General Science Middle School

General Science

Course Information

Course Title: General Science

Teacher: Sunshyne Hummel

Semester/Year: Full Year Class, 2025-26

Grade Level: Junior High Class

Day and Time: Meets: Wednesday, 11:30-12:30p.m. CST

Class Description

General Science is a junior high course designed to spark curiosity and wonder! Students will explore Earth’s four spheres—lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere—while investigating its processes, materials, and systems. Lessons include weekly discussions, experiments, real-world connections, and interactive games. Students will keep a science notebook to document their hands-on learning.

In the second semester, we’ll shift our focus to astronomy. Students will study the moon, seasonal constellations, and the connection between space and Earth. Through sky observations and journaling, they’ll learn to recognize patterns in the night sky. A term project will also be completed. Students will need regular access to the night sky or the Stellarium app.

• Required Texts: 

• Rocks Rivers and the changing Earth A First Book About Geology by Herman Schneider and Nina Schneider.

• Exploring the World of Astronomy by John H. Tiner

• Mead or similar composition notebook OR 3 ring binder with loose leaf paper

• Recommended writing utensils – pencils, colored pencils, pens.

• Household/common lab & project supplies. Your list will be supplied prior to the start of class.

• Each student will need to have a working camera and speaker/ microphone for use in the classroom.

• Students will need to have access to a working printer

• Access to the night sky or Stellarium App for IOS or Android

Stellarium for Android

Stellarium for IOS

Grading will be done with a combination of assignments, formal assessments (in class and independently), student presentations, discussions, and participation.

SAMR Model Application

• Substitution: Students use digital platforms for note-taking and online quizzes, directly replacing traditional paper methods without altering functionality.
• Augmentation: Interactive simulations and multimedia presentations enhance learning by providing richer, more engaging content and visualizations of chemistry concepts.
• Modification: Collaborative projects and advanced data collection tools transform group work and experimentation, allowing for real-time collaboration and enhanced data analysis.
• Redefinition: Virtual reality labs and collaborations create entirely new learning experiences, enabling students to conduct experiments and interact with peers in their class in ways previously not possible.