Francis Scott Key Science Page  

Welcome to the Francis Scott Key Science Page!  

Thank you for visiting the Francis Scott Key Middle School Science Department website.  We hope you enjoy this site and find that it is a valuable resource.  You will find information on the Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum and how it is implemented at Francis Scott Key Middle School. There are links to all the textbooks used in all science classes so that you can access them easily at home. Please take the time to explore the many weblinks that correspond with all units in sixth through eighth grade.  These can be used to build background knowledge or to explore possible Science Expo topics.  You will also find information on how we are integrating the Science and Technology Middle Years Program curriculum into the current Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum. Make sure you visit us daily to find out the weather at Francis Scott Key though our very own weather station. 

The middle school science program allows students to investigate both the concepts and process skills of science. At each grade level, topics in earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics are interconnected to show students the relationships that exist between the sciences and the natural world. Inquiry and laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program. Problem solving and online investigations are used continually to allow students to investigate authentic problems and reinforce science concepts. The middle school science program was developed through a National Science Foundation grant and reflects the Maryland and National Science Content Standards. High expectations and differentiated instruction allow all students a challenging and engaging access to science.

The Investigations in Science 6, Investigations in Science 7, and Earth Space Systems courses are problem/project based.   Instruction is interwoven around a relevant problem/project to provide a focus for student learning and to allow students to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in order to propose solutions to identified problems.   Topics in earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics are interconnected to show students the relationships amongst the sciences.  Inquiry and laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program.  Problem solving and online investigations are used continually to allow students to investigate authentic problems and reinforce science concepts.