MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE

I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. - Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Kacie Ryan

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Arizona State University
B.S. in Biology; Chemistry minor - Southern Oregon University

Mrs. Ryan has over 14 years experience teaching in elementary and middle school classrooms as well as a university faculty member teaching teachers to become principals. She has her M.E.d in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

Mrs. Ryan and her husband have two children. They love spending time outside here in the summer or traveling to the snow and sun in the winter. They also love camping, playing at parks, and reading.

kryan@sncsgh.org

CURRICULUM

Math

Middle schoolers are placed in math classes based on their math competencies. The typical math progression is accelerated ending with 8th graders taking a high school level math course- Algebra 1 or Geometry.  

The classes leading up to Algebra 1 are Fundamentals of Algebra and Foundations of Algebra. Both courses develop skills necessary for success in Algebra 1 through a spiral curriculum in which concepts increase in difficulty. 

All math classes use direct instruction with modeling so mathematics is accessible to all learners. Students are given meaningful opportunities to discuss and teach others their mathematical thinking. Guided and independent practice exercises are used to provide students with structure and support. Additionally, mathematical applications are used through small projects each quarter to allow students to apply real world context to abstract mathematical concepts.

Science

Middle school science is on a three year curriculum cycle that ensures all students who attend St. Nicholas for all three middle school years will be exposed to all middle school science standards. These standards are taught through a combination of reading, labs, activities, and projects. Below are the major topics covered in each year of our curriculum rotation:

Chemistry & Physics

  • Kinetic and potential energy

  • Energy transfer

  • Roller coast models

  • Periodic Table of Elements

  • Chemical and physical changes

  • Chemical changes

  • Kitchen chemistry labs

  • Forces such as gravity, magnetism, and electricity

  • Newton's Laws of Motion

  • Pinewood Derby cars

Earth & Science

  • Hydrology

  • Parts of the atmosphere

  • Geologic processes and the rock cycle

  • Volcano project

  • Geologic history and fossils

  • The solar system

  • Distance is space

  • Changes in seasons

  • The universe 

Life Science

  • Parts and processes in plant and animals cells

  • Heredity and genes

  • Ecosystems and the environment

  • Consumers and producers

  • Food webs and food chains

  • Order and complexity of living things