Middle School Science Curriculum

The Science curriculum is organized to present a progressive science sequence. Courses are taught with the assumption that all HRA students will continue on to college and, therefore, are given the strongest possible foundation in science. Teaching methods, at all levels, stress critical thinking to promote student knowledge beyond the immediate application of basic concepts. Also, every science course incorporates laboratory work consistent with the course level and subject matter.

In the Middle School, students begin in sixth grade learning basic concepts in General Science with an exposure to the many areas of science that they will study during the remainder of their years at the Academy. In seventh grade, students enjoy an introduction to basic biology. Topics in Life Science include microscope use, classification of living things, ecology, and systems of the human body. Eighth grade Physical Science course features one semester as an introduction to chemistry, and the second semester as an introduction to physics.
Middle school science classes are designed to provide a general introduction to later upper school classes. For example, seventh grade Life Science introduces concepts students will later use in biology, marine biology, and A.P. Biology. Like-wise both 6th grade science and 8th grade physical science provide an introduction to chemistry and physics. The science department utilizes sequential teaching so upper school classes can build on previously learned concepts.

A brief description of the classes offered by HRA are available in our Course Catalog. You may also view these Course Descriptions online.