Revised 2011

EMPHASIZED STANDARDS / SKILLS / EXPECTATIONS
"By the end of this unit students will be able to…" / VOCABULARY /
KEY CONCEPTS / ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS / MATERIALS
PS8-3Recognize that measurements involve uncertainty related to the sensitivity of the instruments used.
PS8-11Give examples of how the motion of an object can be described.
PS8-12Create and interpret graphs of distance vs. time.
ES8-8Recognize gravity as a force that pulls objects towards each other.
PS8-1,2 Differentiate between weight, mass, volume, and density.
SS8-6Identify time zones, explain the relative nature of time, and the role of time standards. / Define speed, velocity, and acceleration, inertia, and momentum. Give practical examples of each.
Design and conduct well-controlled scientific experiments.
Communicate the results of scientific experiments in a fashion consistent with the standards of the profession.
Measure the speed of moving objects.
Determine if objects are moving at constant speed.
Identify the effects on gravity on moving objects.
Predict the motion of moving objects. / Distance
Time
Speed
Velocity
Acceleration
Inertia
Momentum
Newton’s Laws
Gravity
Hypothesis
Conclusion
Pattern statement
Error analysis
Theory / Quizzes
Lab reports
Unit test
Missile Intercept performance task
Helicopters Lab
Running Lab
Ticker Tape Timer Lab
Collisions Lab

GRADE _8 Science_ UNIT TITLE: __Motion__ ( 7 WEEKS)

EMPHASIZED STANDARDS / SKILLS / EXPECTATIONS
"By the end of this unit students will be able to…" / VOCABULARY /
KEY CONCEPTS / ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS / MATERIALS
PS8-13 Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy and identify situations where energy is transformed between these two.
PS8-14 Recognize heat as a variety of kinetic energy. Recognize that temperature changes are related to the kinetic energy of a system.
PS8-15 Explain how heat affects particle motion.
PS8-16 Give examples of how heat moves in predictable ways. Explain thermal equilibrium.
ES8-3Explain and differentiate amongst radiation, conduction, and convection as modes of energy transfer. / Identify different forms of energy and give examples of each.
Identify the two different types of energy and give examples of each.
Measure energy consumption.
Demonstrate the effects of temperature on molecular motion.
Demonstrate the effects of mass and speed on the energy of moving objects.
Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
Identify ways to reduce their energy consumption. / Temperature
Heat
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Forms of energy
Convection
Conduction
Radiation
Light
Waves
Current
Voltage
Resistance
Renewable energy / Quizzes
Lab reports
Unit test
Asteroid Lab
Molecular Motion Lab
National Grid classroom visit
Classroom energy audit

GRADE _8 Science_ UNIT TITLE: __Energy__ ( 6 WEEKS)

EMPHASIZED STANDARDS / SKILLS / EXPECTATIONS
"By the end of this unit students will be able to…" / VOCABULARY /
KEY CONCEPTS / ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS / MATERIALS
PS8-6,7 Differentiate between atoms and molecules and explain how they relate to elements and compounds.
PS8-5Recognize that all living and non-living things are composed of more than 100 distinct elements.
PS8-8Differentiate between mixtures and pure substances.
PS8-9Recognize that substances can be characterized by their melting points, boiling points, and densities.
PS8-10 Differentiate between chemical and physical changes.
PS8-4Explain how mass is conserved in closed systems. / Explain and give examples of how chemists classify all matter in the universe.
Separate mixtures of unknown substances.
Identify the components in a mixture of unknown substances.
Differentiate mixtures from pure substances.
Recognize chemical and physical changes.
Explain the struture of matter at the microscopic level.
Use atomic theory to explain and predict the bahvior of matter. / Mixture
Pure Substance
Element
Compound
Physical Change
Chemical Change
Mechanical Separation
Heterogeneous Mixture
Homogeneous Mixture
Characteristic Property
Intrinsic Property
Solute
Solvent
Solution
Atom
Molecule
Bond
Nucleus
Electron / Quizzes
Lab reports
Unit test
Burning Lab
Saltwater Lab
Saltmiser Lab
Distillation Lab
Sludge Test

GRADE _8 Science_ UNIT TITLE: __Chemistry__ ( 8 WEEKS)

EMPHASIZED STANDARDS / SKILLS / EXPECTATIONS
"By the end of this unit students will be able to…" / VOCABULARY /
KEY CONCEPTS / ASSIGNMENTS / ASSESSMENTS / MATERIALS
ES8-8Recognize gravity as a driving force behind the formation of planets, stars, and the solar system.
ES8-10 Compare and contrast the properties of objects in the solar system.
ES8-9Describe lunar and solar eclipses and the effects of the sun and moon on the earth. (ie. Tides)
ES8-12 Recognize that the large-scale structure of the universe can be described by clusters of stars and galaxies. / Recognize and explain their location in the universe.
Describe the motion of the planets and the forces governing it.
Explain the events responsible for lunar and solar eclipses.
Use examples to illustrate the large-scale structure of the universe. / Planet
Moon
Star
Galaxy
Star cluster
Galaxy cluster
Big bang
Solar eclipse
Lunar eclipse
Telescope
Seasons
Tides
Orbit
Gravity / Quizzes
Telescopic observation
Unit test
Video presentations
NASA Investigations

GRADE _8 Science_ UNIT TITLE: __Astronomy__ ( 3 WEEKS)