This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Flour Bluff Independent School District - Home of the World's Greatest Kids

Junior High Math/Science Academy

Overview:

The Junior High Math/Science Academy Program aims to offer students an experience that will mold leaders and champions for the 21st Century. The Junior High Math Science Academy enables students to be scientifically and mathematically challenged and to prepare and encourage a greater number of students for careers in science and math.

 

Objectives:

STUDENTS WILL LEARN TO VALUE AND APPRECIATE SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS- Students will learn to value science and mathematics by understanding and knowing the varieties of experiences that are related to the development of science and mathematics fields and their importance and value to the different disciplines.

STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP CONFIDENCE IN THEIR ABILITY TO APPLY AND COMMUNICATE SCIENTIFIC AND MATHEMATICAL INFORMATION – Students will develop confidence in their ability to apply scientific and mathematical information by developing skills in assessing and analyzing scientific and mathematical statements in practicing problem solving techniques, and by utilizing critical thinking skills. In addition, students will improve their communication skills by discussing, writing, translating, interpreting, creating, and evaluating mathematical and scientific information.

STUDENTS WILL UNDERSTAND RELATIONSHIPS OF SCIENCE AND MATH TO ISSUES AND PROBLEMS OF EVERYDAY LIFE – Students will understand the relationship of science and math with respect to issues and problems of everyday life. By relating the technological and societal issues of science and math to real world concepts and needs in industry and research, students will gain in appreciation of why they need to learn scientific and mathematical concepts.

 

Curriculum:

English, math, science and social studies are courses required of all students each semester. Since 1987, Flour Bluff Junior High students have competed and excelled in local, state and national math and science competitions. For the students with an interest in math and/or science, an advanced math and/or science class is offered to 7th and 8th grade students.

The Mathematics Academy includes:

  • High School Algebra (for 8th grade, HS credit)
  • Advanced Algebra (for 7th and 8th grade, HS credit)
  • Advanced Geometry ( for 8th grade students who have completed Algebra in 7th grade and have received HS credit)
  • Problem Solving-Number theory, probability, combinatories, permutations, mental math (number sense), use of scientific and graphics calculators, SAT skills. Students will work all kinds of word problems using MATHCOUNTS materials.
The Science Academy includes:
  • Teaching through inquiry leads naturally to learning through inquiry and this is what human brains are biologically designed to do. The teacher facilitates this learning by:
  • Engaging the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of the student;
  • Providing students opportunities to explore their own understanding through questions and self-directed investigations;
  • Focusing students on specific aspects of their experiences that allow for demonstration and/or explanation of their conceptual understanding;
  • Challenging, extending and broadening students skill/base and conceptual understanding through exposure to new experiences;
  • Encouraging and leading students through self –assessment and evaluation of their own progress toward mastery.
A challenging, rigorous science curriculum will be inquiry-based and consistent with the national, state, and local standards. It is supported by appropriate technology. Laboratory and field studies will be and integral part of the learning experience and will constitute 40% of the instructional time.