at Indian Mountain take Earth and Space Science. The program investigates the following: geology, including studies of rocks, minerals, and plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes; meteorology; astronomy, including the origins of the universe and the life of stars; and mapping, as well as the impact that humans have made on the Earth and solar system. A major focus of the course is to give the students a sense of scale, time, and perspective regarding the earth, its history and its place in the universe.

Lab work is done as often as possible, and much time is devoted to discussion of how and why things work the way they do. Considerable emphasis is placed on the processes that occur in the lithosphere, atmosphere and deep space. Other skills that are stressed include highlighting, writing, note-taking, and organization. Digital presentation, data analysis, and public speaking are all key skills focused on in class. As in every science course at IMS, creativity, curiosity, and independent thought are fostered throughout Earth and Space Science.

Earth and Space Science aims to give students a sense of understanding about the physical place in which they find themselves currently and in the future, here on Earth as well as within the universe. It also aims to give the students a sense of how to protect our planet for future generations.

Eighth graders at Indian Mountain take Lab Science, which centers around chemistry and engineering. Throughout the first two terms, students focus on matter and its physical and chemical properties. Through a great deal of experimentation and lab work, (hence the name: Lab Science) students gain an understanding that matter cannot be created or destroyed but rather cycles through different phases and forms based on what else is in its environment, including energy. Utilizing the data generated by their lab work, students practice analyzing results, graphing, and drawing conclusions. Additionally, writing scientifically, which is detailed yet concise, is emphasized.

The third term is reserved for an introduction to engineering, where they investigate the nature of function and design. In teams of two or three, students build an underwater ROV from scratch. Because the nature of this project demands it, by the end of the year, students are just as comfortable measuring a liquid in a graduated cylinder as utilizing a power drill or soldering a pin on a circuit board. The culminating affair is an Olympics-style contest where underwater ROVs participate in individual and team events.

Lab Science aims to give students a window through which to see the possibilities of further application of these fields of science as well as a mirror with which to see themselves doing that science.

In 6th grade science the main area of study is human biology and health. Under an umbrella theme of “unity,“ the biology class investigates the major organ systems of the body, their functioning and interaction.

Textbook, laboratory experiments, note taking, discussion and writing activities are integrated during this study. The biology text itself incorporates social studies and literature materials in each chapter. Formal laboratory reports of class experiments are introduced in this class. Note taking skills are also reinforced as students develop study guides and chapter outlines needed for tests and for reference throughout the year.

Students investigate the structural organization of the human body through its systems: skeletal, digestive, circulator, respiratory, excretory, nervous and reproductive. The counseling center works with the class during the reproduction unit to help discuss and explain this sensitive subject. The counseling department and the organization FCD (Freedom from Chemical Dependency) also works closely with the class to inform them of the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Creative research projects assigned to coincide with each unit, give students a chance to work in cooperative groups, usually feature Internet research and other computer-generated sources.