Grade 8 Science Intensified is a core course that adds more depth and complexity to student learning experiences and is open to all MS students. This course provides additional opportunities for students to engage in extended application and analysis designed to deepen understanding of outlined content based on increased ability to extrapolate information from novel concepts, employ the use of mathematical analysis, and engage in more intensive reading and writing opportunities. Students will use abstract, critical thinking approaches through inquiry-based projects focusing on the nature of science and the use of science and engineering skills as indicated by the Grade 8 Virginia Standards of Learning.
In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. The Physical Science standards continue to focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science.
Students will demonstrate a more advanced understanding and application of scientific and engineering practices by asking questions and defining problems, planning, and carrying out investigations, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data, constructing, and critiquing conclusions and explanations, developing, and using models, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. In addition, students will complete an independent experimental or engineering design project.
Students will investigate and understand that:
- matter is composed of atoms.
- matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes.
- the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their atomic structure.
- energy is conserved.
- waves are important in the movement of energy.
- electromagnetic radiation has characteristics.
- work, force, and motion are related.
- there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism.