Curriculum Overview

 

            Subject:  Science                                                        Course:   Science 8                                                                Grade Level: 8

 

Concepts/Enduring Understandings/Themes

Topics/Units

Content/Skills

Essential Activities/Agreements

Matter is composed of particles, and has physical properties that can be measured and explained.

Properties of Matter:

 

Particle Motion Theory and Physical Properties

·         Measure distance, mass, weight, volume, and temperature in SI units with precision and accuracy.

·         Differentiate between weight, mass, volume, and density qualitatively and quantitatively.

·         Use particle theory to explain solids, liquids gases, thermal expansion, heat flow, state changes, boiling and melting points. 

·         Differentiate mixtures and pure substances and know methods for separating mixtures. (filtering, distillation, and chromatography)

Floating liquid lab             

Matter is composed of particles which combine in predictable ways.

Properties of Matter

 

Particle Structure and Interactions

·         Differentiate between an atom, element, molecule and compound can identify properties of elements and compounds.   Know that elements are grouped on the periodic table according to similar properties. 

·         Differentiate between physical and chemical changes, use formulas and equations to describe them, and explain conservation of mass.

Reaction in a bag: Calcium chloride, baking soda phenol

The interrelation of motion, force, and energy can be described, measured and explained.

Motion, Forces and Energy

·         Describe and explain motion of objects using position, direction, speed and distance versus time graphs.

·         Recognize that force is a push or  pull , unbalanced forces cause a change in motion, and that force, motion and mass are related (Newton’s Laws)

·         Identify types of energy (kinetic and potential, chemical, mechanical and electromagnetic) and understand the law of conservation of energy.

Propeller and solar car lab

Engineering is an applied science which uses materials and structured processes for human benefit.

Engineering Design

·         Apply engineering design process: Problem, Research, Develop solutions, Selection, Construct a prototype, Test and evaluate, Communicate solution, Redesign.  Demonstrate knowledge of components of structures, structure types and forces that act upon them through structure‑building and testing activities.

·         Identify and apply the 5 elements of a universal systems model: goal, inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback.  

·         Identify and explain various subsystems that are parts of vehicles (propulsion, guidance, control). Identify and explain lift, drag, friction, thrust, and gravity in a vehicle.

Hot air balloon Project

Robotics Project

Science knowledge is gained using a structured process which generates knowledge about the natural world.

Experimental Design

·         Formulate a testable hypothesis, and design and construct a controlled experiment.

·         Select appropriate tools and technology for experiment and make quantitative observations.

·         Present and explain data and findings using multiple representations, including tables, graphs, mathematical and physical models.

·         Draw conclusions based on evidence and make inferences based on patterns or trends in the data.

·         Present and explain findings. Offer explanations of procedures, and critique and revise them.