8th Grade Science Curriculum Map

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

September

·          Scientific method

·          Safety

·          Measurement

·          Properties of Matter

 

 

Stand #4 and Process skills based on Stand 4

 

 

Chapter 1 & 2

 

 

 

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

 

Observe and describe properties of materials, such as density, conductivity, and solubility.

1. follow safety procedures in the classroom and laboratory

10. determine the density of liquids, and regular- and irregular-shaped solids

11. determine the volume of a regular- and an irregular-shaped solid, using water displacement

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

Assessments

 

3.1a Substances have characteristic properties. Some of these properties include color,

odor, phase at room temperature, density, solubility, heat and electrical conductivity,

hardness, and boiling and freezing points.

3.1h Density can be described as the amount of matter that is in a given amount of

space. If two objects have equal volume, but one has more mass, the one with more

mass is denser.

3.1i Buoyancy is determined by comparative densities.

 

Lecture

Lab Safety Pkt/Poster

Lab Safety Video

Metric Conversion

Fishy Metrics

Jolly Rancher Challenge

Scientific Method/How Sweet it is.

 

Length, Volume, Mass

 

Density

Written assessment

Projects

Lab practical assessment

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

October

Graphing

Stand. 1

 

The observations made while testing  proposed explanations, when analyzed using conventional and invented methods, provide new insights into phenomena.

S3.1a organize results, using appropriate graphs, diagrams, data tables, and

other models to show relationships

S3.1b generate and use scales, create legends, and appropriately label axes accurately describe the procedures used and the data gathered

S3.2b identify sources of error and the limitations of data collected

S3.2c evaluate the original hypothesis in light of the data

formulate and defend explanations and conclusions as they relate to

scientific phenomena

S3.2e form and defend a logical argument about cause-and-effect relationships

in an investigation

S3.2f make predictions based on experimental data

S3.2g suggest improvements and recommendations for further studying

S3.2h use and interpret graphs and data tables

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

 

 

ASSESSMENTS

 

 

 

 

S3.1-S3.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data collection

Graphing pkt

Probes and graphing calculators

Paper and pencil graphs

 

 

 

 

Best Cup of Java Lab

 

 

 

 

Best Cup of Java Project

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

October

Part 2

Heat

Stand. 4

Chapter 10

Energy exists in many forms, and when these forms change energy is conserved.

Introduction: An underlying principle of all energy use is the Law of Conservation of Energy.  Simply stated, energy cannot be created or destroyed.  Energy can be transformed, one form to another.  These transformations produce heat energy.  Heat is a calculated value which includes the temperature of the material, the mass of the material, and the type of the material.  Temperature is a direct measurement of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of material.  It should be noted that temperature is not a measurement of heat.

Describe the sources and identify the transformations of energy observed in everyday life.

 

Observe and describe heating and cooling events.

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

4.1a – 4.1e

 

4.2a – 4.2e

Heat Pkt

Difference between heat and temperature

Notes & Lecture

Hands-on lab

Feel the heat

 

Best Cup of Java lab

Written

Best Cup of Java Project

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

October

Part 3

States of Matter

Stand. 4

Chapter 3

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

Objects in the universe are composed of matter.  Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.  Matter is classified as a substance or a mixture of substances.  Knowledge of the structure of matter is essential to students’ understanding of the living and physical environments.  Matter is composed of elements which are made of small particles called atoms.  All living and nonliving material is composed of these elements or combinations of these elements.

Observe and describe properties of materials, such as density, conductivity, and solubility.

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

3.1a – 3.1i

Lecture & notes

Diagrams illustrating the arrangement of particles in each phase

Labeling a phase change diagram

Bill Nye video on States of Matter

 

Density Detectives

 

Density Marble Lab

 

Layering Liquids

 

CD Rom – Sea the Light

 

CD-Rom – What’s the Matter

Written

 

Performance assessment

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

November

Part 1

Atoms

Stand. 4

Chapter 11

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

Objects in the universe are composed of matter.  Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.  Matter is classified as a substance or a mixture of substances.  Knowledge of the structure of matter is essential to students’ understanding of the living and physical environments.  Matter is composed of elements which are made of small particles called atoms.  All living and nonliving material is composed of these elements or combinations of these elements.

Develop mental models to explain common chemical reactions and changes in states of matter

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

3.3a – 3.3g

Lecture & notes

Model making

Black box investigation

Graphic organizer for Matter

Labeling the parts of the atom

 

Made to Order

 

Obscertainer

Written

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

November

Part 2

Periodic Table

Stand. 4

Chapter 11

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

Objects in the universe are composed of matter.  Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.  Matter is classified as a substance or a mixture of substances.  Knowledge of the structure of matter is essential to students’ understanding of the living and physical environments.  Matter is composed of elements which are made of small particles called atoms.  All living and nonliving material is composed of these elements or combinations of these elements.

Develop mental models to explain common chemical reactions and changes in states of matter

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

3.3g The periodic table is one useful model for classifying elements. The periodic table

can be used to predict properties of elements (metals, nonmetals, noble gases).

 

Lecture & notes

Practice using the PT for obtaining information

Element PowerPoint Project

Periodic Table Pkt

 

Made to Order

 

CD-Rom  Element of Surprise

 

 

PowerPoint Project

Written

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

November

Part 3

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

Stand. 4

Chapter 4

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

Objects in the universe are composed of matter.  Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.  Matter is classified as a substance or a mixture of substances.  Knowledge of the structure of matter is essential to students’ understanding of the living and physical environments.  Matter is composed of elements which are made of small particles called atoms.  All living and nonliving material is composed of these elements or combinations of these elements.

Develop mental models to explain common chemical reactions and changes in states of matter

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

3.3a All matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are far too small to see with a light

microscope.

3.3b Atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion. The greater the temperature, the

greater the motion.

3.3g The periodic table is one useful model for classifying elements. The periodic table

can be used to predict properties of elements (metals, nonmetals, noble gases).

 

 

Lecture & notes

Hands-on lab

 

Separation Anxiety

 

 

Written

 

Performance Assessment

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

December and January

Chemical Bonding

Chemical Reactions

Chemical Compounds

 

 

Stand 4

Chapters 13, 14 & 15

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

 

Distinguish between chemical and physical changes.

Develop mental models to explain common chemical reactions and changes in states of matter.

Observe and describe properties of materials, such as density, conductivity, and solubility.

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2c, 3.2d, 3.2e

 

 

 

 

 

Criss-cross formula writing

Covalent Marshmallows

Gum drop Formulas

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz

Identification of compounds as acids, bases or neutral

Factors effecting the rate of a chemical reaction

Hot/Cold packs

Forming a Compound

Cooperative crunchy chocolate chip cookie compound investigation

 

Modeling of Types

 

Rate of Reaction

Acid/Base/pH

 

Chemical Combinations

 

Lab practical on identification of acids & bases

Written assessment

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

January

Nuclear energy

Preparation for Midterm Examination

Stand 4

Chapter 16

energy exists in many forms, and when these forms change energy is conserved.

 

Describe the sources and identify the transformations of energy observed in everyday life.

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

 

4.1a The Sun is a major source of energy for Earth. Other sources of energy include

nuclear and geothermal energy.

 

4.1d Different forms of energy include heat, light, electrical, mechanical, sound, nuclear,

and chemical. Energy is transformed in many ways.

Notes and lecture on nuclear energy

Calculation of half-life

Video on nuclear energy

Current science articles on nuclear energy and nuclear power plants

Half life

Written assessment

 

 

Midterm Examination with Lab Practical Component

(taken over 2 block days at the end of January)

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

February

Cells and Cell Processes

Body Organization

Cell Transport

Standard 4 Living Environment. Key Idea 1.

3-4

22

Life Science General Lab Skills

1. manipulate a compound microscope to view microscopic objects

2. determine the size of a microscopic object, using a compound microscope

3. prepare a wet mount slide

4. use appropriate staining techniques

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

 

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.1

Compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms.

 

 

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.1a Living things are composed of cells. Cells provide structure and carry on major

functions to sustain life. Cells are usually microscopic in size.

1.1b The way in which cells function is similar in all living things. Cells grow and

divide, producing more cells. Cells take in nutrients, which they use to provide energy

for the work that cells do and to make the materials that a cell or an organism needs.

1.1c Most cells have cell membranes, genetic material, and cytoplasm. Some cells have

a cell wall and/or chloroplasts. Many cells have a nucleus.

1.1d Some organisms are single cells; others, including humans, are multicellular.

1.1e Cells are organized for more effective functioning in multicellular organisms.

Levels of organization for structure and function of a multicellular organism include

cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

1. Handout reading and worksheet

2. Cell Web Search for review

3. Cell PowerPoint as a student directed source for notes.

4. Cell movies

5. Cell review game- Monopoly like.

6. Labs

 

Microscope Introduction

 

Microscope usage with different cells and using different dyes.

 

Osmosis both student lab and computer simulated Dr. Lab Coat.

 

Organization of Life Lab

 

CD-Rom  The Nose Knows

 

 

Quiz on Microscopes

Test and Quiz on Cells

Unit test on Cells includes organization of life and  Cellular Transportation.

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

March

Communication and Control

 

Integumentary. Skeletal & Muscular System

 

Standard 4 Living Environment.

25

22

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

their interactions.

 

 

 

Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.

 

 

 

 

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.2a Each system is composed of organs and tissues which perform specific functions

and interact with each other, e.g., digestion, gas exchange, excretion, circulation, loco-

motion, control, coordination, reproduction, and protection from disease.

1.2g Locomotion, necessary to escape danger, obtain food and shelter, and reproduce, is

accomplished by the interaction of the skeletal and muscular systems, and coordinated

by the nervous system.

1.2h The nervous and endocrine systems interact to control and coordinate the body’s

responses to changes in the environment, and to regulate growth, development, and

reproduction. Hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine system; hormones

regulate many body functions.

 

 

Stimulus and Response

1. Teacher Notes

2. Varity of Movie available from Library

3. Packets and worksheets for reinforcement

 

Integumentary System, Forensics, Coordination of Skeletal & Muscular

 

1. Integumentary supplementary packet

Handout readings and worksheets.

2. Muscle and Skeletal Web Search.

3. Varity of Movie available from Library

4, Teacher Notes

 

Forensic Identification of Bone for a missing person.

 

Chicken Wing Dissection

 

 

 

 

Quiz & Unit test on Stimulus and Response.

 

Project – The Nerve Cell’s Animated Story.

 

Quiz and Test on Integumentary System

 

Project on Creating a Skeletal System Poster/Bone Mystery

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

April

Circulation and Respiration

 

 

Review Lab Skills

 

Standard 4 Living Environment.

23

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

their interactions.

 

 

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.2

Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.

 

 

 

 

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.2a Each system is composed of organs and tissues which perform specific functions

and interact with each other, e.g., digestion, gas exchange, excretion, circulation, loco-

motion, control, coordination, reproduction, and protection from disease.

1.2d During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food. The respi-

ratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (gas exchange)

1.2f The circulatory system moves substances to and from cells, where they are needed

or produced, responding to changing demands.

 

 

1. Teacher made notes

2. Supplemental Packets and worksheets

3. Variety of Movies available from the Library

4. Hands on Lab

 

 

Respiration Rate

Heart Rate and Pulse

Lung Capacity

Effects of Exercise on Respiration

 

Review Lab Practical Corrected by Students for Instant Feedback

 

 

 

Blood Flow Quiz- Label heart and path of Blood

 

Quiz on Labeling Respiratory system

 

Unit test on Respiratory and Cardiovascular System

 

Lab Practical

 

NYS Lab Assessment 1st Week of May

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

May

Excretory System

 

Digestion and Nutrition

 

NYS Lab Assessment

 

Infectious Disease

 

Mitosis/Meiosis

 

Reproduction and Development

Standard 4 Living Environment.

24

 

24, 38

 

 

 

27

 

26

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

their interactions.

 

 

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.2

Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.

 

 

 

 

 

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL

 CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.2a Each system is composed of organs and tissues which perform specific functions

and interact with each other, e.g., digestion, gas exchange, excretion, circulation, loco-

motion, control, coordination, reproduction, and protection from disease.

1.2d During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food. The respi-

ratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (gas exchange).

1.2e The excretory system functions in the disposal of dissolved waste molecules, the

elimination of liquid and gaseous wastes, and the removal of excess heat energy.

 

4.4a – 4.4d

 

1. Teacher made notes

2. Supplemental Packets and worksheets

3. Variety of Movies available from the Library

4. Hands on Labs

5. Disease Pamphlet

 

 

Urinalysis (Pool of Yellow Evidence)

Nutrition ID

Pamphlet Project

 

NYS Lab Assessment May 1st -3rd 

 

Unit Test on Excretory System

 

Quiz and Unit Test on Digestion and Nutrition

 

Disease Pamphlet Project

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

June

Reproduction & Development

 

Heredity

 

Gene & Gene Technology

Standard 4 Living Environment.

26

 

5

 

6

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

their interactions.

 Key Idea 2:

Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function

between parents and offspring.

Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.

 

Describe sexual and asexual mechanisms for passing genetic materials from generation to

generation.

Describe simple mechanisms related to the inheritance of some physical traits in offspring.

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

sUPPLEMENTAL

 CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.2a Each system is composed of organs and tissues which perform specific functions and interact with each other, e.g., digestion, gas exchange, excretion, circulation, locomotion, control, coordination, reproduction, and protection from disease.

1.2i The male and female reproductive systems are responsible for producing sex cells necessary for the production of offspring.

2.1a Hereditary information is contained in genes. Genes are composed of DNA that makes up the chromosomes of cells.

2.1b Each gene carries a single unit of information. A single inherited trait of an individual can be determined by one pair or by many pairs of genes. A human cell contains thousands of different genes.

2.1c Each human cell contains a copy of all the genes needed to produce a human being.

2.1d In asexual reproduction, all the genes come from a single parent. Asexually produced offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

2.1e In sexual reproduction typically half of the genes come from each parent. Sexually produced offspring are not identical to either parent.

2.2a In all organisms, genetic traits are passed on from generation to generation.

2.2b Some genes are dominant and some are recessive. Some traits are inherited by mechanisms other than dominance and recessiveness.

2.2c The probability of traits being expressed can be determined using models of genetic inheritance. Some models of prediction are pedigree charts and Punnett squares.

1. Teacher made notes

2. Supplemental Packets and worksheets

3. Variety of Movies available from the Library

 

 

 

CD –Rom DNA pawprints

 

Maybe Baby

Dr. Lab Coat

 

Verbal Assessments and Homework assignments.

 

Feedback from NYS Written Test for improvement in next year’s lessons and to determine if things need to be gone over a second time during the last week of school to prepare for high school.