Science Department Overview
Mrs. Krefetz, Grade 8 Science
Peacock Middle School

1. SCIENCE/HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The members of the department are:
- Candice Tinson - 6th grade,
- Chris Larsen- 7th grade
- Nancy Krefetz- 8th grade.

2. SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is based. on a content/laboratory process. Content refers to the concepts to be learned (what to learn), and the process refers to the methods or modes used to accomplish this learning (how to learn). We, the teachers, must plan and decide how to meet these objectives. We are proud of our students' "above national average" achievement test scores. We attribute this to a sound educational philosophy.

3. LEARNING
Children learn on a continuum from concrete experience to abstract
thinking. First they feet and sense their surroundings, then follows
thinking and generalizing. There is a wide range of learning ability and
style in the I 1- 13 year old child - they are stretched out along the
continuum. We must provide for these variations (auditory, visual and
tactile modes). Our laboratory facilities are excellent. No longer do
students sit and read about science concepts. They do SCIENCE! They
must use all their senses: sight, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting, when appropriate.

4. SCIENCE PROGRAM
Our program includes daily instruction in science and/or health for our
students. Since laboratory activities begin with reading for information
and directions, we are a reading based discipline. The chosen program
allows us to incorporate reading and writing skill development along with
activity and laboratory work. The 6th grade program is General Science
with an emphasis on Life Sciences, the 7 th grade program is Earth
Science, and the 8th grade program is Physical Science. Enrichment
activities (extenders) are provided for the students reading on or above grade level.

5. HEALTH CURRICULUM
We provide health instruction for each student. We understand the
concern for adequate drug education, and this is certainly included in our curriculum. The curriculum is a fact-based, no scare, alternative
providing study. We use visual aids (electronic media, transparencies, and videos), discussion periods, recommended television programs that are nationally approved for viewing, value clarification methods, forthright answers to questions and sharing of the latest findings in this area. We discuss the consequences of the illegal use of controlled substances. The President's Domestic Council proposed AIDS education for schools and the proposal was approved by the President in 1987. At present there is no cure for AIDS, but through education we can prevent further spread of the virus that causes AIDS. It is urgent that our young people learn the facts. AIDS education and drug education is taught at all three grade levels.