For 8th grade Physical Science, the Minnesota Academic Standards are:
Matter and Its Interactions:
Understanding the structure of atoms and molecules.
Exploring the periodic table and chemical properties of elements.
Investigating chemical reactions and their properties.
Motion and Stability:
Studying the laws of motion formulated by Isaac Newton.
Analyzing the effects of forces on the motion of objects.
Exploring concepts related to balanced and unbalanced forces.
Energy:
Identifying different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.).
Investigating the transfer and transformation of energy in various systems.
Understanding the principles of energy conservation.
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation:
Exploring the properties of waves, including wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
Understanding how waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
Studying electromagnetic radiation and its various forms, including light.
Engineering Design:
Applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems.
Designing and testing solutions using the engineering design process.