First Semester
Unit One: Introduction to Science
approximate duration: 2 weeks
Nature of Science Standards will be taught throughout the year. In 8th grade, to prepare for the Science State Assessment, we will cover all Nature of science standards taught in Middle School.
We will cover how to plan and carry out a variety of investigations with observations and experiments. We will learn to identify variables, organize data and interpret it. We will make predictions and defend our conclusions using logical reasoning. In addition, we will become scientifically literate, so that we may evaluate evidence and make interpretations and defend our conclusions.
We will be able to differentiate between replication and repetition and design a study using both these.
We will distinguish between an experiment and other ways to gain knowledge through scientific exploration. In our experiments, we will be able to identify the types of variables.
We will cover how to plan and carry out a variety of investigations with observations and experiments. We will learn to identify variables, organize data and interpret it. We will make predictions and defend our conclusions using logical reasoning. In addition, we will become scientifically literate, so that we may evaluate evidence and make interpretations and defend our conclusions.
We will be able to differentiate between replication and repetition and design a study using both these.
We will distinguish between an experiment and other ways to gain knowledge through scientific exploration. In our experiments, we will be able to identify the types of variables.
The first two weeks are an opportunity to learn the procedures in an 8th grade science classroom to be successful. Students will learn what expectations are in place so that every student, at every moment, has the opportunity to learn. All "rules" are in place for just that reason.
If you have any questions, at any time, please contact me. [email protected]. I will be happy to email or call you back. |
Unit Two, Part 1: Introduction to Matter
approximate duration: 3 weeks
In textbook, this material can be found in Unit 2, Lessons 1 & 2
Learning Goals
The student will be able to:
• classify substances based on their physical properties, including:
• investigate to explain how the physical properties of matter are independent of the amount sampled, such as: density and conductivity
• determine the physical property being analyzed given data from a table
• calculate the density of solids, liquids and gases using Density = mass ÷ volume
• differentiate between mass and weight
Common Misconceptions that may occur...make sure you realize the following are NOT true...
The student will be able to:
• classify substances based on their physical properties, including:
- thermal conductivity
- electrical conductivity
- solubility
- magnetism
- melting and boiling points
- volume
- density
• investigate to explain how the physical properties of matter are independent of the amount sampled, such as: density and conductivity
• determine the physical property being analyzed given data from a table
• calculate the density of solids, liquids and gases using Density = mass ÷ volume
- measure the mass and volume of solids, liquids and gases
• differentiate between mass and weight
Common Misconceptions that may occur...make sure you realize the following are NOT true...
- Mass and weight are the same thing.
- Objects sink in water because they are heavier than water.
- Particles of solids have no motion.
- Gases do not have mass.
- The boiling point of a substance is the maximum temperature a substance is the4 maximum temperature a substance can reach
- the4 temperature of an object depends on its size
- An object at 0 degrees Celsius has no heat
- Temperature and heat are the same thing
- If evidence supports a hypothesis, it becomes a theory. If the theory then gets more support, it may become a law.
Learning Goals
The student will be able to:
The student will be able to:
- differentiate physical and chemical changes in matter
- cite examples of physical and chemical changes in matter
- investigate physical and chemical changes in matter
- explain how temperature influences chemical changes
- explain why mass is conserved when substances undergo physical and chemical changes according to the Law of Conservation of Mass
Unit 2, Part 3: Matter in Depth
approximate duration: 4 weeks
In textbook, this material can be found in Unit 2, Lessons 4, 5, 6, and 7
In general, this unit will be broken into two 2-week sections and assessed after Lessons 4 & 5 and then again after Lesson 6 & 7 due to the volume and depth of the material.
Learning Goals
Lesson 4~
The Student will be able to:
Lesson 5~
The Student will be able to:
Lesson 6~
The Student will be able to:
Lesson 7~
The Student will be able to:
Lesson 4~
The Student will be able to:
- differentiate between solid, liquid, and gas based on their particle motion
- sequence the states of matter by increasing or decreasing kinetic energy
- explain how the state of matter of a substance is related to the average kinetic energy of its molecules
- predict what happens to the motion of particles during a phase change
Lesson 5~
The Student will be able to:
- differentiate between atoms, elements, and compounds
- explain how elements combine to form compounds that make up all living and non- living things, for example:
- differentiate between pure substances, mixtures, and solutions, including:
- investigate different ways of making and separating mixtures and solutions, including:
- cite common examples of acids, bases, and salts
- investigate to classify various substances using the pH scale as an acid, base, or neutral
Lesson 6~
The Student will be able to:
- recognize that atoms are the smallest unit of an element
- recognize that atoms are composed of subatomic particles:
- create a model or diagram of an atom (nucleus and subatomic particles)
- discuss the benefits and limitations of various atomic models
Lesson 7~
The Student will be able to:
- recognize that elements are grouped in the periodic table according to similar properties
- predict properties of an element using a periodic table when given information about other elements in the same column
Common Misconceptions:
Make sure you understand these are FALSE!!!
Make sure you understand these are FALSE!!!
- When things dissolve, they’re no longer there.
- Condensation on the outside of a container is water that seeped through the container.
- Dissolving and melting are the same thing, and boiling and evaporation are the same thing.
- When the shape of something is changed, the mass is changed.
- All chemical reactions are dangerous, and they must take place in a lab.
- A chemical reaction always happens when two substances are combined.
- A chemical reaction happens when a substance dissolve.
- Ice/water is the only substance that melts/freezes & water/water vapor is the only substance that boils/condenses.
- Air and oxygen are the same gas.
- Cold is transferred from one object to another.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Jnzl's Public Domain Photos