Dissection Photos

Central Middle School of Science offers a unique program of studies; science is incorporated into core classes and into elective classes.  Skills and topics related to science are infused into the curriculum of core classes.  An example of core team infusion:  when students study fisheries in their science classes, they read literature related to fisheries; such as, Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.  Students study the economics of Alaskan Fisheries in social studies classes; they use examples of profit/loss ratios and import/export ratios in math classes; they create art projects that include seascapes or fish prints, and they learn vocabulary in language arts classes.  All classes are dedicated to infusing science.

Central saturates the science program with electives.  One science teacher is dedicated to our science elective program to insure a variety of science-based electives for our students.   Central has been recognized nationally for its program and has won Statewide Science Fairs five times.  The success of Central’s Program is due to the dedication of its administration, staff, partnerships with the University of Alaska, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Federal National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), as well as a variety of science based companies in the city of Anchorage.  Our success is also due to the enthusiasm demonstrated by our students, parents and community. 


Central offers the following science electives for 7th and 8th graders:

Science Projects
  • In this elective students will generate projects of their own interest, then organize and carry out experiments to answer their questions. They will also read and discuss scientific and mathematical writings, which have had major impacts on the growth of scientific thought.
Wildlife Biology
  • This elective is an introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of Alaska. Topics will include ecology and ecosystems; food chains, webs and pyramids; survival adaptations of both plants and animals; mammals/ marine mammals, fish, birds; and current issues of humans and wildlife.
Everyday Science
  • This elective is a hands-on class for exploring physics and chemistry. Students experience how and why things work.
Geology
  • This elective is designed to give students lab and field experience in the geology of Alaska, with special focus on the mineral wealth, which supports the present and past Alaskan economy. Field trips may be taken. They will also study the geology base of the oil industry and spend time with working geologists.
Marine Biology
  • This elective involves the study of the ocean and life therein. Primary focus is centered on survival strategies. Students investigate different regions and zones of the ocean.
Aviation Science
  • This class is an introduction to the Ground School for a Private Pilots license. It covers the physics of aerodynamics, processes of flight, and procedures for obtaining a pilots license and/or career in aviation. This class explores the history of aviation and famous aviators. It involves many hands-on activities and aviation related field trips.
Rockets and Aerodynamics
  • This elective will teach students about aerodynamics, airplanes and rockets. Students will build a glider, a rocket from scratch and an Estes Model Rocket. At the same time students will be learning about stability, circuits and current, the space program, laws of motion, orbits, trajectories and altitude tracking.
Aerospace
  • This elective is based on the “central project” method of learning. The central project is to design, build, and operate a simulated space vehicle, station or habitat. The culmination of design, build, and operate a simulated space vehicle, station or habitat. The culmination of the project will be a one to two day “Mission to Space” in which a “flight crew” supported by the “ground crew” will enter and operate the simulator.
Environmental Issues
  • In this class, students will have an overview of a variety of local and global environmental issues. Students will, as a class, choose one or two environmental issues to study in-depth and take action on. Projects are implemented with teacher assistance and administrative approval.
Edible Science
  • This elective reinforces science principles through food. Activities include food observation labs, food surveys, and analysis and graphing of food preferences. Students will be able to identify chemicals found in foods. They will also classify foods by kingdom and research food topics.
Science Olympiad
  • This course will prepare students for a statewide competition in science. It stresses teamwork and hands- on activities. The events include egg drop, crime busters, write-it/do-it metric mastery, and nature quest, etc. Seventeen hands-on events in all are done. Students must be able to work independently and have an interest in science.

Other electives:  art, French, Spanish, Applied Technology infuse science concepts into their curricula.
Art
  • Integrating the Arts and Sciences in Mrs. Heckart’s Art Class

    In Mrs. Heckart’s art classes, we study a great deal about the Renaissance, a period of time where the arts and sciences complemented one another.  We look at the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, a man who in his time was viewed equally as a scientist and artist.  Students participate in studying the biology of seeing, including how artists create cues for processing depth in terms of perspective drawing and shading techniques.  

    In art class we study a great deal of color theory using Sir Isaac Newton’s color wheel.  Thanks to Sir Isaac Newton, the father of modern day science, we can study how colors relate to one other.  Students come away with an understanding of the importance of contrast, complementary and analogous colors, as well as how warm and cool colors work together.