Science 8

The eighth grade curriculum focuses on the development of science and engineering practices through the study of topics related to Physical Science (Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Forces and Motion, Energy and Energy Transfer, Waves and their Applications). Students engage in making sense of real world phenomena and design challenges by practicing the skills of scientists and engineers such as designing investigations, developing and using models and constructing evidence based arguments. Students learn to “figure out” not just “know about” science. Further, students make connections to their new understandings by identifying cross-cutting concepts across different contexts, observing things like patterns or cause-effect relationships in each science unit, as well as in their own lived experiences, their community and in future learning opportunities. This three-dimensional development of science and engineering practices, scientific thinking and core scientific and engineering concepts allows for continual growth, ensuring that each and every student is better able to make sense of their natural and designed world.