Science Curriculum
Northern Illinois District
Grade 8
XI. The Nature and Practice of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will be able to understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.
Learning Standard A: Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry.
Problem
identification
Objective 1: Identify a topic or question about an object or event
Objective 2: Formulate a testable question
Formulate a
hypothesis
Objective 3: Define hypothesis
Objective 4: Predict outcomes by using existing knowledge and/or simple research
Conduct scientific
experiments
Objective 5: Identify controls and variables
Objective 6: Limit experiment to all but one variable
Objective 7: Determine quantities and qualities of materials used
Objective 8: Conduct tests a reasonable number of times
Observations and descriptions
Objective 9: Observe without inferences an object or event using one or more of the five senses
Objective 10: Describe an event using words, tables, and/or diagrams
Data collection
Objective 11: Gather information using quantitative and qualitative measurements
Objective 12: Demonstrate a knowledge of using measurement instruments
Objective 13: Organize and record collected data
Analysis and conclusion
Objective 14: Perform necessary calculations (e.g., formulas, statistics, etc.)
Objective 15: Construct a visual representation of data (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.)
Objective 16: Compare results with predicted outcome
Objective 17: Identify and hypothesize the existence of unexpected results
Objective 18: Interpret the data
Objective 19: Summarize and present the data
Learning Standard B: Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of technological design.
Experimental design
Objective 1: Identify a design problem or need
Objective 2: Establish a design criteria
Objective 3: Gather necessary background information
Objective 4: Propose solution to meet need
Objective 5: Create a design solution
Objective 6: Identify limitations to design
Objective 7: Modify and select the best design
Execution of a design
Objective 8: Build a prototype or simulation
Objective 9: Test the prototype
Objective 10: Record data and observations
Objective 11: Evaluate test results
Objective 12: Present conclusions
Tools of science
Objective 13: Identify and correctly use the various types of glassware and lab equipment used in the physical science classroom (e.g., beakers, flasks, test tubes, ring stands, Bunsen burners, triple beam, double pan and electronic balances, various chemicals, etc.)
XII. The Fields of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and interconnections of the life, physical, and earth/ space sciences.
Life Sciences
Learning Standard A: Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt, and change.
Objective 1: Explain how cells function as “building blocks” of organisms and describe the requirements for cells to live
Objective 2: Compare characteristics of organisms produced from a single parent with those of organisms produced by two parents
Objective 3: Compare and contrast how different forms and structures reflect different functions (e.g., similarities and differences among animals that fly, walk, or swim and between the structures of plant cells and animal cells)
Learning Standard B: Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
Objective 1: Identify and classify biotic and abiotic factors in an environment that affect population’s density, habitat, and placement of organisms in an energy pyramid
Objective 2: Compare and assess features of organisms for their adaptive, competitive, and survival potential (e.g., appendages, reproductive rates, camouflage, and defensive structures)
Physical Sciences
Learning Standard C: Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
Objective 1: Identify physical and chemical properties and changes of matter (length, mass, volume, density, weight, etc.)
Objective 2: Describe how all matter, living and non-living, begins at the sub-atomic and atomic level
Objective 3: Identify the states of matter and explain the changes of state and energy levels using the correct terminology (including the concepts of thermal energy, Boyle’s and Charles’s Laws, crystalline and amorphous solids, etc.)
Objective 4: Explain and apply the laws of conservation of mass, motion, and energy (entopy and kinetic and potential energy) to everyday examples
Objective 5: Explain the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum and the various forms that energy takes
Objective 6: Identify and explain the various forms of waves, their properties, and their relationships (electromagnetic and mechanical waves)
Objective 7: Model and describe the chemical and physical characteristics of matter (e.g., atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures)
Objective 8: Identify the various parts, location, charges, and functions of the atom
Objective 9: Compare and contrast atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, mixtures, acids and bases (heterogeneous, homogeneous, solutions, colloids, and suspensions) and give examples of each
Objective 10: Identify basic elements and compounds by their symbols and formulas
Objective 11: Write formulas of various substances and write and balance chemical equations
Objective 12: Explain and interpret the Periodic Table through its organization by families/groups and periods
Objective 13: Identify, explain, and classify the various types of atomic bonds (covalent and ionic) and the charges involved
Learning Standard D: Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
Objective 1: Explain
and demonstrate how forces affect motion (e.g.,
Objective 2: Explain and illustrate the basic forces (gravity, strong, weak, and electromagnetic) and equilibrium
Objective 3: Identify the principles and relationships of electrical and magnetic forces/energy
Objective 4: Identify, explain, and apply the concepts of buoyancy, density, and fluid forces
Objective 5: Identify and demonstrate simple machines and calculate the forces involved
Objective 6: Explain the factors that affect the gravitational forces on objects (e.g., changes in mass, distance)
Objective 7: Explain
the concept of weight and calculate the weight of a variety of objects in
Objective 8: Explain the concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum and apply them to everyday situations
Earth Sciences
Learning Standard E: Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.
Objective 1: Analyze and explain large-scale dynamic forces, events, and processes that affect the Earth’s land, water, and atmospheric systems (e.g., jet streams, hurricanes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics)
Objective 2: Describe interactions between solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms that have resulted in on-going changes of Earth (e.g., erosion, El Nino)
Objective 3: Evaluate the biodegradability of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources
Space Sciences
Learning Standard F: Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth’s place in it.
Objective 1: Simulate, analyze, and explain the effects of gravitational force in the solar system (e.g., orbital shape and speed, tides, and the spherical shape of the planets and moons)
Objective 2: Describe the organization and physical characteristics of the solar system (e.g., sun, planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets)
Objective 3: Compare and contrast the sun as a star with other objects in the Milky Way Galaxy (nebulae, dust clouds, stars, and black holes)
XIII. The History and Application of Science
State Goal: As a result of their schooling, students will be able to understand the relationships among science, technology, and society in historical and contemporary contexts.
Learning Standard A: Know and apply the accepted practices of science.
History of science
Objective 1: Attain a basic understanding of various scientific advancements leading up to present-day theories and laws
Objective 2: Identify major personalities involved in these advancements
Safety practices
Objective 3: Identify and practice appropriate safety measures when working in the science classroom
Validity and reliability
Objective 4: Demonstrate accuracy in measuring, recording, and analyzing data obtained from experimentation
Objective 5: Identify and make adjustments for experimental error, both instrumental and human
Learning Standard B: Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology, and society.
Technology and
society
Objective 1: Identify examples of how societal influences have led to the development of new areas of scientific study
Objective 2: Identify and evaluate the benefits and liabilities of new knowledge gained and technologies developed for living in today’s world
Environmental social issues
Objective 3: Explain the recycling processes that occur in nature
Objective 4: Identify human practices harmful to the environment and ways to minimize and/or eliminate the negative impact of these practices
Industrial design
Objective 5: Identify the basic components of technological design
Objective 6: Design, construct, and analyze a working product (e.g., bridges, parachutes, egg-drop, etc.)