Instructional Objectives:

     Science 8 is a year long course devoted to teaching Physical Science integrated with Earth, Space and Life Science.  Skills of measuring and testing the world by working with the concepts of motion, force and energy will be the under-lying theme.  Emphasis is given to laboratory techniques, cooperative work, math analysis and interpretation of data for all students to grow as problem solvers. 

     Differentiated instruction methods will be used to address the needs of various student abilities.  Critical thinking skills will be promoted in all calsses by using a variety of hands on/student centered activities.

Course Exit Standards

Upon completion of this course the students will:

1.  Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically.

2.  Understand the structure and properties of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the interactions between matter and energy.

3.  Understand the properties, structures and processes of living things and the interdependence of living things and their environments.

4.  Understand the structure of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, the interconnections among them and the processes and interactions of Earth's systems.

5.  Understand how scientific discoveries, inventions, practices, and knowledge influence, and are influenced by, individuals and societies.

Course Outline

Semester 1:

1st 4 1/2 weeks -- General science

2nd 4 1/2 weeks -- Energy and Motion

3rd 4 1/2 weeks -- Forces and Electricity

4th 4 1/2 weeks -- Magnetism, Electricity, Electromagnetism

Semester 2:

1st 4 1/2 weeks -- Waves, Sound and Light

2nd 4 1/2 weeks -- Changes and properties of the Atom

3rd 4 1/2 weeks -- Chemistry (periodic table & bonding)

4th 4 1/2 weeks -- Chemical reactions, Acids & Bases, and Carbon Chemistry