Middle Division Program

Overview

The middle division (grades six, seven and eight) science program provides an intensive, highly-structured and progressive science experience to the middle division student. The program places a high regard on the acquisition of factual knowledge but recognizes that factual knowledge by itself is useless. Reading, laboratory skill acquisition and processing are emphasized in the sixth grade though the earth science curriculum. Laboratory skills are enhanced and critical thinking emphasized as students progress through seventh grade life science. Analytical skills and the ability to use knowledge are further enhanced as students progress through eighth grade physical science. The development of application and thought processing, using the acquired scientific knowledge are the dominant features of the program as the students analyze and solve science problems. Recognition is given to both political and economic consideration of science and emphasis is placed on the scientific solutions to real world problems.

 

Courses

All middle division students are required to take full-year science courses that generally meet four times a week for 60 minutes. Sixth-graders take earth science, seventh-graders take life science, and eighth-graders take physical science. Physical science is a Berkeley credit course for Florida Academic Scholars accreditation, but not for graduation.