Posts about 8th Grade
February 19, 2015
Beyond the Microscope: Bringing the Sciences to Life Through Labs & Experiments (Part 2 of 3)
In this new three-part series, we take a look inside Science Lab classes at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley to see how teachers are creatively demonstrating lessons about blood spatter, DNA isolation, Newton’s Laws and…elephant toothpaste!
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s curriculum for grades 8-12 (Upper Grades) is widely acknowledged as one of the most academically advanced programs in the world. Taught by our coveted Subject Expert Teachers, our Upper Grade curriculum challenges students to the highest international standards. Students are held accountable for mastering the material – including our rigorous science program which begins in grade 5 and extends through Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
So, how do we do it?
As discussed in part one of our Beyond the Microscope series, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley students begin their science journey in grade 5 with Introduction to Science by building a strong foundation of applied learning, critical thinking and philosophy. By grade 8, students are cultivating and refining their analytic science skills, preparing them for the challenging Honors and AP road ahead. Labs are a critical element of mastering science, especially in the Upper Grades, as it brings the curriculum to life and is integral to the success of students’ comprehension and subject mastery.
In this installment of Beyond the Microscope we check in with Dr. Anuradha Murthy, an Upper Grade biology Subject Expert Teacher and scientist who takes great pleasure in guiding students through their science journey.
Dr. Murthy’s labs are evolutionarily structured to slowly build upon her students’ experimental and analytic skills as they progress through Upper School. She concentrates on two types of labs: Modeling and Experimental to bring these topics to life:
Modeling
Modeling
- Model Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Students use popcorn seeds, mustard seeds, and M &Ms to create 2D models of a Sodium ion and a Chloride ion - demonstrating an ionic bond between them, and polar covalent bonds between two Hydrogen atoms and an Oxygen atom to make a water molecule. This lab helped reinforce concepts on how bonds form to make compounds.
February 10, 2015
Beyond the Microscope: Bringing the Sciences to Life Through Labs & Experiments (Part 1 of 3)
In this new three-part series, we take a look inside Science Lab classes at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley to see how teachers are creatively demonstrating lessons about blood spatter, DNA isolation, Newton’s Laws and…elephant toothpaste!
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley's STEM-focused Liberal Arts curriculum is designed to give students a deep foundation in all academic disciplines and incorporate critical thinking, problem solving and creativity...even in the younger grades.
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Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! Silicon Valley is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.