Unit 1: Genetics and Evolution
Students begin 8th grade by investigating the idea that species have changed over time. Using the knowledge of the changing of the Earth’s surface from 7th grade, students begin the unit by exploring fossils and fossil relationships. This leads to further exploration into genetics and heredity with a final focus on controversial topics in genetics today.
Unit 2: Energy
The second unit begins with an emphasis on energy starting with electricity and magnetism and ending with, potential and kinetic energy. Students will also explore various ways in which energy is created and used by humans. Then students Combine energy types and transfers in a culminating Rube Goldberg type machine!
Unit 3: Astronomy
The final unit focuses on Earth’s place in space. Students begin by discussing how we know what is in space through the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. They then look more closely at the Earth, Moon, Sun system and how each interacts with the others. They then further explore how the solar system is organized and how gravity affects this organization. The final project is a creation of a creature that has evolved on a distant object in space incorporating knowledge from the Genetics and Evolution unit and the Astronomy unit.
End of the Year Showcase
Students choose a topic of interest and learn more about this area. A final tri-fold poster displays the information This can be an experiment or an informational research poster. Students display and defend these posters in the cafeteria at the end of the year. Parents and community members are invited to visit.