Science
8th-Grade
Embedded Files
8th Grade Science is a year-long, inquiry-oriented and integrated science course for 8th graders. This course builds on the ideas of stability and change introduced at the end of grade seven with the guiding concept that the processes that change Earth’s systems at different spatial scales today also caused changes in the past. Students will develop conceptual understanding and skills related to the following topics: forces and motion, gravity, electricity, magnetism, waves, solar system, eclipses, evolution, fossil record, biodiversity, and engineering as outlined for 8th grade by the California Next Generation Science Standards.
Eight-grade Science has officially rolled out the new integrated course model aligned with NGSS. The idea behind an integrated model in science is to explore phenomena in our daily lives and understand the connected scientific concepts. The integrated model interweaves three disciplines (Earth, Life, and Physical sciences) with engineering components embedded within each segment. There are four segments per grade, focusing on age-appropriate standards. For 8th-grade, those segments are: Motion, Forces, Evolution, and Sustainability.
Course Overview: 8th-Grade Science
Course Overview: 8th-Grade Science
Theme I - Physical Science
Theme I - Physical Science
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Changes in Force and Motion
Gravitational Forces
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Theme II - Noncontact Forces
Theme II - Noncontact Forces
Earth, Sun and Moon Systems
Formation of Galaxies
Solar Systems
Electric and Magnetic Forces
Theme III - Biological Evolution
Theme III - Biological Evolution
Geologic History of Earth and Fossil Records
Evolutionary History and Relationships/Natural Selection
Genes and Mutations; Artificial Selection
Theme IV - Sustainability & Biodiversity
Theme IV - Sustainability & Biodiversity
Human Impact on the Environment
Properties of Waves
Visible Light
Digital v. Analog
Science Resources
Science Resources
National Geographic Education Resource Library
The resource library offers learning materials and activities on topics such as Oceanography, Cloning, Heterotrophs, and Genetically Modified Organisms.
Nova has something for all ages, but its colorful Exoplanet Lab and real-world science experiments and games are particularly suited to young learners. Nova is a favorite among science educators and can always be relied upon for high quality information and resources.
SciShow is one of the most popular educational YouTube channels, tackling relevant, real-world science like how COVID-19 vaccines work and how to combat climate change.
NOAA Education keeps people informed and engaged in our planet’s dynamic environment, from space weather to fish migration patterns. They provide education resources, educator and student opportunities, and competitive funding for education projects.
As a science student, sometimes visuals are essential to understanding complex concepts. These simulations are enormously helpful in making math fun and bringing science to life for visual learners.
Ideal for advanced learners, the Physics Classroom provides tutorials and deep dives into everything kids will need to learn to ace a physics test or take their knowledge to the next level.
For education sciences, ERIC is the number one destination. ERIC stands for Education Resources Information Center, and is a database that specifically hosts education-related literature.
HowStuffWorks is an award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works. Their writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts share all the things they are most excited to learn about with nearly 30 million visitors to the site each month.
Since 2017, groups of WES middle schoolers have participated in the Young Dreamers community service club and traveled abroad to engage in a service and cultural immersion program led by Dream Volunteers, a local nonprofit organization with international programs all across the globe. It is an enriching opportunity that provides a meaningful learning experience for students and truly makes a difference in the communities it serves.
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