Laura Longo, Director of Science, K-12
Ann Marie Ferreri, Science Lead Teacher
All of the Commack Middle School science curriculums are designed to cultivate inquiring minds about science and the natural world, encourage transferable thinking skills, and promote positive social relationships among all learners within the school community. To this end, the students are engaged in hands-on lessons that develop:
The 6th grade curriculum is a study of the living environment, based upon the NYS Intermediate-level Core Curriculum. The major units of study include:
Some of the activities that that are planned for this year include:
The 7th grade curriculum is a study of the chemical and physical principles that underlie all scientific processes. It is based upon the NYS Intermediate-level Core Curriculum. The major units of study include:
Some 8th grade students are enrolled in the NYS Physical Setting-Earth Science course and take the Earth Science Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. These one-credit high school science courses are built around a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:
All other 8th grade students are enrolled in the commencement-level NYS Living Environment course, and take the Living Environment Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. This one-credit high school science course is also a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:
The study of science at Commack Middle School entails the acquisition of knowledge, the development of laboratory skills, the processing and analysis of information, and the ability to work collaboratively with other students. Thus, student learning is assessed through a variety of formats. These include classroom activities, lab performance, laboratory reports, homework assignments, and tests. The weighting of these assessments will be:
All curricula is based on the New York State Standards in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, which include:
Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard 2: Information Systems
Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.
Standard 4: Science
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.
Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.
Physical Setting – Earth Science course – culminates in Earth Science Regents Exam
Living Environment Regents course – culminates in Living Environment Regents Exam
Science Research
Science Clubs