The Science Program at Hopkins
Thank you for visiting the Hopkins Junior High Science Website. Hopkins Junior High has an outstanding science program for 7th and 8th grade students. This program has been recognized for its quality by the Blue Ribbon School Committee and the National Science Olympiad. Hopkins Junior High placed 1st nationally among 77 High Schools and Middle Schools in the National Science Olympiad in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2005, 2008, and 2009 Hopkins also received national recognition for winning the National Science Bowl Championship in 2009, a second place finish in 2008, and a third place finish in 2010. Individual students within Hopkins Science Program have received many prestigious awards. Individual Hopkins students have won regional and national awards in science.
Whether your child enrolls in Honors Science or a college prep science class, he or she has an opportunity for a fine science education. The 7th grade curriculum focuses on Life Science, while the 8th grade curriculum focuses on Physical Science. Students in the Hopkins Science Program will have plenty of opportunities for "hands-on" science experiences in labs and projects.
Below are a series of questions which parents most frequently ask. If you have questions that have not been answered on this page, you may contact me at "mr_ricks@yahoo.com".
- What is the difference in the curriculum between 7th and 8th grade?
- The 7th grade curriculum focuses on the life sciences including: genetics, classification, review of the plant and animal kingdoms, and an overview of the human body. The college prep 8th grade curriculum focuses on the physical sciences including: an overview of physics and chemistry. The Honors Science 8 curriculum is Integrated Science. This course covers both physical and earth science. The science program at Hopkins gives students many opportunities for hands on learning and critical thinking activities.
- Who are the Hopkins Science faculty?
- There are seven full-time members of the science faculty. They come from rich and diverse science backgrounds. All them have degrees in biology, chemistry, and/or physics. Two members of the faculty have doctorates in life and physical sciences. The faculty for the 2009-2010 acameic year are: Mrs. Alexander, Ms. Sethi, Mr. Bonacorsi, Dr. Crickmore, Mr. Cornettr, Ms. Lemke, and Dr. Ricks.
- What are the major differences in the honors level and the regular level of science?
- Honors science is more rigorous. The expectations both during and after class are greater. Students generally have more outside projects, individual research, and more challenging tests.
- Students in 8th grade honors science use the 9th grade textbook and complete a more rigorous version of the 9th grade course. The eighth grade honors course also includes earth science.
- If you would like additional information about the honors science program click on the link below.
- What are the 7th and 8th grade science textbooks?
- For more information about the specific science textbooks, click on the link below.
- Is is possible to borrow a textbook for the summer, before my child enters Hopkins?
- Sorry, it is against the Science Department policy to loan textbooks unless a student is currently enrolled in a class.