Grade 8 Science
Science is a form of knowledge that seeks to describe and explain the natural and physical world and its place in the universe. Occasionally, the fundamental theories, concepts, and structures of science change but, for the most part, the basic ideas of science - ideas such as the cellular basis of life, the laws of energy, the particle theory of matter - have proven stable. The curriculum outlined in this course will introduce students to many of these basic ideas.
The Topics for Grade 8 are as follows:
Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems
Fluids
Optics
Mechanical Efficiency
Water Systems
*taken from the Ontario Ministry of Education Guidelines.
Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems
In Grade 5, students were introduced to the cell as the basic unit of life in the study of human organ systems. In Grade 8, students will continue to develop their knowledge of systems in living things, focusing on the structure and function of cells in plants and animals and on the organization of cells into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Assignments/Homework
Lab Report 1: Comparing Plant and Animal Cells
Lab Report 2: Water Movement in a Plant
Fluids
The study of fluids, which can be either liquids or gases, introduces students to fluid mechanics, an area of knowledge important in many industries. Fluids, including air and water, are essential to many industrial processes and form the basis of hydraulic and pneumatic devices. Students will learn about the properties of fluids by experimenting with and investigating the viscosity and density of different liquids and ways in which these properties affect objects placed in those liquids.
Assignments/Homework
Lab Report 3: Nature of Fluids
Lab Report 4: Floating One Gas on Another
Optics
Students will build on previous learning to broaden their understanding of how light is produced, transmitted, and detected. They will further explore the properties of visible light and begin to study other kinds of electromagnetic radiation as different wavelengths of light. In addition, they will investigate how the principles and properties of reflection and refraction are applied in a variety of optical devices that have contributed to scientific progress and enhanced the quality of life.
Assignments/Homework
Lab Report 6: Pigments and Filters for the Stage
Mechanical Efficiency
Efficiency is an important consideration in design because some forms of energy or power are costly and need to be used wisely. Students will develop their understanding of the efficient operation of mechanical systems by designing and building devices and systems and investigating their efficiency. Special attention will be given to the use of hydraulic and pneumatic power.
Assignment/Homework
Lab Report 7: Raise It Up
Lab Report 8: Testing Shoes
Unit IV Study Guide
Unit IV Lessons
designing_machines-les.docx | |
File Size: | 122 kb |
File Type: | docx |
levers_how_they_work-les.docx | |
File Size: | 134 kb |
File Type: | docx |
simulating_human_movement-les.docx | |
File Size: | 115 kb |
File Type: | docx |
pulleys_wheel_axle_gears-les.docx | |
File Size: | 143 kb |
File Type: | docx |
mechanisms_in_giant_machines-les.docx | |
File Size: | 110 kb |
File Type: | docx |
moving_efficiently-lesson.docx | |
File Size: | 136 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Water Systems
Most of the earth's surface is covered with water, and most of this water is found in the oceans. In learning about the earth's water systems, students will develop an understanding of the important role that water systems play in global ecosystems. In addition, students will come to understand that large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes greatly influence the climate and weather of the region in which they are located, and that both large lakes and oceans interact with the atmosphere through the water cycle. As students develop these understandings, they become aware of the importance of fresh and salt water to the sustainability of life on earth.
Assignments/Homework
Lab Report 10: Investigating Tides