Curriculum
Pioneer Academy’s fifth grade science curriculum lays the foundation for rigorous scientific inquiry throughout the middle school years. Using a phenomena-based approach, this course presents students with an array of essential topics in the physical, biological, and environmental sciences. The year comprises three central units: Earth & Sun, Mixtures & Solutions, and Living Systems.
Students learn about the Earth and its systems, its place in the solar system, and its dynamic interactions with the living organisms that inhabit it. Through both live and virtual investigations, students examine the particle nature of matter and master the fundamental concepts of energy transfer and conservation. Emphasis is placed on fostering student inquiry, strengthening scientific literacy, and developing emerging laboratory skills.
Rooted in the 5E instructional model, our sixth grade science class aims to deepen and extend students’ understanding of major concepts in physical and biological sciences while developing essential laboratory skills. Topics explored in this course include planetary science, weather phenomena, populations and ecosystems, heredity, and the diversity of life. Human body systems, cell theory, and microbiology are studied in detail. Students enjoy opportunities to apply their knowledge through research and project-based learning, culminating in an annual field trip to the DNA Learning Center.
In seventh grade, students begin to learn and work like professional scientists. Strong emphasis is placed on identifying cross-cutting concepts and integrating technology. The year begins with an in-depth study of matter, bonding, and solubility, as outlined in the American Chemical Society's Middle School Chemistry curriculum. Next, students investigate Earth’s history and the emergence of life using fossil evidence and computational modeling tools. Natural selection, genetic mutation, and evolution are studied in detail. Students are challenged to apply their knowledge to address real-world issues, such as antibiotic resistance and genetic engineering. The year concludes with a study of waves, acoustics, optics, and the whole electromagnetic spectrum.
The eighth grade science course at Pioneer Academy offers students a comprehensive and balanced high school preparatory curriculum. This course is divided across the three major scientific disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Physics units challenge students to explore the dynamic world around them through the study of invisible phenomena such as gravity, electricity, and magnetism. Chemistry units reinforce critical mathematical skills as students master SI units, metric prefixes, and stoichiometry.
Students are also introduced to thermodynamics (enthalpy and entropy) to advance their understanding of the relationships among all forms of energy. Biology lessons build on students’ prior knowledge, applying new concepts to their examination of living organisms. Units of study place equal emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Through hands-on experiments and virtual interactives, students develop proficiency in standard laboratory techniques, including the use of microscopes, growing cultures, preparing solutions, and taking accurate measurements. The year culminates in the completion of a student-designed capstone research project.