8th Grade Science Unit 5

Big Idea:

The changes of seasons, lunar cycle, and ocean tides are all influenced by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

8.7(A) [Readiness] Model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun, causing changes in seasons.

8.7(B) [Readiness] Demonstrate and predict the sequence of events of the lunar cycle

Focus TEKS

8.7(C) [Supporting] Relate the positions of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides.

Ongoing TEKS

8.1(A) [Tools to Know] Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards.

8.1(B) [Tools to Know] practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials

8.2(A) [Tools to Know] Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

8.2(B) [Tools to Know] design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology

8.2(C) [Ways to Show] Collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers

8.2(D) [Ways to Show] construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns

8.2(E) [Ways to Show] analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends

8.3(A) [Ways to Show] In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student

8.3(B) [Ways to Show] use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature

8.3(C) [Ways to Show] identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials

8.3(D) [Ways to Show] relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content

8.4(A) [Tools to Know] ) use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum

8.4(B) [Tools to Know] use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher

Student Learning Targets:

• I will model and explain the difference between rotation and revolution.
• I will explain the cause of day and night.
• I will explain how seasons change.
• I will model and identify the moon phases.
• I will identify the phase of the moon that causes a neap or spring tide.

Essential Questions:

• What causes day and night?
• Why do we experience seasons?
• What are the different moon phases and how do they occur?
• How do the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth affect ocean tides?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center