PLMS Science Paths

Jeff Jewell – 6th GradeLinda Mixell – 7th GradeJeff Burgard – 8th Grade

Life Science Earth Science Physical Science Biology

Track 1 – Middle School Science• 6th: Life Science

– Organisms - “Organisms From Macro to Micro”– Genetics – “ Our Genes Our Selves”– Evolution/Ecology – “Evolution/Ecology”

• 7th: Earth Science– Fundamentals of light: “Light: Part 1”– Earth Systems: “Catastrophic Events”– Solar System: “Earth In Space”

• 8th: Physical Science– Physics of light: “Light: Part 2”– Basic physics: “Energy, Machines and Motion”– Basic Chemistry: “Properties of Matter”

Grade Level Science Path I Science Path II

6 Life Science Earth Science

7 Earth Science Physical Science

8 Physical Science Biology

9 Biology Physics or Chemistry

10 Lab Methods Physics or Chemistry

11 Physics or Chemistry ?

12 Physics or Chemistry ?

Science Paths…

Grade Level Math Path II(2 years of HS Calculus) Science Path 2

6 Integrated Algebra A Earth Science

7 Integrated Algebra B Physical Science

8 Geometry Biology

9Required for High School

Graduation

Algebra 2

Pre-Calculus or IB Math 110

11 Calculus or IB Math 2

12Advanced Calculus, IB Math 3, AP

Statistics or possible travel for additional math courses

Chemistry/Physics

Chemistry/Physics

Chemistry/Physics

Chemistry/Physics Lab Methods

Grade Level Math Path I (1 year of HS Calculus) Science Path 2

6 Integrated Pre-Algebra Topics Earth Science

7 Integrated Algebra A Physical Science

8 Integrated Algebra B Biology

9Required for High School

Graduation

Algebra 1 Geometry

10 Geometry Algebra 2

11 Algebra 2 Pre-Calculus or IB Math 1

12Pre-Calculus or

Advanced Algebra Functions and Trigonometry

Calculus or IB Math 2 or Statistics

Chemistry/Physics

Chemistry/Physics

Physics/Chemistry Lab Methods

Things to Consider…1. Academic Requirements

8th grade biology book is 10 grade reading level Algebra II skills will be essential

2. Motivation and challenge No courses will be “dumbed down” Possible low level of success: C’s and D’s are possible

3. Maturity and comfort level Possibly not with grade level peers Cautious and careful behaviors essential

Recommendation…

• Look at the MSP Scores from 4th grade;– Students should be > 430 on reading– Students should be > 500 on math

• Can my student change back to Track 1 once they have begun Track 2?– Students can only change back if they are receiving an

“F”.

• If they are successful until biology and fail biology as an 8th grader, can they retake biology in high school?– Yes, they can retake biology in high school. Passing the

End of Course (EOC) Biology Test is required to pass high school

– However: The grade will go on the high school transcript and will count toward overall high school GPA

Any Questions?

Thank you!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions