8th Grade Science Guide

Science Grade 8

AT A GLANCE SUMMARY

Unit

Pacing

Summary

Big Ideas

Unit 1 Physics

10 Weeks

Students investigate the structure of atoms and molecules and use models to explain how matter is organized. They explore the properties of substances, distinguish between physical and chemical changes, and examine how heat energy affects particle motion, density, and states of matter. Students also learn how humans transform natural resources into useful synthetic materials that impact society. Students explore how energy moves between objects and systems through mechanisms such as motion, waves, electricity, and thermal energy. They investigate how energy can be stored and released and use evidence to explain energy transfers in everyday phenomena. Students also examine how engineers design technologies that capture, convert, and use energy efficiently. Students investigate photosynthesis and cellular respiration as complementary processes that move matter and energy through living systems. They develop models showing how organisms use energy to build, break down, and rearrange molecules necessary for life. Students also examine how matter cycles and energy flows through ecosystems, particularly through processes such as the carbon cycle. Students investigate why natural resources are unevenly distributed across Earth and how human use of those resources impacts the environment. They analyze data related to climate change, resource consumption, and natural hazards. Students also evaluate and design solutions that help conserve resources,

​All matter is composed of atoms and molecules. ​The properties of matter determine how materials can be used. ​Chemical reactions rearrange atoms to create new substances. ​Heat energy affects particle motion, density, and phase changes. ​Humans use scientific knowledge to create synthetic materials from natural resources. ​Energy can be transferred between objects and systems. ​Energy can change forms but is not created or destroyed. ​Energy transfers help explain many physical phenomena. ​Engineers develop technologies that harness and manage energy. ​Photosynthesis converts light energy into stored chemical energy. ​Cellular respiration releases energy from food molecules. ​Matter cycles through organisms and ecosystems. ​Energy flows through ecosystems while matter is recycled. ​The carbon cycle connects living and nonliving components of Earth systems. ​Geological processes create uneven distributions of natural resources. ​Many natural resources are limited and nonrenewable. ​Human resource use can have positive and negative environmental impacts. ​Global and regional climates change due to natural and human influences.

Unit 2 Matter & Energy

12 Weeks

Unit 3 Ecology

5 Weeks

Unit 4 Natural Resources

8 Weeks