Science

Science at Headwaters Academy is an exploratory, hands-on affair. Students learn not only the fundamental knowledge behind the subjects they study, but they learn to be critical observers of the world around them and conscientious consumers of information. The emphasis is on engaging, exploring, and examining.
Grade 6 - Introduction to Science
This course will serve first and foremost as the students’ introduction to science and the methods used by scientists to understand the universe. The focus will be on demonstrating the ways scientists develop questions and then constantly refine their answers. The year is broken into two broad areas. The first half is devoted to learning what constitutes matter and discovering what and how matter behaves. In the second portion of the class, we examine energy––its different forms and importance in our lives. The goal by the end of the year is to put the two together and look at the world and life as constant interactions of matter and energy. Through the use of class demonstrations, inquiry activities and discussions, students are challenged to ask a lot of questions, grasp new concepts, and apply what they learn in novel ways.
Grade 7 - Life Science
This course is an overview to the broad study of Biology. The major objectives of this course are to familiarize the student with all aspects of life processes, with particular emphasis on Ecology and Evolution. The course also strives to encourage enthusiasm for scientific thinking and solidify student knowledge of basic biological principals and processes as a foundation for continuing education, and build a strong conceptual base for understanding the living world around us.
Grade 8 - Earth Science
Earth Science is an interactive course that focuses primarily on Earth processes. In this course, students learn to be curious observers of the structure of the world around them and to apply physical and mathematical modeling to explain and understand their observations. During the year, students will participate in field trips throughout the Gallatin Valley and become familiar with research relating to Earth studies being conducted locally. By the conclusion of the year, students will be confident in science methods and will possess a detailed understanding of our Earth: its evolution, different components, history, as well as how and why we study the Earth.
Grade 6 - Introduction to Science
This course will serve first and foremost as the students’ introduction to science and the methods used by scientists to understand the universe. The focus will be on demonstrating the ways scientists develop questions and then constantly refine their answers. The year is broken into two broad areas. The first half is devoted to learning what constitutes matter and discovering what and how matter behaves. In the second portion of the class, we examine energy––its different forms and importance in our lives. The goal by the end of the year is to put the two together and look at the world and life as constant interactions of matter and energy. Through the use of class demonstrations, inquiry activities and discussions, students are challenged to ask a lot of questions, grasp new concepts, and apply what they learn in novel ways.
Grade 7 - Life Science
This course is an overview to the broad study of Biology. The major objectives of this course are to familiarize the student with all aspects of life processes, with particular emphasis on Ecology and Evolution. The course also strives to encourage enthusiasm for scientific thinking and solidify student knowledge of basic biological principals and processes as a foundation for continuing education, and build a strong conceptual base for understanding the living world around us.
Grade 8 - Earth Science
Earth Science is an interactive course that focuses primarily on Earth processes. In this course, students learn to be curious observers of the structure of the world around them and to apply physical and mathematical modeling to explain and understand their observations. During the year, students will participate in field trips throughout the Gallatin Valley and become familiar with research relating to Earth studies being conducted locally. By the conclusion of the year, students will be confident in science methods and will possess a detailed understanding of our Earth: its evolution, different components, history, as well as how and why we study the Earth.