8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide

Transcription

1 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide Gaston County Schools Course Description This course is designed to address the following North Carolina Essential Standards science strands. Earth Systems, Structures and Processes Earth History Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Ecosystems Evolution and Genetics Molecular Biology Matter, Properties and Change Energy: Conservation and Transfer Course "I Can" Statements In this course, the student will be able to satisfy the following "I Can" statements. I can explain the structure of the hydrosphere, how humans impact the hydrosphere and suggest ways to minimize human impact. I can use data and evidence to predict the safety and potability of various water sources and I can summarize the characteristics of freshwater reservoirs compared to marine reservoirs. I can infer the age of the Earth and various life forms based on evidence of change recorded in the fossil record and landforms. I can summarize how geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy are used to support the theory of evolution. I can connect factors that influence the spread, treatment and prevention of disease including characteristics of disease agents (virus, bacteria, fungi, parasite). I can summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using Biotechnology. I can explain how organisms interact and respond to biotic and abiotic components in their environment. I can explain the relationship between genetic variation and adaptations. I can explain the relationship between a healthy diet, exercise and the general health of the body. I can summarize how food provides energy for growth and survival (including plants). I can understand the properties of matter and the changes that occur when matter interacts. I can explain the environmental implications associated with various methods of obtaining, managing and using energy resources. I can use scientific inquiry, process skills, and technology tools to complete an experiment and propose additional experimental study. Course Standard Links Teachers may find access to additional information on the North Carolina Essential Standards at the following websites. NCDPI - Learn NC - GCS Science LiveBinder - GCS Secondary Science Google Site - Other Standards Although middle school science teachers will implement the North Carolina Essential Standards, teachers are also expected to integrate the standards for Common Core Literacy, Information and Technology Skills, and English Language Development. You can find these standards at the following websites. Common Core Literacy Grades 9 and 10: Common Core Literacy Grades 11 and 12: Information and Technology Skills: English Language Development: North Carolina Essential Standards

2 A Science Processes 5-10 days Scientific Method Measurement Lab Tools Science Skills I can write a hypothesis. I can analyze data collected from an experiment. I can draw a conclusion from data collected from an experiment. I can identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables in an experiment. I can conduct an experiment. Scientific Method Hypothesis Observation Inference Independent Variable Dependent Variable Constant Control Analysis Conclusion Chapter 1: Pages days Atoms Elements Compounds Mixtures 8.P.1.1 I can identify and describe parts of an atom. I can create a model of an atom. I can model how atoms combine to make compounds. I can describe how elements are used in my daily life. I can differentiate between an element and a compound. I can write a chemical formula. I can differentiate between a homogeneous and heterogeneous mixture. Atom Protons Electrons Neutrons Element Compound Mixture Molecule Covalent Bonding Chapter 11: Pages Chapter 14: Pages B Matter, Properties and Change 5-8 days Periodic Table 8.P.1.2 I can explain how Mendeleev contributed to the periodic table. I can identify groups on the periodic table. I can use the periodic table to identify characteristics of elements. I can differentiate between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. I can classify an element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid. I can use the periodic table to find out the number of electrons, protons, and neutrons in an element s atom. I can use the periodic table to determine valence electrons. I can illustrate how atoms combine by sharing valence electrons. Metals Nonmetals Metalloids Periodic Table Groups Periods Valence Electrons Chapter 11: Pages Chapter 12: Pages days Physical Properties 8.P.1.3 I can identify chemical/physical properties and Physical Properties Chapter 10:

3 Physical Change Chemical Properties Chemical Change changes. I can identify evidence that a chemical change has occurred. I can calculate the density of an object. I can identify the three states of matter. Density Solubility Polarity Melting Point Boiling Point States of Matter Chemical Change Physical Change Precipitate Pages Chapter 13: Pages Chapter 15: Pages days Law of Conservation of Mass Chemical Equations Chemical Reactions 8.P.1.4 I can demonstrate the law of conservation of mass through balancing chemical equations. I can model how atoms are conserved during a chemical reaction. I can measure the mass before and after a chemical reaction to show the conservation of mass. Law of Conservation Chemical Reactions Coefficient Subscript Chapter 10: Pages Chapter 13: Pages C Hydrosphere 8-10 days Water Distribution 8.E.1.1 I can explain the distribution of water on Earth s surface. I can illustrate and explain the phases of the water cycle. I can give examples of water conservation. I can how explain how when nutrients are added to a water system it contributes to eutrophication. I can classify the different types of wetlands. River Basin Drainage Basin Watershed Eutrophication Wetlands Estuaries Hydrosphere Surface Water Ground Water Aquifer Transpiration Infiltration Chapter 5: Pages Chapter 6: Pages days Marine Ecosystems 8.E.1.2 I can explain how upwelling occurs. I can describe the difference between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. I can describe the types of technology used to monitor the hydrosphere. I can group organisms as producers, consumers, and decomposers. I can classify different types of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Estuaries Marine Ecosystems Upwelling Sonar Producers Consumers Decomposers Photosynthesis Chemosynthesis Hydrothermal Vent Chapter 7: Pages Chapter 8: Pages

4 Salinity Tides Waves 3-5 days Water Quality 8.E.1.3 I can interpret the data collected from the hydrosphere that indicate contamination. I can explain turbidity and how it relates to water quality. I can explain how bio-indicators are used to monitor water quality. I can relate how excess nutrients can result in eutrophication and affect water quality. ph Nitrates Phosphates Turbidity Bio-indicator Temperature Dissolved Oxygen Sewage Eutrophication Chapter 6: Page days Human Impact on Water 8.E.1.4 I can identify some risks and benefits of pesticides and herbicides. I can list human activities that can contribute to water pollution. I can propose solutions to water pollution. I can outline laws that have been passed to protect water quality. Point Source Non-point Source Pollution Water Quality Pesticides Herbicides Stewardship Water Treatment Chapter 6: Pages Chapter 8: Pages D Ecosystems 3-4 days Biotic Factors Abiotic factors 8.L.3.1 I can differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors. I can identify factors that influence organisms. Abiotic Factor Biotic Factor Habitat Limiting Factor Niche Biome Ecosystem Community Population Chapter 9: Pages days Interactions of Organisms 8.L.3.2 I can identify producers, consumers, and decomposers in a food chain or web. I can explain how organisms are affected by symbiotic relationships. I can give examples of symbiotic relationships. I can illustrate how energy flows from the sun to producers to consumers to decomposers. Symbiotic Relationship Symbiosis Mutualism Parasitism Commensalism Chapter 7: Pages Chapter 8: Pages Chapter 9: Pages

5 3-4 days Terrestrial and Aquatic Food Chains and Food Webs 8.L.3.3 I can explain how an aquatic food chain and a terrestrial food chain can be interconnected. I can illustrate a food chain. I can differentiate between a food web and a food chain. I can explain the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle. I can illustrate the carbon cycle. Aquatic Food Chain Terrestrial Food Chain Food Web Nitrogen Cycle Carbon Cycle Chapter 7: Page Chapter 9: Pages E Energy 3-5 days Energy Use 8.P.2.1 I can identify the many forms of energy that we use in our daily lives. I can compare and contrast the different kinds of energy sources and the effects on the environment. I can identify ways to use energy from the sun. 2-3 days Depletion of Resources Renewable Resources Nonrenewable Resources 8.P.2.2 I can discuss the implications of the depletion of renewable and nonrenewable resources. I can list ways to conserve energy. I can give examples of the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels in the future. Energy Solar Wind Hydroelectric Geothermal Renewable Nonrenewable Energy Conservation Fossil Fuels F Earth History 5-7 days Relative Dating Absolute Dating 8.E.2.1 I can differentiate between relative and absolute age. I can give examples of absolute and relative dating. I understand how index fossils are used to help determine the age of rocks and rock layers. I can apply the law of superposition to determine the relative age of the fossils. 5-6 days Geologic History 8.E.2.2 I can describe how rocks are formed. I can give evidence of geologic and biological evolution. I can explain how fossils can be used to provide evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changed. I can describe how the law of superposition supports geologic history. Index Fossils Trilobites Absolute Dating Relative Dating Radioactive Dating Half-Life Law of Superposition Fossils Ice Cores Faults Sedimentary Rock Metamorphic Rock Igneous Rock Chapter 3: Pages Chapter 3: Pages 72-85

6 G Evolution and Genetics 5-7 days Evolution of Organisms Evolution of Landforms 2-3 days Genetic Variation Adaptation 8.L L.4.2 I can explain how fossil evidence supports the geologic time scale. I can conclude how moving continental plates may have influenced past environments. I can explain how major worldwide changes divided the eras in geologic time. I can provide examples of natural selection. I can explain the adaptation of organisms over time due to changes in their environment. Geologic Time Plate Tectonics Continental Drift Pangaea Extinction Natural Selection Adaptation Genetic Variation Mutation Species Chapter 4: Pages Chapter 4: Pages H Microbiology 8-10 days Microbes Disease-Causing Agents 8.L.1.1 I can discuss how viruses spread in the human body. I can classify the three types of bacteria based on shape. I can differentiate between a virus and bacteria. I can explain how parasites can cause disease. I can describe how a mutagen might occur. I can explain different types of treatments for diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Virus Host Cell Bacteria Fungi Parasite Contagion Mutagen Carrier Vector Chapter 16: Pages Chapter 18: Pages days Epidemic Pandemic Treatment of Disease Prevention of Disease 8.L.1.2 I can explain the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. I can identify ways to treat diseases. I can explain methods of preventing diseases. Epidemic Pandemic Antibiotic Vaccination Infectious Disease Non-Infectious Disease Chapter 20: Pages I Molecular Biology 5-8 days Cellular Energy 8.L.5.1 I can summarize how food provides energy to organisms. I can describe how glucose is used for building cellular structures. I can match major cellular structures with their functions. I can identify organic compounds and their use for growth and survival. Prokaryote Eukaryote Glucose Protein Sugar Carbohydrate Chapter 14: Pages Chapter 17: Pages Pages days Body Health 8.L.5.2 I can explain how a healthy diet and exercise is related to good health. Respiration Digestion Chapter 14: Pages

7 I can explain the relationship between respiration and digestion. I can identify cancer causing agents. I can discuss how my life style can affect long term health. Carcinogen Toxic Individual Susceptibility J Biotechnology 3-5 days Careers NC Economic Benefits Ethical Issues 8.L.2.1 I can identify economic benefits of biotechnology in North Carolina. I can explore careers in biotechnology. I can debate the ethics of Genetic Modification cloning. Biotechnology Cloning Genetic Modification Chapter 19: Page 568 Chapter 15: Pages NOTE: This curriculum guide is still in DRAFT form. Please send suggestions for revision to Tammy Mims. tammymims@gaston.k12.nc.us Additional support documents, to be shared in Summer 2012, are being developed that will provide resources for each unit and standard.