Middle School Science Program

The Science Department at St. Francis of Assisi continues to be recognized for excellence in education at the local, state and national levels. The middle school science experience, with its emphasis on exposure to the foundations of core and modern science principles, allows all students to be prepared for the most rigorous of any high school science curriculum.

The Middle School Science curriculum is driven both by Archdiocesan academic standards as well as by an insightfully focused awareness of newer requirements made relevant by rapidly occurring advances and changes in the world of modern science. Topic selection and presentation has been guided by input from the National Science Teachers Association and by the personal advice of the 1988 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Dr. Leon Lederman. By the end of their three years, students will have covered mandatory and/or potently relevant topics in Earth Science, Physics, Life Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Cosmology. In addition to standards mandated by the Archdiocese of Louisville, students at St. Francis may study:

• A introduction to Life Sciences, Chemistry and Physics in the 6th grade.
• An exploration of matter and energy via the investigation Classical and Standard Model Particle Physics and Cosmology in the 7th grade.
• An in-depth look at Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology with an emphasis on the structure and function of DNA in the 8th grade.
• Students will also touch upon basic lab and safety procedures, how to use microscopes and other instruments, how to measure with science units, as well as gaining an understanding of the 'scientific process' in general. An abundance of opportunities for independent research exist during science fair.

Special emphasis is placed upon preparing students adequately for both High School in general and High School science specifically in the choice of curriculum material, level of difficulty and skill development. Instruction is done via lecture, use of multi-media materials, independent research or projects, cooperative group activities, and readings from study guides, text books and current events.

Unique to the science experience at St. Francis of Assisi is participation in the process of independent research for the production of science fair projects in all nine grades, K-8. Science Fair is utilized as an important and rich venue for personal exploration, independent study and skill acquisition. Direct opportunities or academic support for students who may wish to pursue advanced research projects can be made available.