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TITLE
Science 8
TEXTBOOK
Science Explorers, Michael J. Padilla & Others, Prentice Hall, 2002
DESCRIPTION
Science 8 is required for all eighth grade students and is part of the eighth
grade core curriculum block. It meets three days per week for 68 minutes per
session. This program is a continuation of the 7th grade science program and
provides students with opportunities to analyze science-related and
technology-related issues. The student will concentrate on areas to include: the
Methods of Science, Chemical Interactions, Electricity & Magnetism,
Electromagnetic Spectrum & Waves (Sound & Light), and Energy, Force, and Motion.
Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible decisions
about social issues related to science and technology. Science 8 develops
problem solving and critical thinking in the learner. Laboratory activities
using cooperative learning strategies are used throughout the course to give
hands-on experiences to students and acquaint them with equipment to be used in
higher level science courses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Students will apply the steps to the scientific method using inquiry
processes to solve problems in a laboratory setting. (8.2.1 & 8.8.2)
2. Students will develop data collection skills, manipulation techniques and
illustrate their results through the development of data charts, graphs and
tables. The student will then communicate their results by composing formal lab
papers. (8.1.2 & 8.8.2)
3. Students will identify and learn proper use of basic scientific equipment.
4. Students will develop an appreciation of the International System of Units
through measurement practice, proper conversion performance and application of
techniques to everyday usage. ( 8.1.3)
5. Students will develop an understanding of motion and forces. (8.3.2)
6. Students will examine, explain, and give examples of the forms of energy,
such as heat, light, chemical, sound, electricity, and measurement, and how
energy is transferred. (8.1.1, 8.1.4 & 8.3.3)
7. Students will design and develop an understanding of science and technology
through construction of various devices and designing an experiment. (8.6.1)
8. Students will develop an understanding of properties and changes of
properties in matter. (8.3.1)
9. Students will develop an understanding of science and technology (8.6.2)
10. Students will develop an understanding of science and technology in society
(8.7.5)
WRITING ACTIVITIES
1. Students will have journaling exercises on class objectives written in
correct sentence and paragraph form.
2. Students will have formal papers and lab questions to write, concluding on
lab results obtained.
MULTICULTURE ACTIVITIES
1. Students will be exposed to strategies that will broaden exposure to
multicultural connections in science.
