Grade 8: Physical Science
Course Overview: Grade 8 students will gain and understanding of physical science in
the world around them. In this course students work with the following topics; Lab
Procedures and Safety; The Nature of Inquiry (including the Scientific Method); Data
Collection, Analysis, and Presentation; Measurement (Non-Standard to Standard);
Atomic Structure; Acid-Base-Solutions; Chemical, Physical, Nuclear Changes; Elements,
Compounds and Mixtures; Energy Conversion and Conservation; and Force and Motion.
Once Every other week students read a Current Science magazine to explore topic~ in
science currently taking place around the world.
Students also engage in topics outside of the required topics to prepare them for the 8th
Grade Tour of Montana Trip. Units on the Lewis & Clark Caverns, Crystal Park,
Yellowstone Thermal Energies, Wildlife, and Forest Fires of 1988 are all explored:
 Topics:

I Lab Procedures and Safety
The Nature of inquiry
(Including the Scientific Method)
Data Collection, Analysis, & Presentation
Measurement (Non-Standard to Standard)
Atomic Structure
Acid-Base Solutions 
Chemical, Physical, Nuclear Changes
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Energy Conversion and Conservation
Force and Motion
Light and Sound/W aves
Crystal Park
Yellowstone Park (Thermal Energy, Wildlife, Forest Fires)
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Content Competencies
Standard # J :
Students design. conduct, evaluate and communicate scientific investigations.
Comoetencies:
1. Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
2. Design and conduct scientific investigations, utilizing appropriate technology to
acquire, analyze, and present data.