5TH - 8TH GRADES SCIENCE

I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. - Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Lucy Clemen

I have enjoyed teaching and doing science experiments throughout my life, teaching part time at Olympic College and at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Bremerton. I happily converted to Catholicism when I was at the University of Pittsburgh earning my doctorate in Physics, and continue to enjoy reading and learning more about the faith 30 years later. My husband Mark and I have four grown children - two in the military, one in religious life and one working as an engineer. Ten years ago, we moved to South Kitsap and am looking forward to being a part of the St. Nicholas School staff and community.

lclemen@sncsgh.org

CURRICULUM

Math

Middle schoolers are placed in math classes based on their math competencies. The typical math progression is accelerated ending with 8th graders taking a high school level math course- Algebra 1 or Geometry.  

The classes leading up to Algebra 1 are Fundamentals of Algebra and Foundations of Algebra. Both courses develop skills necessary for success in Algebra 1 through a spiral curriculum in which concepts increase in difficulty. 

All math classes use direct instruction with modeling so mathematics is accessible to all learners. Students are given meaningful opportunities to discuss and teach others their mathematical thinking. Guided and independent practice exercises are used to provide students with structure and support. Additionally, mathematical applications are used through small projects each quarter to allow students to apply real world context to abstract mathematical concepts.

Science

Middle school science is on a three year curriculum cycle that ensures all students who attend St. Nicholas for all three middle school years will be exposed to all middle school science standards. These standards are taught through a combination of reading, labs, activities, and projects. Below are the major topics covered in each year of our curriculum rotation:

Chemistry & Physics

  • Kinetic and potential energy

  • Energy transfer

  • Roller coast models

  • Periodic Table of Elements

  • Chemical and physical changes

  • Chemical changes

  • Kitchen chemistry labs

  • Forces such as gravity, magnetism, and electricity

  • Newton's Laws of Motion

  • Pinewood Derby cars

Earth & Science

  • Hydrology

  • Parts of the atmosphere

  • Geologic processes and the rock cycle

  • Volcano project

  • Geologic history and fossils

  • The solar system

  • Distance is space

  • Changes in seasons

  • The universe 

Life Science

  • Parts and processes in plant and animals cells

  • Heredity and genes

  • Ecosystems and the environment

  • Consumers and producers

  • Food webs and food chains

  • Order and complexity of living things