Overview
In Upper School, while STEM topics may be integrated into thematic learning, science progression is covered within upper school electives. Acera students take Elective courses in addition to their math classes, creativity stations, and core class work in literacy and thematic Studies. Acera Elective Courses fall under two categories: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and Social Science/ Humanities. STEAM courses will include regular science classes. Each student is required to take at least two science electives.
Throughout middle school (grades 6-8), students will take a total of 18 elective classes (2 electives per trimester over 9 trimesters). Each year, the general expectation is that 3-4 electives are STEAM electives and 2-3 Social Science/ Humanities elective classes. Collaboration with core teachers and families can result in shifts in this expectation depending on what is right for each student, as our primary goal is reaching individual students’ needs. Each year, at least two of the student’s STEM electives will be science electives.
Elective choices are made by students, but the placement process is a collaboration process to ensure that students are given their top choices, while also balancing what is beneficial for their academic experience. This will mean collaboration with core teachers, students, and parents.
Possible Courses & Progression
Students have a wide variety of choices within the sciences each trimester. For example, see the Science elective offerings from 2024-2025 Trimester 1 & 2 below:
2024- 2025 T1 Science Electives | 2024- 2025 T2 Science Electives |
Physics: Kinematics and Dynamics | Metaphysics |
Astronomy Part 1: The Solar System & Astrophysics | Astronomy Part 2: The Solar System & Astrophysics |
Scientific Inquiry (Foundational Science Course) | Investigating Our World Through Chemistry |
You Quantified (Data Science Course) | Phytology (Biology) |
By offering science through elective courses, we empower students to explore topics they’re passionate about while ensuring that each child, regardless of their unique abilities, is both challenged and supported. This approach allows us to meet students where they are, engage their curiosity, and nurture their potential in meaningful and individualized ways.
Curriculum Mapping Update
Acera specialists are working on the ongoing curriculum mapping project, in part to look deeply at the trajectory of science in our middle school program. Currently, science electives are being mapped and content across three major scientific categories are being analyzed: physical science, earth and space science, and life science. Within each, there are 5-8 categories. For example, within physical science one category is “light and matter” and another category is “thermal energy”. These categories are from grades 6-12 NGSS standards. Our mapping also includes scientific habits of mind, which are called “cross cutting concepts”.
The purpose of this curriculum mapping project is to ensure that our science program not only aligns with rigorous standards like NGSS but also reflects the unique needs and strengths of our students. By analyzing the trajectory of our science offerings, we can identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for deeper integration across disciplines. This process allows us to maintain a balance between providing foundational knowledge and fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Ultimately, our goal is to craft a program that equips students with both a robust understanding of core scientific principles and the skills to apply them in innovative, real-world contexts.