Science                                           

Welcome to MBVM Science!  Science can be defined as the study of the universe and its processes.  Our students
learn that observing, experimenting, and evaluating results, help scientists solve problems.  Students also understand that the purpose of science is to help society.  They use models and prototypes to learn and explain scientific principles.

Understanding scientific concepts and applying them to solve problems is a key component in our curriculum. The MBVM science curriculum is aligned with the Illinois State Standards and the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Standards. In science class, the students not only read and discuss the principles of science, but also apply the concepts in their weekly lab experiments.  Students type the Lab reports using their lap top computers.   Student use of e-mail for assignments helps them to utilize technology and help the environment by reducing the amount of paper used in the classroom. 

Scientific inquiry skills, experiment safety, moral responsibility, and historical science practices are emphasized each year.  Class discussions also include helping students realize their responsibilities as Christian scientists for taking care of the earth and their need to obey God's laws.  Service projects help the students to share their talents with the community.

Sixth graders begin with a general science curriculum that includes physical, earth and life sciences. The students learn the Scientific Method and apply their knowledge in experiments and as they design a Science Fair experiment and formal report.   An Egg Drop project helps the students evaluate various designs and the importance of cost analysis.  Dissection of an owl pellet helps students to understand scientific practices, ecosystems and food webs.   

Seventh graders study Earth and Physical Science.   Their study includes the earth's composition, climate, internal processes, astronomy, the environment, matter, energy, and understanding the Periodic Table of Elements.   The students apply the Scientific Method in lab experiments and as they design a Science Fair experiment and formal report.   Some additional activities that the students participate in include weather recording/forecasting, rock and mineral identification, a “Rock” Concert, Element “Advertisements”, growing crystals, dissecting  an earthworm, and building numerous models.

Eighth graders study Life and Physical Science. The curriculum includes the study of plant and animal life, human organ systems, ecology, energy, chemical bonding, and forces and motion. The students apply the Scientific Method in lab experiments and as they design a Science Fair experiment and formal report. Understanding life processes, adaptation, competition and human responsibility for earth’s population are discussed.   Students dissect a frog as part of their study of animal organ systems.  Learning about the organization of the Periodic Table of Elements helps students understand chemical bonding.   Students complete their year learning about simple and complex machines and applying technological design criteria as they build and race CO₂ cars.

Science Fair

All junior high students participate in the Illinois Junior Academy (IJAS) Science Fair. The students research a topic and design a science experiment following IJAS standards.  A formal Science Fair Report is written; a Backboard or Power Point presentation is designed, and an Oral presentation is given to science judges at 3 levels: the MBVM School Science Fair, the Region 11 Science Fair at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, and the Illinois State Science Fair at the University of Illinois in Champaign.  (jdstaregion11sciencefair.org)