8TH GRADE SCIENCE
Investigating Matter and Energy
8th Grade Science
Full Year Required
In the eighth grade physical science course, Investigating Matter and Energy, students explore three main content themes - Properties of matter, forces and motion, and Energy transformations. They observe the physical and chemical properties of matter. They learn that the evidence of energy is often a change in temperature or a change in motion. They apply these physical science concepts to everyday experiences on earth. By studying the earth-moon-sun system, students begin to understand that these same concepts can be applied in the universe.
Students learn the physical science concepts through hands-on laboratory investigations where they make predictions, design experiments, collect and organize data in charts, and graphs, analyze data, make conclusions and communicate results. Computer technology is integrated through this learning process. The science department has a mobile computer lab for the students use. In order to express their understanding of essential knowledge through the application of acquired skills, students are expected to appropriately use probeware, spreadsheets, graphing tools, multimedia tools, and simulations.
