Science
The primary objective of the Ardsley Middle School Science Department is to provide students with a basic knowledge of fundamental concepts in life, earth and physical science, while building upon the love of learning.
Emphasis is placed on learning through inquiry and using the scientific process. The department strives to develop science literacy so that students will become proficient readers of science text. Whenever feasible, material will be interdisciplinary in design, providing students with the opportunity to learn science in a meaningful way which parallels its application in real world situations.
Grade 5: Integrated Science (Life, Physical and Earth Science)
Grade6: Life Science
Grade 7: Physical Science
Grade 8: Science 8, Advanced Science 8, Earth Science*
*Acceleration in science first happens in 8th Grade. Please view the presentation below.
8th Grade Science Placement Presentation
Click on the image to view presentation.
Science Olympiad Club
Science Olympiad can be compared to an academic track meet. Each school team, consisting of up to 15 students, prepares throughout the year for a series of 23 events covering subjects like genetics, chemistry, physics, and engineering. These events rotate annually to stay current with scientific advancements. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved.
Science Placement and Sequencing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-
- What does a grade-level sequence look like for science?
- Grade 8: Advanced Science 8
- Grade 9: Earth and Space Science
- Grade 10: Biology
- Grade 12: Physics
- What does an accelerated sequence look like for science?
- Grade 8: Earth and Space Science
- Grade 9: Biology
- Grade 10: Chemistry
- Grade 11: Physics
- Grade 12: AP Science course
- Is it better to be successful in grade-level science (Advanced Science 8) or struggle in a high school course (Earth and Space Science) in middle school?
Our goal is for every student to be successful in a level that is appropriate for them. Being successful in the appropriate course ensures that they have time to mature and to build the requisite skills. Our goal is that all students have success in all of their science classes throughout high school.
- What is the recommendation for Earth and Space Science based on? What strengths should my child have?
The recommendation for Earth and Space Science is based on a combination of:
- Grades in all academic areas: students who are recommended for Earth and Space Science typically earn As in all content areas).
- Skills: reading, interpreting data, application of content, strong executive function skills, the ability to work independently and problem solve, and good time management.
- Why do you look at grades for all the academic subjects (instead of just looking at science)?
Students who are successful in Earth and Space Science are typically well-rounded. The Earth and Space Science Regents require a lot of cross curricular skills and the ability to make connections.
6. What if my child is not recommended for Earth and Space Science?
If you disagree with recommended placement, we encourage families to first speak with the child’s teacher to better understand the placement recommendation. If questions remain, there is a formal process that includes a conversation with the principal and the option to sign a waiver for placement into Earth and Space Science. The deadline to change placement for the 26-27 school year is June 24, 2026.
7. What are future opportunities in science?
Regardless of whether a student takes Earth and Space Science in 8th grade, there are many opportunities to take high-level science courses, including several Advanced Placement courses, at the high school. Other options include science elective courses, a 3-year Science Research sequence and a 3-year engineering sequence. Please see the Ardsley High School’s Program Planning Guide.
- What is the “success” rate for students who are “waived in” to the ESS class?
Success is variable. Data suggests that students who are waived into Earth and Space Science struggle more than their peers.
- What is the workload like in Earth and Space Science vs. Advanced Science 8?
Both courses are rigorous and aligned to student needs. Since Earth and Space Science is an accelerated, high school level course, the workload tends to be greater (number of labs required and classwork/homework). Advanced Science 8 contains earth and space science content; it provides a great foundation for the Earth and Space Science course.
10. Is Earth and Space Science a high school course that will show up on my child’s high school transcript?
Yes. Earth and Space Science is a high school course, and the final grade is included on a student’s high school transcript and factored into their GPA. There is also a high school level Regents exam at the end of this course and that score is also included on a student’s high school transcript.
11. My older child took Earth Science a few years ago. How is Earth and Space Science different from the former Earth Science class?
From a skills point of view, the new curriculum is more phenomena-based and analytical. There is considerably more reading and applying concepts. The former curriculum focused more on vocabulary and rote memorization. From a content point of view, the new curriculum incorporates deeper space concepts. Here are some examples of questions from the Regents exam.
12. What if my child starts the year in Earth and Space science, but struggles? Can they switch to Advanced Science 8?
Yes, students can switch courses. It’s possible, however, that there may be a significant change to some, or all, of their teachers. We do our best to minimize changes to teachers, but it is not always possible.
Test HR-STYLE-3
Science Department Members
Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.
~ Stephen Hawking