Middle School Curriculum

Eighth-grade science focuses on the flow of energy through Earth’s system using the steps of the scientific method. Students explore the chemistry of matter and water and how Earth captures and delivers the sun’s energy throughout our biosphere. Topics covered in these concepts include tides, ocean currents, atmospheric conditions, climate change, and human impact on these systems. Students will demonstrate their understanding of concepts through a variety of labs in the form of written and oral presentations, both individually and in groups. 

The eighth-grade capstone experience is an independent science project in which students are able to synthesize all of the skills gathered from the middle school science program. Working individually and with community members, each student designs, conducts, analyzes, and reports on their own investigation over the course of several months. Through this work, eighth-graders will not only demonstrate their growth but their preparedness for the demands of DA Upper School’s science curriculum.