21st CENTURY

 

8th Grade Science

 

CONTENT STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES FOR WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOLS  (2520.3)

 

Janet Benincosa, TI Specialist

 

The Eighth Grade Science objectives analyze, quantify, and explain conditions and phenomena of the living and designed worlds. Through a spiraling, inquiry-based program of study, all students will demonstrate scientific literacy and use of 21st century skills in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and earth/environmental science and astronomy.   The subject matter is delivered through a coordinated, integrated approach with an emphasis on the development of the major science themes of systems, changes and models.  Students will engage in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and research/laboratory skills.  Safety instruction is integrated into all activities.  Eighth Grade Science reviews elements, mixtures, and compounds, populations/ecosystems, conservation of matter and energy and earth’s history.  Major concepts introduced at the eighth grade level include reproduction, genetics, behavior, chemical reactions and environmental concerns. 

 

The West Virginia Standards for 21st Century Learning include the following components: 21st Century Content Standards and Objectives and 21st Century Learning Skills and Technology Tools.

 

All West Virginia teachers are responsible for classroom instruction that integrates learning skills, technology tools and content standards and objectives. 

 

 

Eighth Grade

 

 

Grade 8

Science

 

Standard:1

Nature of Science

 

SC.S.8.1

Students will

·        demonstrate an understanding of history and nature of science as a human endeavor encompassing the contributions of diverse cultures and scientists.

  • demonstrate the ability to use the inquiry process to solve problems.

 

Performance Descriptors SC.PD.8.1

 

Distinguished

Above Mastery

Mastery

Partial Mastery

Novice

 

Eighth grade students at the distinguished level assess the importance of scientific innovation and recognize the role of these innovations in advancing societal, cultural and economic issues; use scientific methodology to conduct, communicate and revise experiments utilizing safe procedures and appropriate technology; repeat experiments to verify results; draw conclusions from data sources and models.

Eighth grade students at the above mastery level understand the importance of scientific innovation and recognize the role of these innovations in advancing societal, cultural and economic issues; use scientific methodology to conduct and communicate experiments utilizing safe procedures and appropriate technology; repeat experiments to verify results; draw conclusions from data sources and models.

Eighth grade students at the   mastery level recognize the importance of scientific innovation and report the role of these innovations in advancing societal, cultural and economic issues; use scientific methodology to conduct and communicate experiments utilizing safe procedures and appropriate technology; repeat experiments to verify results; draw conclusions from a data source or model.

Eighth grade students at the partial mastery level describe the importance of scientific innovation and report the role of these innovations in advancing societal, cultural or economic issues; use a methodology to conduct and communicate experiments utilizing safe procedures and appropriate technology; match an appropriate conclusion with experimental data.

Eighth grade students at the novice level recognize the importance of a scientific innovation and report the role of this innovation in advancing societal, cultural or economic issues; conduct experiments utilizing safe procedures and appropriate technology; restate observations as the conclusion.

 

 

Objectives

Students will

 

SC.O.8.1.01

formulate scientific explanations based on historical observations and experimental evidence, accounting for variability in experimental results.

 

SC.O.8.1.02

demonstrate how a testable methodology is employed to seek solutions for personal and societal issues. (e.g., “scientific method”).

 

SC.O.8.1.03

relate societal, cultural and economic issues to key scientific innovations.

 

SC.O.8.1.04

conduct and/or design investigations that incorporate the skills and attitudes and/or values of scientific inquiry (e.g., established research protocol, accurate record keeping, replication of results and peer review, objectivity, openness, skepticism, fairness, or  creativity and logic).

 

SC.O.8.1.05

implement safe procedures and practices when manipulating equipment, materials, organisms, and models.

 

SC.O.8.1.06

use appropriate technology solutions within a problem solving setting to measure and collect data; interpret data; analyze and/or report data; interact with simulations; conduct research; and present and communicate conclusions.

 

SC.O.8.1.07

design, conduct, evaluate and revise experiments (e.g., compose a question to be investigated, design a controlled investigation that produces numeric data, evaluate the data in the context of scientific laws and principles, construct a conclusion based on findings, propose revisions to investigations based on manipulation of variables and/or analysis of error, or communicate and defend the results and conclusions).

 

SC.O.8.1.08

draw conclusions from a variety of data sources to analyze and interpret systems and models (e.g., use graphs and equations to measure and apply variables such as rate and scale, evaluate changes in trends and cycles, predict the influence of external variances such as potential sources of error, or interpret maps).

 

Grade 8

Science

 

Standard:2

Content of Science

 

SC.S.8.2

 

Students will

·        demonstrate knowledge, understanding and applications of scientific facts, concepts, principles, theories and models as delineated in the objectives.

·        demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships among physics, chemistry, biology, earth/environmental science, and astronomy.

·        apply knowledge, understanding and skills of science subject matter/concepts to daily life experiences.

 

Performance Descriptors SC.PD.8.2

 

Distinguished

Above Mastery

Mastery

Partial Mastery

Novice

 

Eighth grade students at the distinguished level evaluate the structure of cells of varying functions for each human organ system; given an environment predict characteristics of organisms; defend placement of organisms in dichotomous keys; analyze the effect of removing producers, consumers or decomposers from an ecosystem; given the number of valence electrons, locate elements on periodic table to draw the Bohr model; predict product formation for chemical reactions by writing word equations; predict and graph diffusion rate and temperature change;  compare and contrast sources of energy; interpret wave, motion, work, power, and  pressure calculations; classify types of energy transformation; predict Doppler effect of a moving object; apply Newton’s Laws of Motion; predict geologic events at plate boundaries; predict the effects of forces on existing geologic structures; compare and contrast the origin of a solar system object to its motion; predict climatic change caused by changing ocean conditions.

 

Eighth grade students at the above mastery level analyze the types of cells in organ systems; design an organism suited to an environment; construct dichotomous keys to discriminate among similar organisms; recognize the role of producers, consumers and decomposers; predict and construct atomic models based on the element’s placement on the periodic table; identify reaction types and predict products for word equations; measure variations in diffusion rate; compare two sources of energy; calculate and graph properties of waves, motion, work, power, and  pressure; explain how energy is conserved in transformations; relate Doppler shift to sound; provide examples of Newton’s Laws of Motion; explain the presence of geologic events at plate boundaries; identify forces affecting geologic structures; relate the origin of a solar system object to its motion; provide examples of climates affected by oceans.

Eighth grade students at the  mastery level describe the importance of cell type in human systems; analyze how genetics, behavior and environment interact; construct simple dichotomous keys; trace the flow of energy in food webs; relate atomic structure and properties to location on the periodic table; write word equations and classify type; evaluate variations in diffusion rates and examine the effect of changing temperature;

examine sources of energy; calculate and/or graph properties of waves, motion, work, power, and pressure; relate conservation of energy to transformations; recognize Doppler shift to sound; explain Newton’s Laws of Motion; relate plate tectonics to geologic events; describe forces which shape the Earth’s surface; describe motion and the origin of solar system objects; explain the relationships among weather, climate and oceans.

Eighth grade students at the partial mastery level identify cell types in human systems; recognize genetics, behavior and environment interact; use dichotomous keys; locate energy changes in a food web; construct Bohr models; classify types of chemical reactions; recognize gases diffuse at different rates and are effected by temperature changes; relate conservation of energy to either matter or energy transformations; list Newton’s Laws of Motion; locate geologic events at plate boundaries; list forces that shape the Earth’s surface; describe motion of solar system objects; relate climates to proximity to oceans.

Eighth grade students at the novice level recognize different cell types exist in human systems; recognize that genetics and behavior interact; group organisms using similar traits; locate an energy change in a food web; define subatomic particles; list five types of chemical reactions; recognize gases diffuse; recognize energy transformations; list two of Newton’s Laws of Motion; recognize that geologic events occur at plate boundaries; list some forces that shape the Earth’s surface; describe solar system objects; relate weather conditions to proximity to oceans.

 

 

Objectives

Students will

 

SC.O.8.2.01

demonstrate an understanding of interrelationships among physics, chemistry, biology, earth/environmental science, & astronomy.

 

SC.O.8.2.02

examine and describe the structures and functions of cell organelles.

 

SC.O.8.2.03

explain how the circulatory, respiratory and reproductive systems work together in the human body.

 

SC.O.8.2.04

compare the variations in cells, tissues and organs of the circulatory, respiratory and reproductive systems of different organisms.

 

SC.O.8.2.05

discuss how living cells obtain the essentials of life through chemical reactions of fermentation, respiration and photosynthesis.

 

SC.O.8.2.06

analyze how behaviors of organisms lead to species continuity (e.g., reproductive/mating behaviors, or seed dispersal).

 

SC.O.8.2.07

demonstrate the basic principles of genetics; introduce Mendel’s law, monohybrid crosses, production of body and sex cells (mitosis/meiosis), genes, chromosomes, and inherited traits.

 

SC.O.8.2.08

compare patterns of human development to other vertebrates.

 

SC.O.8.2.09

organize groups of unknown organisms based on observable characteristics (e.g., create dichotomous keys).

 

SC.O.8.2.10

 trace matter and energy flow in a food web as it flows from sunlight to producers and consumers, design an environment in which the chemical and energy needs for the growth, reproduction and development of plants are met (e.g., food pyramids, decomposition).

 

SC.O.8.2.11

use the periodic table to locate and classify elements as metallic, non-metallic or metalloid.

 

SC.O.8.2.12

reconstruct development models of the atom (e.g., Crookes, Thompson, Becquerel, Rutherford, or Bohr).

 

SC.O.8.2.13

calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons and use the information to construct a Bohr model of the atom.

 

SC.O.8.2.14

classify elements into their families based upon their valence electrons.

 

SC.O.8.2.15

evaluate the variations in diffusion rates and examine the effect of changing temperatures.

 

SC.O.8.2.16

conduct and classify chemical reactions by reaction type (e.g., synthesis, decomposition, single replacement or double replacement); energy type (e.g., endothermic and exothermic); and write word equations for the chemical reactions.

 

SC.O.8.2.17

identify & describe factors that affect chemical reaction rates, including catalysts, temperature changes, light energies & particle size.

 

SC.O.8.2.18

examine the various sources of energy (e.g., fossil fuels, wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear, biomass).

 

SC.O.8.2.19

explain the Doppler effect (e.g., sound).

 

SC.O.8.2.20

quantitatively represent wavelength, frequency and velocity (e.g., v=λf).

 

SC.O.8.2.21

relate the conservation of energy theory to energy transformations (e.g., electrical/heat, or mechanical/heat).

 

SC.O.8.2.22

quantitatively represent work, power, pressure (e.g., Work=Force x distance, Power=Work/time, or pressure=force/area) from collected data.

 

SC.O.8.2.23

graph and interpret the relationships of distance versus time, speed versus time, and acceleration versus time.

 

SC.O.8.2.24

 describe Newton’s Laws of Motion; identify examples, illustrate qualitatively and quantitatively drawing vector examples.

 

SC.O.8.2.25

illustrate and calculate the mechanical advantage of simple machines.

 

SC.O.8.2.26

research and draw conclusions related to the quality and quantity of surface and ground water.

 

SC.O.8.2.27

identify and explain the principle forces of plate tectonics and related geological events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, or landforms).

 

SC.O.8.2.28

determine the impact of oceans on weather and climate; relate global patterns of atmospheric movement on local weather.

 

SC.O.8.2.29

analyze the forces of tectonics, weathering and erosion that have shaped the earth’s surface.

 

SC.O.8.2.30

model processes of soil formation and suggest methods of soil preservation and conservation.

 

SC.O.8.2.31

research and recognize the societal concerns of exploration and colonization of space.

 

SC.O.8.2.32

explain phenomena associated with motions in sun-earth-moon system (e.g., eclipses, tides, or seasons).

 

SC.O.8.2.33

describe the origin and orbits of comets, asteroids, and meteoroids.

 

Grade 8

Science

 

Standard:3

Application of Science

 

SC.S.8.3

 

Students will

·        demonstrate the ability to use inquiry process to explore systems, models, and changes.

·        demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence between science and technology.

·        demonstrate an understanding of the utilization of technology to gather data and communicate designs, results and conclusions.

·        demonstrate an understanding of personal and societal benefits of science, and an understanding of public policy decisions as related to health, population, resource and environmental issues.

 

Performance Descriptors SC.PD.8.3

 

Distinguished

Above Mastery

Mastery

Partial Mastery

Novice

 

Eighth grade students at the distinguished level construct, test and analyze data to explore systems, models, and changes across science disciplines; analyze technological innovations and the science that makes them possible; evaluate the personal and societal benefits of a scientific discovery; assess the impacts of a public policy decision regarding health, population resources or environmental issues.

Eighth grade students at the above mastery level test, record and analyze data to explore systems, models, and changes; identify technological innovations and the science that makes them possible; explain positive outcomes and unintended consequences of a scientific discovery; explain the impact of a public policy decision regarding health, population resources or environmental issues.

Eighth grade students at the mastery level test and record data to explore systems, models, and changes; identify a technological innovation and the science that makes it possible; identify positive outcomes and unintended consequences of a scientific discovery; identify the impact of a public policy decision regarding health, population resources or environmental issues.

Eighth grade students at the partial mastery level observe and record data to explore systems, models, or changes; match a technological innovation with the science that makes it possible; identify a positive outcome and an unintended consequence of a scientific discovery; identify a public policy decision impacting health, population resources or environmental issues.

Eighth grade students at the novice level observe and record data that relates to systems, models, or changes; identify a technological innovation; identify a positive outcome and an unintended consequence of a scientific discovery; read and restate a public policy decision impacting health, population resources or environmental issues.

 

 

Objectives

Students will

 

SC.O.8.3.01

synthesize concepts across various science disciplines to better understand the natural world (e.g., form and function, systems, or  change over time).

 

SC.O.8.3.02

investigate, compare and design scientific and technological solutions to personal and societal problems.

 

SC.O.8.3.03

communicate experimental designs, results and conclusions using advanced technology tools.

 

SC.O.8.3.04

collaborate to present research on current environmental and technological issues to predict possible solutions.

 

SC.O.8.3.05

explore occupational opportunities in science, engineering and technology and evaluate the required academic preparation.

 

SC.O.8.3.06

given a current science-technology-societal issue, construct and defend potential solutions.