Cohoes Middle School offers science expansion programs in 7th and 8th grade, designed to give our middle school students increased opportunities to explore advanced science concepts and have the opportunity to earn Regents credit at the end of 8th grade.
Objectives:
- Encourage independent study and self-motivation on the part of the student.
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- Provide additional opportunities for students to investigate scientific ideas, organize, and present their ideas in both written and oral form, as encouraged within the NYS Science Standards.
- Offer students an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency on the Living Environment Regents in 8th grade. This allows students expanded opportunities at the high school level.
Programs and Requirements:
Accelerated Science 7 – This program is offered to 7th grade students who demonstrate strong science proficiency. This proficiency is measured by a student’s:
- Grade 6 teacher recommendation looking at: attendance, ability to work independently, class participation, organization and work ethic
- Marking period averages
- Mid-year Science Assessment
- iReady measures in math and reading
Accelerated science students attend one dedicated accelerated science class daily. Students must maintain an 85 percent quarterly average. The class will move through both 7th and 8th grade content at a rapid pace which students will need to be able to handle and keep up with. There will be a heavy homework load and students will need to exercise their ability to work independently.
Living Environment – This program is offered to 8th grade students who have consistently demonstrated a strong science proficiency in grades 6 and 7. This proficiency is measured by:
- Grade 7 teacher recommendation looking at: attendance, ability to work independently, class participation, organization and work ethic
- Marking period averages
- Mid-year Science Assessment
- iReady measures in math and reading.
Living Environment students attend one class daily plus a lab class. Students will be challenged academically in the topics of cell and life processes, biochemistry, human body systems, reproduction, genetics, evolution, ecology and human impact on the environment. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of written and hands-on laboratory work to be considered Regents eligible. Students must maintain an 85 percent quarterly average and will engage in learning scientific inquiry skills as well as scientific literacy skills. There will be a heavy homework load and students will need to exercise their ability to work independently. Living Environment students who complete the program will earn an opportunity to take the 9th Grade Living Environment Regents Exam in June. Successful students will enter high school with a Regents science credit and have expanded opportunities at the high school.
Students who do not maintain the expectations of our program requirements may be dropped from Accelerated Science or Living Environment programs at any time during the school year. Final decisions are made at the discretion of the CMS Principal.