Science - Eighth

8th GRADE SCIENCE (361/362)

Grade 8: Standard and Advanced

(Year)

Grade 8 science is an integrated course, with units in physical, life, and earth/space science. The goal is to introduce students to the basic concepts for each unit, to engage them in active project-based learning, and to pique their curiosity. Over the course of the year, students will participate in a variety of interactive lessons that allow students to engage in hands-on activities that will improve their skills and knowledge and prepare them for future studies in science. Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks are supplemented with STEMscopes curriculum which is a comprehensive suite of results-oriented STEM curriculum.

The Chemistry unit is a broad, introductory unit that focuses on classification of matter and how matter can change through  physical and chemical processes. The Forces and Motion unit focuses on Newton’s 3 laws of motion and explains how and why objects move. In the Life Science unit, students will be introduced to genetics, that focuses on heredity of traits, evolution and biodiversity. In the Earth and Space unit, students will learn about tides, seasons, weather, global warming, plate tectonics, and the effects of gravity on Earth and Earth’s orbit around the Sun. All students will take the grade eight science MCAS test which covers concepts learned in grades 6, 7 and 8.

8th GRADE SCIENCE ADVANCED 

Prerequisite: B+ or better in most recent science class, and teacher recommendation.

Students in the advanced section will explore course topics in greater depth and at a more rapid pace. In addition, students in the advanced section will be required to complete research based projects. The majority of the work for these projects will be self- directed and completed outside of class. Students will present their findings to their peers. All students will take the grade eight science MCAS test which covers concepts learned in grades 6, 7 and 8.

At the end of their 8th grade science course students will work with their teachers and guidance counselors to determine the best placement for 9th grade science.