Grade 8 Science Summary - Overall Expectations

Earth and Space Systems

- demonstrate an understanding of how the earthÕs water systems were formed, the similarities and differences among them, and how they influence the climate and weather of the region in which they are located.

- investigate the major features of the earthÕs water resources (e.g., oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, ice-caps, snowfall, clouds) and the effects of large bodies of water on global climate and ecosystems.

- examine how humans use resources from the earthÕs different water systems and identify the factors involved in managing these resources for sustainability.

Energy and Control

demonstrate an understanding of the properties of visible light and the properties of other types of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared and ultraviolet rays, X- rays, microwaves, and radio waves.

- investigate the properties of visible light, including the effects of reflection and refraction, and recognize how these properties are used in optical devices.

- describe ways in which different sources of visible light and the properties of light, both natural and artificial, are used by humans for different purposes.

Life Systems

- demonstrate an understanding of the basic structure and function of plant and animal cells, and describe the hierarchical organization of cells in plants and animals.

- investigate basic cellular processes and certain specialized cells in plants.

- describe ways in which study of the structure, function, and interdependence of human organ systems can result in improvements in human health. o demonstrate an understanding of the properties (e.g., viscosity) and the buoyant force of fluids;

Matter and Materials

- investigate the buoyant force and other properties (e.g., viscosity) of fluids, and design and construct pneumatic or hydraulic systems that solve a problem in a given situation.

- describe how knowledge of the properties of fluids can help us to understand and influence organisms in the natural world, and to design and operate technological devices and to evaluate how efficiently different devices make use of these properties.

Structures and Mechanisms

- demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to the efficient operation of mechanisms and systems.

- design and make systems of structures and mechanisms, and investigate the efficiency of the mechanical devices within them.

- demonstrate understanding of the factors that can affect the manufacturing of a product, including the needs of the consumer.

End of Grade 8 Science Summary