Safety and Equipment in the Science Lab
All students have the opportunity to work with a variety of equipment during their three years in middle school, including but not limited to data collecting devices, motion detectors, and temperature probes, compound and digital microscopes, spring scales, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, dissecting equipment and models.
Teachers receive annual science safety training in operating and maintaining a safe learning environment for their students. Students are expected to sign a district science safety contract each year and review safety expectations before participating in any lab experience.
Science Fusion Textbook
Middle school science students use the Science Fusion textbook published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH). This textbook is a consumable resource, meaning it is replaced every year. Therefore, students are encouraged to write in it as well as tear out the pages to use the diagrams in their science notebooks. Images of the textbooks for each grade level are shown.
Grade 8 Science STAAR
Middle school students participate in a cumulative Science STAAR test at the end of their 8th grade year. Students prepare all three years for this test focusing on the mastery of TEKS considered to be foundational as well as TEKS directly assessed on STAAR. The Quick Reference Guide identifies those standards directly assessed on the 8th grade STAAR test. The STAAR Grade 8 Science Reference Materials is provided by the Texas Education Agency, TEA, and can be used on the 8th grade STAAR test.
Parents and students can access the Texas Assessment Family Portal at texasassessment.gov to view and print released STAAR tests as well as login to access the online practice tests.
Science 6 Consumable
Science 7 Consumable
Science 8 Consumable
