8th Grade Science Unit 7

Big Idea:

An atom is the smallest unit of an element, and elements are organized into the periodic table according to their properties.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

8.5(A) [Readiness] Describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud.

Focus TEKS

8.5(B) [Readiness] Identify that protons determine an element's identity and valence electrons determine its chemical properties, including reactivity.

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 describe protons, neutrons, and electrons as subatomic particles of an atom, and give their location.
• I will identify and explain the atomic number and atomic mass of an atom.
• I will know that the number of protons determine the identity of an element.
• I will know that valence electrons determine the chemical properties of an element, including reactivity.

Essential Questions:

• How would you describe the structure of an atom?
• How is an element’s identity determined?
• How do valence electrons determine an elements reactivity?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center