The science course for eighth graders at Indian Mountain is Lab Science. This course focuses on teaching lab skills through the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Throughout the first two terms, students focus on matter and its physical and chemical properties. Students engage in lab work and experimentation to reinforce the concepts presented in class. A major focus of the course is giving students an understanding that matter cannot be created or destroyed but rather cycles through different phases and forms based on the environment and the substances present, 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 a long term project where students learn from each other through collaborative investigation. 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 engaged in scientific work.