Mahopac Middle School

Science 8

CURRICULUM MAP

8/10/01

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

What precision tools does a scientist use?
How can safety be ensured in the science lab?
What are the physical properties of matter and how are they measured?
Create well designed experiments.
Explain, with examples, Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion / What are the physical properties of matter and how are they measured?
How are mass and volume related to density?
Describe the characteristics of and relationship between the subatomic particles.
Why is the periodic table organized the way it is?
What are the 4 classes of matter? / Differentiate between the ways elements combine to form compounds
Explain the concept of the Kinetic-Molecular Theory by using the Phase Change Diagram of Water
What are the characteristics of acids and bases?
How are solubility graphs interpreted?
Class procedures
Experimental design
Laboratory tools and safety
Measurement (mass, length, vol, % error)
Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion / Measurement (temperature, vol, density)
Structure of the atom
Structure of periodic table
Classes of Matter(mixtures, cmpds, solns) / Kinds of chemical bonds
Phase Change Diagram of Water
Acids and bases
Solubility rates
Solubility graphs
Demonstrate proper lab safety techniques
Correctly measure and calculate mass, length, volume, % error
Solve mathematical problems using scientific formulas
Distinguish between Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion
Identify/draw/label common lab tools/uses
Identify variables and controls. / Measure/calculate mass/volume and use to calculate density
Predict sink or float of objects in liquids
Convert between F,C,K temperature scales
Create and solve mass, vol, density math problems
Describe and draw subatomic structure
Interpret periodic table
Classify substances according to makeup / Compare and contrast ionic and covalent bonds
Identify common household acids and bases
Discuss factors that affect solubility rates
Interpret solubility graphs
Data collection and discussion
Lab calculations
Graphing
Create a lab demonstrating motion
Complete computer spreadsheets
Journal entries
Complete Rolling Object Down Ramp Lab
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (length, mass, volume) / Label and color periodic table parts
Graph trends of periodic table
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (density, mass, volume, temperature) / Construct atomic models
Creative writing
Graph solubility
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (density, mass, volume, temperature, Iron/Sulfur)
MST # 1, 2, 4 / MST # 1, 4, 6, 7 / MST # 1, 4, 7

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

What causes different types of weather?
How do weather fronts interact?
Draw and label moon phases
Explain the relationship between moon phases and tides
Name the major components of our solar system / What geologic events have led to the current arrangement of continents?
Explain the evidence that supports the theory of continental drift
How have rocks and fossils formed and changed over time? / Label and state the function of plant and animal cell organelles, plant parts.
Review the 7 human body systems
Label and explain the major components of the 7 body systems
Compare and contrast meiosis and mitosis
Calculate genetic probability using Punnett Squares
What is weather?
Changes in weather
Severe weather
Waves and tides
Moon Phases, Earth/Moon system
Draw, label and correctly identify moon phases and major components of solar system.
Analyze solar system data / The moving continents
Colliding plates
Dynamic earth
Rock cycle (3 types of rocks) / Cell Structure
Plant structure
Human body systems (respiration, digestion, excretion, circulation, skeletal, nervous, endocrine)
Reproduction (meiosis/mitosis)
Heredity
Explain relationship between water vapor and weather
Explain relationship between Earth,moon and sun.
Draw and predict frontal interactions
Identify cloud types
Forecast weather / Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries
Related earthquakes and volcanoes to plate boundaries
Classify rocks / Illustrate and label plant and animal cell parts, and parts of plants/flowers.
Label and diagram human body systems
Sequence the events of meiosis and mitosis
Complete and interpret Punnett Squares
Predict genetic outcomes
Complete weather/moon phase calendar
Correctly identify moon phases and constellations.
Construct models
Illustrate tide types
Gather weather info using various forms of media (internet, newspaper)
Use of microscope
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (hurricane, moon phases) / Identify different rocks
Construct Pangaea
Midterm
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (Superposition rock lab) / Possible Internet project???
Create human body system poster for oral presentation
Creative writing
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs
MST # 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 / MST # 1, 4, 6, 7 / MST # 2, 4, 6, 7

MARCH APRIL MAY/JUNE

Including diagrams, explain the difference between nuclear fission and fusion
What is magnetism?
Explain the ways heat can be transferred / Explain and give examples of different types of waves.
Explain the relationship between wavelength and frequency with respect to the Electromagnetic spectrum.
Explain the nature of light and how it behaves / Explain energy flow in an ecosystem
What impact have humans had on our biosphere?
Explain the various forms of interactions species have with each other
Fission and fusion
Magnetism/Orienteering/Topo maps
Thermal energy / Transverse and longitudinal waves
Electromagnetic spectrum
Refraction and reflection
Assessment review / Ecology
Changing ecosystems
Food webs and chains
Assessment review/test
Final review/test
Compare and contrast fission and fusion
Interpret Topographic maps
Measure and calculate heat transfer
Demonstrate correct use of compass
Interpret topographic maps (optional) / Label the Electromagnetic spectrum
Measure refraction angles using a protractor
Draw and label/compare and contrast different types of waves
Discuss ways waves affect everyday life / Interpret food webs and chains
Explain how the novel The Far Side of the Mountain relates to science concepts
Sketch and label numerous species
Role play fission and fusion
Diagram and explain nuclear reactor
Outdoor compass activities/orienteering
Portfolio submissions
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (potato chip) / Demonstrate relationship between wavelength and frequency using a slinky
Internet research on Electromagnetic spectrum
Color and label Electromagnetic Spectrum
Identify wave types
Portfolio submissions
Assessment review
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (reflection/refraction) / Data collection
Use of microscope
Journal entries
Discuss novel
Nature trail expeditions
Portfolio submissions
Assessment review/test
Final review/test
Notes, tests, quizzes, worksheets
Labs (owl pellets)
MST # 2, 4, 6, 7 / MST # 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 / MST # 1, 2, 4, 6, 7