Science (Grade 8)

Student Learnings: What students should know and be able to do

• Given a topic, use relevant information to generate a hypothesis or frame a question.
  
• Define the control(s), variable and sample size (or number of repetitions).
  
• Set up a method to test the hypothesis.
  
• Determine how to record and organize data.
  
• Conduct experiment and record data.
  
• Analyze data and evaluate hypotheses.
  
• Identify areas for further investigation.

Gather information from direct observations

• Frame a question
• Collect and record data
• Display data in appropriate format (e.g., graphs, charts, diagrams)
• Look for patterns in observable data
  
• Relate findings to new situations or large group findings
  
• Answer question or present a position using data
  
• Identify areas for further investigation

Understand the fundamental laws and concepts of the physical world, earth systems, and living systems

• Heredity:
  
  • Cell reproduction
    
  • DNA/genes
    
  • Mendelian genetics
    
  • Issues on heredity
    
  • Diversity
• Chemical Interactions:
  
  • States of matter and density (revisited)
    
  • Atomic theory
    
  • Periodic Table
    
  • Chemical bonds
    
  • Chemical reactions
    
  • Acids and bases and solutions
    
  • Atomic energy
• Body Systems:
  
  • Cell functions and processes
    
  • Tissue
    
  • Organs
    
  • Organ systems
• Force, Motion, Energy:
  • Newton's Laws of Motion
    
  • Energy and energy transformations
    
  • Types of forces
    
  • Work and machines
• Weather/Climate:
  
  • Layers of atmosphere
    
  • Components of weather
  • Air masses/fronts
    
  • Interpreting weather maps
    
  • Weather phenomena

Instructional resources used for this curriculum:

Copyright 2002, Prentice Hall Publishing
Cells & Heredity; Chemical Interaction; Human Biology & Health;
Motions, Forces & Energy; Weather & Climate