Middle School science emphasizes hands-on application of the scientific method. Students practice the scientific method of developing hypotheses and devising experiments to test them and learn safe use of scientific laboratory tools, building a base of comfort and competence that will be put to further use as students take on more sophisticated concepts in higher-level courses.
The fifth and sixth grade programs explore physical science, including such topics as elementary physics, earth science, climate, astronomy, water and abiotic cycles. The seventh and eighth grades comprise a two-year life science program that encompasses biotic cycles, ecology, evolutionary biology, human biology and topics in basic chemistry, molecular biology and botany. All Middle School students use Hackley’s 285-acre campus for observing biotic and abiotic factors within the system and participate in ongoing data collection projects.